A Tale of Two Princesses (18 page)

     "Has something happened?" Banyan asked, his fake smile leaving.

     "A dragon on the road," Court said, cringing as he peeled his shirt off his burnt back. "Ah, a fierce monster. The most brutal I've ever seen. We wounded it, but it flew off."

     "It's true!" Mrs. Crockery said. "The dragon!"

     "Abigail, quiet down," Banyan said. "Bring the prince what he asked for." He looked back at the prince. "I'll have to charge you for it. Ain't cheep either."

     "Really, sir, you do so insult us!" Wellington said. "Bring the supplies and gouge us later!"

     Mrs. Crockery brought a basin of water with gauze and ointment. Wellington sat beside his prince, wiping him down. There was a large burn mark over his shoulder blade, and three slashes along his ribs.

     "Your highness, it is so much worse in the light."

     "You're telling me," Court said, cringing at the ointment. He looked up at Banyan and Mrs. Crockery, who were watching. The other three patrons were also gawking. "What do you know of this dragon?"

     "Not much, sir," Banyan said. "It hasn't been seen in five years, not since it carried off my sister, of all people."

     "Truly? You have my pity. It is a fearsome thing."

     "I bet," Banyan said. "I've never laid eyes on it, but it terrorized the town some thirty years ago. It comes back now and then."

     "Why so sporadically?" Court asked.

     "There was a reward for it back then. They say a witch came to the castle and offered to put it to silence. She entered the Tempest Forest but she never came out, but neither did the dragon, not for ten years when it came back and flew into the castle. It devoured the king and queen, leaving the Golden Prince on the throne.

     "The Golden Prince?" Court interrupted.

     "On account of his golden hair, sir, the princess' father."

     "Oh, Celeste."

     "Uh, yes," Banyan said. "And then, some years later, the Golden King died. That was about the time the dragon returned, taking none but my sister."

     "Why her?" he asked.

     "I don't much know. She worked in the castle when she was younger, but then came home and that was the end of it. We suppose it just comes back now and then. No one knows why, but no one goes into the forest to find out either."

     "Perhaps it just wakes now and then to find a meal," Court suggested.

     "Perhaps, sir."

     "Banyan, may I have a drink, something stiff?" Court said.

     "Right away," Banyan said, snapping his fingers.

     Mrs. Crockery brought over a bottle and Banyan poured. Court took a sip, leaning forward tiredly.

     "I don't suppose there's a guide or anyone who could take us into the Tempest Forest?"

     "What for?" Banyan asked.

     "That dragon slew three of my men, and I mean to return it in kind."

     "Sir, with all respect," Banyan said nervously, "you ain't gonna find no one what goes into the Tempest Forest. Might as well be forbidden by how scared folks are. Even animals stay out."

     "Right," Court said.

     "I've been in the forest," the man at the bar said.

     "Say again, sir?" Court said.

     The man stood up, coming to Court. Finn, Morris, and Grotto took a step forward, but Court held up his hand. The man bowed his head.

     "Raphael's the name, prince."

     "Please sit, sir," Court said. "You say you've been to the forest?"

     Raphael sat. "Yeah, couple of times."

     "On what errand?"

     "Evadin' the sheriff, if you don't mind the admission."

     Court raised an eyebrow. "I cannot do business with a man wanted by the law."

     "Nah, nah. I've been freed and cleared. I got out of jail just last month."

     "I see."

     "But last time, 'fore I was caught, I knew the forest was the one place no one would ever follow. So's in I went, see, and like I thought, the sheriff and his men didn't follow."

     "Go on."

     "Well, I went in deeper, see. Got lost, to be honest, but I found a cave, beautiful cave, shining in the dark, jewels all about it, see, like it was a thief's dream to find. I pried one up out of the rock. Real, it was. Now, most thieves, they would've gone in deeper, but I heard this sound, terrible sound, like a growl, a snore of a growl. And I knew, I knew what was in there. The dragon. So I ran and I got out. I made me a fortune once I sold that jewel, and once I run out of money, not anytime soon, mind, but once I do, I'm going back into that forest and I'm collecting a few more."

