ch 10

CH 10

T

 

he healer was quick and did not ask any questions after receiving a look from the man.  Her mouth had stayed shut the while she disinfected the cut with a bottle of mixed herbs.  I bit my tongue while it stung.  The healer only opening her mouth when telling me I wouldn’t need stitches and to keep an eye on it.  When she was finished my attacker grabbed my upper arm and led me away. 

         “First you attack me, then you apologize and take me to a healer, now what?”  I asked.  “Dinner?” 

         He said nothing, but his grip did tighten.  Nerves arose at the thought of not knowing where he was taking me.  Hell, I didn’t even know his name.  I was temped to ask again, but knew I wouldn’t get anywhere, so I stayed quite.  We were deep inside the castle.  A part I had never seen, nor knew existed.

         The air was heavy, and the walls were made up of the same stone that the floor was.  Our footsteps echoing down, down, down.  Torches hung on the walls, lighting the way.  A faint sound of dripping water was heard.  The smell of mold all around, and . . . God what was that?  What ever it was, it smelt retched.

         We passed a few doors, all closed and I doubted the man would let me stop and explore what lay beyond them further.  I became observant quickly.  Noting where we turned, which way.  Counted the footsteps from the start of one hall to the next.  We made it to a spiral stone staircase that I assumed led back to the main level of the castle.  My attacker pushed me ahead of him and told me to keep moving.  I wanted to stop just to annoy him, but I was tired; so I walked. 

         “Where’s your room, Lady Odessa?”  He practically snarled.  Oh, how badly I wanted to bury my fist into his face. 

         Holding back my anger I looked up into his brown eyes and said as sweetly as I could, “Second floor.  Fifth on the right.”

         His eyes traveled to the grand staircase.  Then he grabbed me again and led me upstairs.  He paused at my room.  “Lets see if you really were telling the truth.”  Thrusting open the doors he took in the room around him.

         “Where are your maids?  Since you claim you are a lady, they would be here.” 

         “I gave them the afternoon off.”  I said shrugging. 

         The man gave me a sinister smile.  “You really think I’m going to fall for that?  I’ve seen and caught more trespassers than you could probably believe.” 

         “Believe what you will, sir,” I ground out. “But what I tell you is no lie.”  I gestured to my tunic and pants.  “As you said, I’m a lady.  If I were to be seen in this outfit . . . What do you imagine would come of my reputation?” 

         He looked at me for a long while.  “Change then, and when you deem yourself presentable call your maids back.  They need to have a chat with The High Constable.” 

         S**t.  This was The High Constable Merek?  No wonder he was interrogating me so hard. 

         “Tahvo told me about you.”  I said. 

         Merek raised a brow.  “Do go on then.”

         Crossing the bedchamber I sat at a small writing table.  “Well, he hasn’t mentioned you much, only to say that if I wanted the best trainer you would be him.” 

         Merek snorted.  “Enough stalling.  Call your maids.” 

         He really wasn’t going to give up then.  I guess that was why he was the High Constable.  His job was obviously incredibly important to him.  Turning I grabbed the rope to signal the bell to my maids.  Once that was done I swiveled in my chair and smiled at the High Constable. 

         “Would you like to sit down while we wait?”  I asked. 

         “I’m fine where I stand thanks.” 

         Only a few minuets later my maids shuffled through the door.  Their eyes moving from me to Merek. 

         “Can we help you High Constable?”  Asked an old, frail woman who was the head of the group. 

         “Is this your lady?”  He jerked his chin in my direction. 

         The maid nodded saying, “Why yes sir, her name is Lady Odessa.” 

         His eyes narrowed, obviously not yet sold.  “And the Queen knows she is here?” 

         “She does in deed, Constable Merek.”  The princess said.  The maids parted and I saw that Adamaris was just inside the doors. 

         Merek sank into a deep bow.  “Your Highness.” 

         Adamaris raised her chin.  “May I ask why you are here?”

         “I found her running through the woods.  Wanted to make sure she wasn’t a trespasser.” 

         “Let me inform you Constable,” Spoke Adamaris.  “That Lady Odessa is no such thing and is a guest of the Royal family.”

         Merek was still on his knee, bowing before her when he replied, “Sorry I was mistaken.  I was just doing my role to you and your parents.  Your safety is my top priority.” 

         “Dully noted.” And with that the Princess dismissed him.

         “First off, do I want to know why you were running through the woods?”  She asked. 

