Tell me

The prince sighed, eternally grateful for the hot water thawing him back up. Having given the children his primary source of warmth had seemed like a good idea at the time, however he had come to regret doing so the moment it started to rain more heavily. As the prince, he wasn’t used to being cold, unless it was on his own accord due to a ride or a hunt. 

This bath did not smell like his usual baths which were typically filled with all sorts of flower petals and perfumes and soaps. But it was warm and it was clean and it was more than he had dared hoped for in this place. 

It saddened him to learn that his people lived as they did, barely sheltered and always freezing or starving, or both. He wondered if the rest of his people lived the same way as the children in the orphanage. He hoped not. 

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by some noise outside of his door, down the corridor. He could not make out what was being said or happening, but the sounds caused his eyebrows to come together in curiosity. Should he go and have a look?

But even as he was contemplating coming to this someone’s rescue, the door slammed open and in came none other than… the lady Evie?

“My lady?” She looked distressed and angry and wet as she charged over to his bath and leaned over him. He blinked, surprised and confused at what was going on. He was naked and vulnurable and for just a moment he wondered who had felt her in. Then it hit him: he had no guards at the doors, no protection other than the lock he had neglected to use.

As her words spilled out, Milo seemed to come out of the dream like state he’d been in. Manservant? But he had not Brough a servant with him? Did she mean the knight of his father’s guard, Dominic? Surely not?

He furrowed his brow and stood up slowly, not letting go of her eyes as he did.

“Dominic is a knight of the royal guard. What exactly is it that you are accusing him of?” He said slowly, his voice level and strong even. Milo had no doubt in his mind that Evie meant what she said. She’d absolutely harm the man, knight or not. However, a man of the knighthood would surely never attack a defenceless woman? Accusing anyone of such a thing would be bad, but a knight? He stepped out of the to the bath and walked to the nearby chair over which hung a towel. He wrapped it around his hips before turning to the lady again, ready to listen to her story.

“Tell me what happened” He commanded her, motioning to the chair for her to sit. As he did, he could hear Dominic at the door, banging on it and being asked to be let in. Milo ignored it. He wanted to hear what the lady had to say.

“Tell me” He repeated again.

Andy followed suit and entered the pub before the servant. As she peered around the room, she noticed the full seats, mainly filled by strange men who could not have been of her own status. They all looked like farmers, worn out and tired, but happy, content. She envied their ability to be so happy, despite their circumstances. She knew that she’d never be so easily pleased. If she did not end up the queen of Eriden, she would never experience happiness. Not truly.

She finally spotted a small empty table in the very corner of the place, the table filled with empty glasses that had not yet been collected by the wenches who seemed busy serving other guests. 

“There!” Andy said and pointed out the table to Jasper before heading over to it. A lone candle lit the table for them. It wasn’t much, but it was dry. Andy unclasped the servant’s cloak and her own, placed them over a chair and sat down on another. 

Then she pulled a small purse from her cloak and handed it to the servant man.

“Here. This should cover food and drink for the both of us.” She said simply. She did not expect a servant would be carrying his money or possessions on him, much less be able to pay for their meals. She did, however, see hesitation on his face and smiled slightly.

“Consider it my thanks for coming to save me from the storm” she said and leaned back. The chair was not the most comfortable but it was much better than walking or sitting in a saddle, and her arm was still paining her which made her even more grateful to be sitting down, even in a little shitty pub like this.