     "Then wouldn't it be prudent to go in with a group of knights? And after we have slain the dragon, you may have the cave and everything in it. What say you to that?"

     Raphael grinned, his black teeth coming through. "Sounds like a deal. Put it there." He held out his hand. It was dirty and disgusting, but Court shook it.

     The door opened and the other knights made their way inside, bowing to Court. He gave them leave and they settled down into chairs. A moment later, the door opened again, and a girl came in. She was caked in mud, water running off her short, dirty hair, her head down.

     "Boy!" Court said, standing up. "I mean, not a boy! You!"

     Sienna looked up. "Huh?"

     Court came out from behind the table. "You're the one I saved on the road!"

     "Sir," Clance spoke up, "she was in the barn when we brought in the horses. She's the stable girl here."

     "I see," Court said. "Forgive me. I thought you were a young man. I could not see well in the dark. Are you quite all right?"

     Sienna nodded. There was something familiar about this man. He was very handsome though. She was somewhat dumbstruck that he was talking to her at all, especially with his shirt off. Her eyes could not help but roam over his rippling stomach and muscular chest.

     "You're the one who saved me?" Sienna said, finding her voice. "Thank you. I owe you my life. Were you hurt?"

     "I'm all right. I can't say I've been through worse though. Three of our group was tragically slain. But I am well assured to learn some good came of the loss, to think a maiden was spared such a fate."

     "I'm so sorry about your friends."

     "It's quite all right, miss. Do forgive my lack of attire," he said as he realized he was shirtless. "I was just seeing to my wounds. Tell me, who did I have the pleasure of saving this evening?"

     "I'm Sienna," she said. "Who are you?"

     "Prince Court Cross, miss. The pleasure is mine."

     "Court!" Sienna's stomach dropped right to her knees. She fell, clapping a hand over her mouth. Since she was down here, she immediately bowed, shoving her face to the floor. It was the prince! In her uncle's tavern! What was he doing here? It was incredible! How could she ever face him? What if he recognized her? What was she going to say?

     "Court?" he echoed with a laugh. "You are certainly familiar in your tongue, aren't you? Come now, you don't have to bow so respectfully. Are you all right?"

     "Seems little Sienna is star struck," Mrs. Crockery said, leaning against the bar.

     Court glanced back. "Banyan, is this the niece you spoke of?"

     "Aye, sir, that's her."

     "Well, then, it's nice to meet you, miss," Court said. "Come now, you can stand up."

     "I'll help her there, prince," Raphael said.

     He came over to Sienna, lifting her to her feet, his arm around her waist. She shuddered to feel his hand on her, but she kept her head down, her eyes away from Court. And then Raphael's other hand stroked her hair.

     "I've been waiting for you, Sienna. I like your haircut."

     He led her over to his table, sitting her down.

     Court returned to the table as well. "Do you know this girl, sir?"

     "Not so much, but I'm getting to know her tonight." He looked back at Banyan. "Banyan, I thought you were gonna tell her to clean up."

     "I did tell her to clean up," Banyan said.

     "I want some of my money back. I ain't paying twice for a bath."

     "Ten back, not a cent more."

     "All right. Dirty, clean, guess it don't matter."

     Court was squinting. "Perhaps I am confused, sir. Is this woman your wife?"

     "Nah, she's bought and paid for just for the night. She's a cute one, when she's not covered in mud."

     "Miss, you're a prostitute?" Court said loudly.

     Sienna just pinched her eyes shut, keeping her head down. She could not look at him.

     "She's gonna be," Raphael said, winking at Court. "Breakin' her in, if you know what I mean."

     "I am afraid, sir, I most certainly do not know what you mean."

     "Your highness," Banyan said, "if you'd like, Sienna could come to your chambers tomorrow night. Or if any of your men need companionship..."

     Court stood up angrily. "Sir, do I appear to you a man who must purchase women for his entertainment? My knights and I—who stand for the chivalry of maidens—would never dare sully our oaths for a night of pleasure!"

     Banyan backed away. "Sorry, sir. I didn't mean no offense."

