Returning to Kurtis - Katherine in tow

{if Lunch = true}Lunch was a simple affair. Perhaps if the royal family was dining together, the meal might've been a lot more luxurious, but as it stands, the dining room remains vacant. Katherine had carried a simple tray of food to Alice's chambers for the two of them to eat. The princess had gotten dressed again, this time in a far more comfortable white dress, though it traded that comfort for fashionablility. After all, if she was to be helping with cleaning like a common servant, then it made sense to be dressed for the part. After munching on some bread and downing the bowl of soup, Alice and Katherine debated the next step to take. There was plenty of time this afternoon, and the princess should be able to get a lot done, depending on how much time she spends with each task.{endif}

{if Lunch = True} They decided seeing the general first made sense, since he's the most exploitable resource she had. The sooner she got what she needed, the sooner she can cut him loose.{else} She decided seeing the general next made sense, since he's the most exploitable resource she had. The sooner she got what she needed, the sooner she can cut him loose.{endif} Alice had opted not to take any other maids with her, seeing as Katherine was a one woman army in terms of capabilities. Plus, she didn't really trust anyone else, not to the same extent that she trusted her best friend. The plan was simple, Katherine would be in charge of actually doing most of the clean up, seeing as she was the professional. Because of her innate ability to blend in with the background, she'll look for any secrets worth uncovering, and make copies of any information that needs to be review by Alice later, including the maps. Meanwhile, Alice will be responsible for distracting and humoring the general, keeping him entertained and occupied. Finley was left behind, as the princess was worried about him being a bit too honest about their intentions.

The three stooges were still guarding the entrance to the tower, if being drunk off their asses qualified as guarding. Their faces broke into devious smirks when they saw the two girls approach, and hastily stood up, showing off some sloppy salutes. The card games from earlier had been replaced by flasks of ale, and the stench of it permeated the air. From their flushed cheeks, Alice can tell they've drank more than just a little. If these were officers in the army, she couldn't even imagine what the rank and file grunt were doing in their spare time.

"Well if it ain't the princess again," one of them called out, no longer bothering to show any semblance of respect. Why would they, after what happened earlier? The only thing on their minds is how they're going to get their hands on the princess and the other beauty she brought along for the ride.

"Back off," Alice warned, raising her voice just a bit to make sure those three got the message. What happened this morning was just a one time thing, and she didn't want them to get used to it. "I don't want to hear anything about how the general wasn't expecting us, not when he was the one to personally invite us here."

"Of course not! We was told all 'bout you ladies," the spokesperson said with as knowing grin, giving the other two some playful elbow nudges. "In fact, the general said we did so good watchin' the door, we ought to escort the two of you inside!"

Of course.

Rolling her eyes, Alice's lips stretched into a thin smile that held no mirth. "Very well, if that is the general's orders, then who am I to complain. Certainly not in his own home," Alice replied, stepping forward, hoping to get this ordeal over with. Almost immediately, she felt a hand grope her backside, and she whirled, glaring at the hands owner.

He gave an extra squeeze for good measure, causing her to gasp slightly before he pulled back, an apologetic grin on his face. "Whoops, hand slipped," he said whimsically.

Alice briefly considered telling him off, but a glance at Katherine later, she opted not too. Best not to heighten tensions unnecessarily. Plus, she was technically in Jamis' camp now, and that meant she didn't really have full liberty to do as she pleased anymore. She'll just have to just grit her teeth and take it on the chin.

Stepping into the tower, Alice was once again greeted by the mess within, and she sent a guilty look over to her friend. Katherine responded with a exasperated look of her own, as if asking: what the hell have you gotten me into?

Tools of the trade in hand, Katherine got to work as one of the officers stayed to watch her, while the other two escorted her up to the third floor, where the general was waiting. The fat man was actually fully dressed this time, which was a pleasant surprise. The uniform looked far from good on him, but at least she didn't have to content with his grotesque mountains of flesh wobbling before her eyes anymore.

"Ah, princess Alice! Glad to see you could make it," he said as he slowly rose from his desk. "I do apologize for my...ah...terseness, this morning. Had a lot on my mind, as you could probably see. But now that I've given this matter some thought, I think you can be a very valuable asset. What say you, your highness? Shall we join hands to ensure this nation is as prosperous under king Jamis as it was under king Cassian?"

First option will require 3 submissiveness. Go to the other routes first if you want that option.