I insist

“I insist” The prince continued at her protest. He would never let a lady pay his way. He was a prince for crying out loud! That meant that he should show chivalry and kindness to all, but especially to the ladies of the court. Had it not been for the foreign princess which he was already engaged to, they would have been the ladies int he running of becoming his queen. And so, they deserved to be treated as such.

Milo laughed. He did not need much persuasion to accept a hot bath. It sounded heavenly. And so did dinner with Evie. So he nodded with a smile.

“Fine, I shall endure the bath” He smirked. “If only so that you don’t find me too smelly at dinner” He continued, his eyes finding her lips. He remembered the feeling of kissing them, and just the thought of the kiss lit a fire in his belly. He was desperate to kiss her again, soon. Perhaps he’d be able to persuade Dominic to leave them alone? If only for a few minutes.

“We shall” The prince smiled and took her arm, allowing her to lead him to the room she had acquired for him. Upon entering the room, there was a tub being filled with steaming hot water, a large bed, a fireplace, and a modest table with a few chairs around it. It looked a decent enough room. Simple but functional.

He bid the lady and Dominic goodbye before getting undressed for his bath. As he finally stepped into the hot water he could feel his muscles relax. 

Andy studied his face curiously. He was much more handsome than a normal servant. Cleaner too, by the looks of it. And he looked more well-fed as well. It made her wonder about his background. Perhaps he did come from some ancient noble family that had fallen on some hard times? The last many years had been difficult for the citizens of Eriden. The taxes of imports had risen to the point of very few people being able to make the trades they used to be able to and many families had gone bankrupt trying to keep up with the king’s leisurely life. 

Her thoughts were interrupted by his question and she raised her eyebrows, surprised although she should not have been. Somehow, she had a difficult time seeing him as a servant, despite that being exactly what he was. 

“It’s better than nothing” She smiled slightly, although she was unsure if she wanted to be wearing a servants cloak… No matter how clean it smelled. 

They had finally entered into the village and the inn was only steps from them now. Peering through the windows, Andy could tell it was filled to the brim with thirsty guests waiting out the storm already. She could only hope they’d be able to get a small table despite this. Perhaps they’d take pity on a poor lady that had fallen off her horse? Or they’d just consider her stupid, like she would have, had she met someone in her own position.