     Court snatched up his ruined shirt and jacket, stalking to the other side of the tavern. Wellington followed.

     "Prince," Raphael called, "don't forget about our deal. You just let me know when you want to go into that forest."

     "That remains to be determined, sir," Court said, sitting down at another table. Wellington sat across from him. "I did not realize this was a house of prostitution, Wellington."

     "I do not believe it is, sir. She seems to be the only one."

     Court shook his head. He flagged over Mrs. Crockery and she brought over a wine bottle, pouring another glass. Court immediately took a drink, biting down at the sharpness.

     "Does Banyan do this often," he asked, "pander that girl to his guests?"

     "Not often, sir, no," Mrs. Crockery said. "Not before tonight, actually."

     "He would dare sell his own niece into prostitution?"

     "Time's have been hard on him, sir."

     "How old is that girl?"

     "Seventeen, eighteen in a few months."

     Mrs. Crockery returned to the bar. Court was shaking his head. He took another sip of wine as his eyes fell back on Sienna. Raphael was whispering in her ear, rubbing her back. He took his bottle and then poured a drink for Sienna. She shook her head, but then he said something to her and she picked up the small glass, bringing it to her lips, tipping some into her mouth. She immediately began coughing.

     "She is an innocent maiden and her uncle is letting this man abuse her."

     "Sir," Wellington said, "this sort of thing is common."

     "It is not common where I come from."

     "It is common, sir, even in Cross, just not in the castle."

     "Yes, but did you hear what he said? He suggested it was her first time. Look at her; she clearly does not want to do this."

     "Do you wish the men to put a stop to it?"

     "It's not my place. It's not my kingdom. And even if it was, it's not my affair."

     "You are correct on all accounts, sir."

     Court shook his head, finishing his wine. Mrs. Crockery was there instantly.

     "More, sir?"

     "No, I've had enough. Wellington, I'm going to bed. Pay the tab."

     "Of course, sir."

     "Oh, that's right." Court reached into his pocket, pulling out a small leather pouch. He went over to Raphael's table, setting it down. "Miss, I believe you dropped this on the road."

     Sienna did not speak. But then Banyan stepped forward, taking the pouch, opening it. "Ah, the money she earned while she was away in the castle kitchens. Thank you for returning it to me, your highness."

     Court moved toward the stairs but then he paused, glancing back at Raphael. "How much are you paying for that girl tonight?"

     Raphael looked up. "A lot, one hundred silver pieces, ninety with the discount, but thirty more for the room."

     "Is that the going rate for a girl's innocence?"

     "I know, pricey, huh?" Raphael said.

     Court scoffed, climbing the stairs. He pushed open his door, passing through and slamming it. He threw down his jacket and shirt and then sat on the bed, rubbing his sore shoulder. He reached for his candle, blowing it out, casting the room in darkness. He lay back, closing his eyes.

     "I saved that poor girl from the dragon only for her to be thrown to the wolves."

     He rubbed his face, sighing.

     "Not your affair, Court."

     He turned in his bed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his engagement ring, looking at it.

     "Celeste, what did I do wrong?"

     Then he heard someone coming up the stairs, laughing. The door next to his opened and closed. Muffled voices came through. And then someone began crying. It started soft, but then grew louder.

     "It is not your affair, Court," he repeated to himself. "This sort of thing happens everywhere."

     He took in a deep breath, putting a pillow over his head. The girl was sobbing now, the word "please" drifting through the wall. Court suddenly stood up, throwing his pillow aside.

     "It happens everywhere because good men do nothing to stop it!"

     He stormed out of his room, going into the next, pushing the door open without even knocking. He found the stable girl on her back as Raphael unbuttoned her dirty white blouse, her black vest on the floor, her skirt up, her white panties visible. Thankfully, Raphael still had his pants on, though his shirt was off.

     "Huh?" Raphael said. "What do you want?"

     "Stop there, sir," Court said. "I cannot stand by and allow you to defile this poor girl. I did not save her from a dragon tonight so you could sully her at your command. Let her up."

     "I paid money for her!"

     "And I will repay the money you have lost, but I will not allow you to defile her."