The Nun and King

Chapter 6

The water of the river causes me to shiver as I sink below its surface. It's a welcomed relief from the summer's heat as we travel further and further south.

Needing to come up for air, I pop up and inhale the night air before taking my bar of soap and begin bathing as best as I can. Given that the river is only about thirty yards away from camp, I watch my men as they drink and laugh around the large fire. Some try their best entertain the women that have yet gone to bed while others ignore them all together, too caught up in whatever conversations they share.

I see Rory walk off into the dark—most likely taking a piss—before he rejoins the others, this time sitting down next to Beth Ann. He flashes her his most dazzling smile and I can't help but roll my eyes at his attempt to woo her. As he begins to chat with her, I look away and begin on focusing on scrubbing. Once I'm done, I do my best to wash my hair before walking to the river's edge, drying off. Thankfully the moon isn't quite full, giving me just enough light to see without anyone at camp being able to see that I'm stark naked.

Slipping on a pair of clean trousers, I put on a loose cotton shirt before collecting my dirty clothes. Doing my best, I cuff up my pants and begin to cleaning those as well. When I'm done, I find a nearby tree branch and walk over, wringing out the articles before hanging them up to dry. Slipping to fingers through my boot laces, I walk barefoot back over to camp, dropping them off by my tent's entering before rejoining the others.

The youngest lad, Max, lets out a low whistle as I stroll over, his blonde hair glowing orange due to the fire's flames. "Well if it isn't the prettiest prince I know," he teases, taking a sip of his water skin.

Rory lets out an audible scoff causing many of us to let out a few chuckles.

I take a seat next to Gale and Nikolas, who offers me a plate of roasted deer meat. Offering my thanks, I take a bite and immediately taste the flavorful juices that run down my throat. Taking another, I look over to Gale with a full mouth. "Ish very gerd," I try to say before swallowing. "Glad one of us was successful today."

He offers a smile and remains silent as he gazes back into the flames. He's always been one of my most reserved men, usually keeping to himself unless necessary.

I finish the food rather quickly before wiping my mouth with the back of my hand before catching the eye of the priest. He gives me a disgruntled look before standing up and turning towards Warren. "I think I'd like to take you up on your offer," he says.

Warren's shoulders physically sag but he gives a nod. "Very well, my tent is the one furthest to the right," he says, pointing in the direction behind him.

Father Anthony gives a bow before looking at the nuns. "Guard your hearts," he warns them, and disappears into the darkness, undoubtedly to go to bed.

Sven gives Warren a clap on the back and he swats him off. It's clear that even though he offered the priest his quarters, he only done so to be kind—it didn't mean he had to be happy about it.

"You plan on slipping in there with him?" Sven continues, earning a few laughs. One of the nuns lets out an exasperated huff of air at the very thought and stands up before taking her leave as well into another tent.

"Sod off," Warren grumbles.

"Sven," I chastise, shooting him a raised brow. "They are our guests—more than that even, our charge. I understand that not everyone is keen on the notion to give up their place to sleep for the next few weeks," I say, looking at the others, "but those of you that have have my gratitude."

There is a moment of silence before Beth Ann clears her throat, gaining my attention. "Would you mind telling us more details of what is to come?"

To my left, someone mutters something vulgar and I jerk my head, realizing that it was Max before shooting him a glare. "These aren't common whores in a brothel, Max, so don't speak about them as such," I warn. He gives me a nod and takes another sip of his water skin. "You're cut off from drinking tonight. Go sober up and take watch," I order, making an example of him. He doesn't seem to mind my tone—they know I mean well when I reprimand them—and quietly gets up before grabbing his blade and making a beeline towards the edge of camp.