The Unwanted Prince

Ch 21 - Adrian

We had found a small village a couple of miles from the forest. It wasn't a village worth noting.

This village, I'm going to assume, was treated more like a pitstop for travelers rather than an actual living environment for people.

The plan was to collect supplies and be on our way, but after dealing with the tree-walker, we all agreed to rest here for the night.

The village wasn't an ideal one to stay in, so we'd have to leave early in the morning. Well, that is if I don't get distracted from a working lady.

The moment we stepped into the village, we could see this was an area of scandal and crime. Dirt filled every crevice in the streets, caking itself onto my shoes. It was a pitiful sight.

The inn was small, with the sign almost about to fall off. It was dangling from a single rusted chain, spinning slowly as if it could be in pain- that is if it was alive. As we went into the inn, the wooden doors let out a deafening creak.

We had left the horses in a stable, one that was almost in shambles.

Mar and Oliver weren't used to seeing such a poor sight as this village, seeing as they awkwardly tried to look away from any of the residents. People who lived in a village like this were, well, below the poverty line. They were ragged, usually quiet and keeping to themselves. They were the hardest workers that, no matter what could never earn enough money.

Most of the time, they turned to crimes. Some men went to deal in illegal trades, sometimes joining unlawful guilds. Women were stuck at home, taking care of children they most likely didn't want. Those who were unfortunate didn't have access to birth control, especially the goods made directly from doctors.

Some of the women could be prostitutes, though they were common in towns and cities. At least in those places, it was easier to access such protection.

"There's barely any light in here," Oliver muttered, looking at the strangely dressed people in the inn.

What made him think they'd have enough supplies for lights?

Oliver was a city-born kid. He was sheltered and had never seen past the city lights.

I glanced at Mar. Although the knight appeared calm and collected, I noticed the beads of sweat rolling down her forehead. Her hand was tight around her sword. Of course, she would be suspicious of this place.

It was sort of a thing in knights these days. They really only think that bad people stemmed from the poor. I mean, it's partially true I suppose.

But as a famous saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Mar may think the unfortunate were unruly crooks, but surely she must know that the rich is must worse, right?

And that's coming from a prince.

A maid, who appeared to be way too young to be working in such a place, ran up to us with a flustered face. "Um, are you looking for a room?" She looked down, struggling to be both in a bow and a kneeling position.

A quick scan around the room and I saw others in the room had stopped what they were doing. Patrons and workers and frozen, bowing their heads to avoid looking at me.

It's because I'm a royal. When a commoner meets royalty, it's courtesy for the commoner to never look into the eyes of the royalty. Looking into each other's eyes is a sign of being equals.

"You could look at me while you're talking, you know?" I told the girl.

She had flinched, a loud gulp came from her.

I was never a fan of "signs of courtesy" that reminded commoners of their low status. Sure, there were things that were a sign of being polite.

Like saluting a commander? That's always something people should do, regardless of who they are.

Bowing down when talking to a king? Yeah, that should also happen. Well, it depends. If the king is like, a complete asshole, then, by all means, don't bow.

But not looking at others when talking? Especially about normal things? That's a little absurd, even for me.

"We'd like- er," I paused before finished my request. This inn was incredibly small, and there were probably more travelers here already. "Um, is there one room available?"

I didn't see it, but I could feel the surprise coming from my travel partners. I could hear a scoff from Mar.

The young maid coughed, "Um, I believe so, yes. I'll get the room ready while you talk to the inn master. He's right over there." She pointed a pale finger over to a gangly skinny man, he was clearly old with saggy skin. Grey hair strayed everywhere as if it was defying gravity.

Mar walked in front of me, "I think we should just skip this place and go to the next village over."

I glared at her. I get she was, um, what's the word... uncomfortable. But the next village would be a two days travel, and it wasn't on the path King Marlo wanted us to take.

Without even saying a response, I nudged Mar out of my way and headed to the innkeeper.

The man had noticed me, quickly brushing off a customer he was talking with. Walking as if he was a rigid scarecrow, the Innkeeper gruffly asked, "Renting a room for the night?" He was holding a pint in his scrawny hand, the knuckles popping out in white. 

"Yeah,"

The Innkeeper stared at us, studying me. He glared when he spotted Mar, muttering a short curse. Seeing as Mar was a knight, she was probably making others uncomfortable.

The inn had grown quiet since they had entered. I didn't want to admit it, but the presence of us was surely the cause. I was of nobility, Mar was an obvious authority of the law, and Oliver's anxiety was just spilling the fact that he was from the city.

"Just keep to yourself, folks like us aren't too keen on you rich folks," The Innkeeper waved us away, turning back to talking with a patron.

A whine from Oliver caught my attention. Turning back, I found the sight of Oliver, whose face was beet red, frozen in place as a woman traced her finger along his chest. "Are your glasses real gold?" She grinned, letting out an excited giggle.

Oliver stuttered, unable to say anything coherent.

Mar sighed next to me, turning her head to give me a rather dull and annoying glare. "Aren't you going to do anything?" 

She had a point. Oliver looked like he was going to faint.

Clearing my throat, I stepped over and grabbed the woman's hand. Her hand was pale and cold, more on the boney side as well. Bringing her hand to my lips, she giggled as I asked her, "Wouldn't you like to spend more time with a prince?"

I could just feel the glares from Mar.

Look, she wanted me to do something. So I did "something". It was either this or Mar unleashing her damn sword.

I pulled the woman close to me, letting her admire my clothing as I told Mar and Oliver, "You two can go ahead to our room, I'll spend some time with this fine lady."

Before Mar could object, Oliver quickly dragged her away, his face still red as ever.

Rolling my eyes at their disappearing figures, I grinned with charm at the woman, "How 'bout I treat you to some shots?"

"Please do," She looked at me with deep sultry eyes.

I'm no fool.

Those eyes were covered in desperate greed. She just wants my money.

But what does it matter, I fell for it anyway.