Ariana would storm into Mary?s office. Naturally she was accompanied by that body guard that had been hired to ?protect? her. She pointed an angry finger at the man as she spoke in a tone very few had ever heard her speak in.

?Mary, this man is a completely unsuitable to perform the job you have hired him to do! He ? he laid hands on me! And he had the nerve then to kiss me! His behavior is improper and I will not tolerate it.?

She folded her arms, her face flushed red with anger. Yeah that stubborn, royal temper was coming out now.

Mary blinked at Ariana?s behavior. She couldn?t recall the girl talking this much ever, but especially in this last month and a half since she had brought her back to life. She rarely strung two words together.

Though she was concerned over what Ariana had to report about the bounty hunter she couldn?t help but be pleased that he had managed to inspire such passion from her. She nodded to her in an understanding fashion. ?Alright Ariana? I will deal with this. Please leave us alone for a moment.?

After Ariana had angrily stalked from the room Mary turned her eyes to Maximus; she gave him as stern a look as she could manage - she took a possible harassment of her employee seriously... But really she was trying not to smile because she couldn't help but be amused with the situation.

?So would you care to explain yourself then? I thought I told you to be? careful with her. What happened?? She would of course allow him to have his say now.

Mary would appreciate his stance; she was inclined to like people who were respectful to her. She listened to him and then leaned back in her chair. Staring at him for a moment before chuckling, and then finally out right laughing. A shake of her head - she had never had to deal with a situation like this.

She cleared her throat and projected her voice as she scolded him. ?I can?t believe you did that! The agreement was you could do what you wanted to keep her safe, not to amuse yourself! Yes, an apology is definitely in order.?

She hoped her stern, loud tone had carried outside the office, and that her laugh had not ? should Ariana be listening. She gave Maximus a wink and good natured smile. She then went on with her voice lower.

?As I said I don?t want her to end up running off, so apology would not go astray. But really? I?ve never seen her act like this. She?s always been so gentle and soft spoken. Especially since coming back you?d think she?d taken a vow of silence or something.?

?Bravo in getting her to actually feel something again. I was quite concerned she had completely lost the desire for life. But as I said before, be careful not to push her too far. Otherwise you?re doing a great job ? continue with the good work.?

Another smile and an amused shake of her head. She then rearranged her features to be serious once more. A mental voice summoned Ariana back into the room.

Ariana tried not to eavesdrop. That would be impolite, and she was generally a very polite girl. Of course she couldn't help but hear Mary's raised voice briefly. She smiled a little and shook her head. She couldn't recall hearing Mary raise her voice to anyone. She was normally so calm in how she dealt with everything...

Receiving Mary's gentle voice summoning her back into the room she opened the door once more. She came to a halt in front of Mary's desk looking determinedly not at Maximus. Why was he even still here? Surely Mary had fired him...

"Yes, Mary?" Ariana asked as she stared ahead. A few rapid blinks the only apparent emotion from her.

Her eyes met with Ariana?s and she spoke steadily, her voice soft but clear. ?My dear Ariana, I must ask you to make the effort here to reach some sort of understanding with Maximus. I have had words with him, and he would like the chance to apologize. I would greatly appreciate it if you would try to reach a resolution to this little? miscommunication. I believe he is the best man for the job of assuring your safety, and it eases my mind to know he is looking out for you.?

Mary gave a glance to Maximus. ?If there are more problems in the future I may reconsider my position on the subject.? She then looked back to Ariana with an understanding expression. ?I know you are not happy with the situation. But I would appreciate it if you would hear him out and try your best to get along.? Though it was phrased as a gentle suggestion, there was a definite finality to her tone. She had clearly made her decision on the subject.

He continued to keep a stoic expression. As he so wanted to crack a grin to this situation. But held those chuckles at bay. It wouldn't help matters if he just busted out laughing. Mary would sure to fire him on the spot. Even if he had shown her respect.

Gaze then moved to look down into Ariana's eyes. When she started to speak to him. Once again trying hard to hide a grin to seeing her. All defeated and having to sya she was sorry. " I am sorry for what I done to you. I'll try to be more..gentlemanly from now on. " Of course. He was thinking of continuing to give her a spanking when she needed it. Might snap her out of this daze.