The Red Cloak Society

Chapter 8

James

He didn't know why he stood up for the princess, the dinner being the perfect place for him to get information that could benefit his cause. Perhaps it was her fear that he sensed, it radiated off of her everytime she had direct contact with the king. Why would the princess be scared of her father? He was a wild, cruel man but he wouldn't hurt his own flesh and blood; would he?

James shook his head and continued his steady pace on the cold marble floor, he cursed that he was blessed with the abilities of an empath. He had sat there patiently for an hour after escorting the princess to her chambers. Upon arriving, she had shuffled in her room and left him sitting, staring at the plate of food that she was supposed to be eating. His stomach growled, he had skipped his own dinner to watch the princess, for reasons unknown to him. He sighed and finally sat on the plush, velvet couch. After what felt like ages, she finally appeared in her doorway. Immediately he felt her despair roll over him in tides, but if it had not been for that, he wouldn't have noticed her sadness. She sat across from him, now dressed in a silk nightgown that hung from her shoulders. Her hair that had neatly sat atop her head in a twisted bun was now unbound, the twists cascading down her back. He tried not to stare, but he couldn't help but see the resemblance between her and the fae of the stories that he heard growing up. The ethereal beauties of legends past. She shifted in her seat before looking him in the eye. Even when she was going through those emotions, she made sure to appear strong. James admired that much about the princess.

"I'm going to assume that those scars did not come from the people the King claims," James said tentatively.

"It is not smart to question the King's claims" she said softly, "Though, I would like to thank you for your assistance"

"As a mercenary who is now under your care I feel..."

"But it would be wise for you to not challenge the King openly" she interjected, standing. James rose with her, taking a step closer.

"I am well aware of the King and his cruel ways"

"He is especially cruel to people who are kind to me" she said sadly walking to her door "you are of no use to me dead"

"And what of you? Where is your concern for your safety? The people would be in outrage if they knew the King hit his own child, it is against the Covenant" James said, accidentally speaking his thoughts aloud. He closed his lips in a tight line, bracing himself for her reaction, part of him expecting vehement denial of his claims.

"He never hits me" she spat out before mumbling softly, words that without his enhanced hearing he wouldn't have heard himself, "he has people for that."

She opened her door and looked at James, her eyes communicating her desire for his exit. James sat down and frowned.

It was just a thought before but now it's confirmed. A King who hurts his own blood, he must be mad, he thought to himself.

But it is a good thing for the princess to despise her father, the voice said slowly creeping into his head. Use her for what you want, it whispered.

The princess looked at him expectantly, her dainty hand still around the gold handle.

"With all due respect your Highness, I have no intent to leave, at least not until I'm sure he doesn't send Claden to you."

"It is improper for men to stay in the..."

"Since we are now companions wouldn't it be proper for me to be in your quarters"

Sighing, she let the handle go and walked over to her dining table sitting stoically in the aged chair. She looked at him again, as if she was searching his face for an answer to an unasked question.