The young female remarked, "I'll go get one of my short ones.  It should cover you sufficiently."  She hurried off and a few minutes later returned with the robe, holding it open.  Rice quickly got out of the bed, got it on, and closed it. 
     The Empress laughed.  "Don't worry, my dear!  He'll get to see all of it eventually!"
     Everyone tried to keep a straight face, but they simply couldn't.  Everyone burst out laughing.
     "I really don't know how I got here," Rice managed.  "I could be in a lot of trouble.  Would someone please go and inform the others where I am, and fetch me a clean set of clothes out of my kit?"
     The Empress opened the door and instructed someone outside, then pulled in a cart.  "Sit!" she ordered.  Rice did so. A good breakfast was sat out before them.
     "We tried to select dishes similar to things that you eat," The Empress remarked, "is it satisfactory?"
     "It looks like toast, scrambled eggs, and beef strips," the Warlock remarked. He tasted a little bit of each.  "Very, very good!"  he remarked, "Our gracious thanks to whoever prepared it!"
     The Empress smiled.
     "Do thank your husband for his hospitality," the Warlock continued.  "It is very much appreciated!"
     The Empress smiled again.  "You're under a misconception, young man," she remarked, "I am not The Emperor's wife, I am his mother.  His wife and son were killed some time ago in a tragic accident. He has never quite recovered.  He has become rather fond of you very quickly, and if he lavishes a lot of attention on you please understand.  He is already looking upon you somewhat as the son he lost."
     "Oh!"  the Warlock sighed. 
     "I must take this opportunity," The Empress continued, "to personally express my thanks for the saving of my son's life.  That deed will forever have my gratitude, and, my people's.  Now eat!"
     The Warlock began to do so and the young female spoke up.
     "I wish to express my thanks, also, for the saving of my father's life, and say that I , too, will be forever grateful.  Please do not acknowledge but continue your meal!"
     There was a rap on the door. The younger female went to it.  "Yes!"  she said "Put them in my room.  The lady will be bathing there.  Please prepare the tub.  Remember, they cannot endure as warm a water as we can.  Make sure it is at the correct temperature." 
     She closed the door and returned to stand beside The Empress.
     "This is going to be a tale to tell!" Warlock Polley remarked.  "Being served by an Empress and a Princess!  They're not going to believe this story at the recreation centers!"
     "Amen!"  Rice answered, "Amen!"
     When they were done eating Rice was escorted out the door, and the Warlock into the bathroom.  The tub was luxurious!  The Empress put the lotion over his dressings and when it made them separate she carefully pulled them off.  "They say this is not serious?"  she remarked.  "What do they consider serious?"

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