         “It’s a long story.”  I mumbled. 

         “Secondly, do I dare ask why you are wearing boy clothing?” 

         “It’s a long story.”  I repeated. 

         “And I have a feeling I don’t want to hear it.” 

         I nodded. 

         “Very well, get changed.” 

         “Where are we off to?”  I asked as I made my way to the changing screen.  My maids eyed my choice of clothes, but kept their mouths shut.  Stripping the pants and tunic, I was dressed in another fine dress.  Not too fussy, a light green color, and long, tight sleeves.

         “Well, Mother has an instructor here to teach dancing and I didn’t want to go alone.  So I thought I would drag you along with me.” 

         “Don’t you already know the art of dance?”  I asked stepping out from the screen. 

         “Oh, most certainly.”  She replied.  “But I am so bored and it will be some kind of entertainment, so why not?” 

         I smiled.  I hadn’t danced since I was young, even then I didn’t actually know the steps, nor the pattern.  “I would love to join you.”

         She jumped up and down, her hands clapping as she did.  “Yay!  Well we better leave now then.” 

         “When does it start?”

         Adamaris glanced down at her fingernails.  “Ten minuets ago.” 

         “Ten minuets ago!”  I yelled.  “What? This idea just now wandered through your mind?”

         “Oh please,” She waved me off.  “I’m the daughter of the king I doubt they will care if I walk in a bit late.” 

         I rolled my eyes at her attitude.  Then I grabbed her hand, “Lets go then.”  We got to the hall before I realized I had absolutely no clue where we were going.  “Ok, so you can lead the way.” 

         The Princess laughed and we bounded in what I assumed was the direction of the class. 

 

         As it turned out the class was being held in the main hall.  Many ladies were already there, men too.  The ladies gowns swept the floor as their partners guided them around all while the instructor, a tall, thin woman with greying hair pulled into a tight bun barked commands and corrections. 

         It was only a matter of mere seconds before the woman noticed the Princess had arrived.  “Your Highness!”  She screeched.  Her pile of papers falling from her hands as she dropped into a curtsied.  Adamaris nodded in reply.  When the instructor realized none of the dancers had noticed she yelled for them to stop and pay their respects.  All at once the dancing halted and the partners bowed to her.  Again.  The Princess only nodded. 

         “I am sorry we are a little late,” Adamaris said. “But my friend and I would like to participate in your class.” 

         The woman looked dumbfounded; her mouth in a gape.  I had to cover my laugh with a short cough.  Adamaris cleared her throat. 

         “Why of course!”  Exclaimed the woman.  “But now is the matter of finding a partner for the two of you.” 

         Only to the instructors benefit, two men happened to pass by the Hall doors. 

         “You two!”  She yelled and ran past us into the hall. 

         An audible ow was heard, followed by a string of curses from both men.  In the woman came, the two men in her grasp and the look of despair on their faces. 

         “We are not available lady.”  Snapped the one who wore a uniform.  He must be a guard.  The one next to him I recognized from the stables.  He always helped me with my mare. 

         “You,” The instructor thrust the guard into the Princesses arms.  “With Her Highness.  And if anything goes wrong I will have the Constable informed.”  The poor guard quickly nodded, sweat appeared on his brow. “And you.”  She thrust the boy into my arms.  “With her.”

         “I have a name.”  I snapped as she passed me. 

         “Congratulations, would you like an award?” 

         Oh, this stupid palace!  These idiotic people with no respect for another!  I wanted to flee.  I needed to burn this place to the ground and dance on its ashes. 

         “Now everyone face your partner.” Tearing my glare from the instructor I focused on the stable boy.  He was dressed for the stables; Black riding boots splattered with dried mud, a white tunic tucked into his brown pants.  His hair was shaggy and hung in his brown eyes.  Eyes that were skittering about the room. 

         “Everyone ready?”  Called the instructor.  “Alright then!  Now, to start this dance you must face your partner, which you should be doing I might add.”   The last part was directed to a couple.  The woman was fanning herself and the male was facing his friend and making ridiculous faces.  They both faced one another once the instructor called them out, yet again. 

         “Now that that is settled.  Both partners will start by starting with your left foot and take three steps toward each other and on the fourth step bring both feet together.” 

         There was a little flouncing, but for the most part each couple caught on quickly.  I was standing toe to toe with the stable boy.  “Do you know this dance?”  I asked. 

         He shook his head.  “I know some, but not these.  They are pretty much reserved for royal court. 

         The Instructor woman directed us to do the same thing we just did, but backwards, before I could respond.  Doing the steps I ended up where I had started. 

         “Now repeat!” 

         This went on for hours.  Her barking commands and us following.  Some dances much more complicated than others.  Some with just one partner, another with five different ones together, weaving through each other, switching partners every other step.  By the end of the class I was out of breath, covered with sweat as well.

         “Well wasn’t that a grand time!” Exclaimed Adamaris as we walked back to my chambers. 

         “Who knew dancing was such a workout?”  I asked, still panting. 

         “Me.”  Boasted the Princess.  “How else do you think I keep this figure?”

         “A corset.”  I mumbled.

         “Only on occasion.”  She joked.

         We made it to my rooms and we went our separate ways.  Once I was inside I had my maids undress me and then I soaked in a warm bath filled with lavender oils.  I stayed submerged in the steamy water until my hands pruned, only then did I wrap myself in the fluffiest towel I had ever felt and then proceeded to change into my night gown, even though it was only four, and had my maids deliver scones and tea.  I devoured the pasties while sipping the warm liquid and the next thing I knew, I was asleep.

 

         The next couple of weeks were uneventful.  In the mornings I ran through the forest, Merek always seemed to be there while I did, and in the afternoons I had piano lessons and occasionally the Princess would drag me back to the dance class.  The weather began to improve, snow melted and the song of birds filled the air.  Before I knew it, the ball was only two days away.

         Observing the numerous amounts of books in my sitting room, a knock came at my door.  I stayed where I was.  The maids would let them in.  Scanning the shelves a book caught my eye.  It was dark red, gold etched into the leather making the design of flowers and vines.  Grabbing it I flipped it to the front over and ran my fingers lightly over the gold detail. 

         A voice cleared and the book flew out of my hands, landing on the floor.  Spinning I saw the prince before me, laughing. 

         “You’re back!” 

         “I am indeed.” His gaze focused on the fallen book.  “I do apologize for interrupting your reading.” 

         I shook my head. “Oh, I wasn’t reading, just looking at it.”  I bent down and righted the ornate book before placing it back with the others.  “When did you get back?” 

         He sat down across me.  “Late last night.  The trek was hell.”

         “How long is the journey?” 

         The Prince rubbed the back of his neck.  “By horse?  Ten days, by foot? A month.”

         Damn.  “How was everything?” 

         “Okay, we just need to get more men.  Too many are dying for my liking.  I also changed tactics, should give us a leg up for now.” 

         His words echoed in my mind. Too many are dying for my liking.  As if a human life was worth less than a copper.  I pushed the thought out of my mind for the moment. 

         “What will you do to gain more fighters?” 

         He gave me a small smile and chuckled under his breath.  “Speaking of fighters, we need to continue your training My Lady.” 

         My expression mirrored his.  “We do.  Just wait to see how much I’ve improved.” 

         He rolled his eyes playfully.  “Upon my arrival last night, Constable Merek met me at the front gates and had some very interesting questions.”

         I blushed and focused on the hem of my sleeve.  “And what did he say?” 

         “That he was more than surprised to see a lady running through the woods, and also demanded why I did not inform him of our training.” 

         “To what did you respond?”         

         He sighed.  “That I am the Prince and your business is private and not up for discussion.” 

         I nodded. 

         “I see that you have a new mark on your neck.”

         My hand flew to the scab.  It still had yet to fade completely, but was much better than it had been.  I met the princes chocolate gaze.  “You can thank Merek for that.” 

         The prince slammed his fist on the coffee table between us, rattling the vase full of a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers.  “I can thank you for that!”  He bellowed.  “You nearly died!  Merek was merciful with you.  He could have slit your throat and thought nothing of it Odessa.  Do you understand how dangerous that was?” 

         I nodded, suddenly terrified of him. 

         “I could have come back and you would have been dead.  Do you have any idea what that would have done-“ He stopped there, his voice cracking.  He didn’t meet my eyes, instead looked toward the windows.  His nostrils flared.  And if I didn’t know him better I could have sworn I saw tears in his eyes. 

         Silence fell.  I let him calm down before saying, “I’m sorry.  It was foolish.”   

         He nodded and finally turned toward me again.  “All I wanted was to surprise you by continuing my training while you were away.”

         He smiled again.  “Well, why don’t we go see how much you’ve improved and mayhap start some self defense?”

           “That would be lovely.”