The Secrets of the Castle

Chapter 8

TW

In this chapter there is mention of harassment. It's not subtle or hinted at and is directly stated. If this is something that can be potentially triggering or something you are uncomfortable with, I would recommend skipping that part. 

It will be labeled with this before; *Warning* 

I walked through the courtyard, Eroi trailing behind me. Give her a tour, it should be fun, I mocked my father. She didn't seem to be paying attention to anything, instead wandering around.

"Please do not walk on the grass," I asked politely, gritting my teeth.

She raised her head, looking at me for the first time since last night. Eroi walked off the grass and on to the pathway next to me. I moved to the other side, trying to keep a smile on my face. Way too close, if you asked me.

"How are you finding your quarters?" I attempted to make small talk.

"Cramped," she muttered as she dragged her feet along the gravel pathway.

"Oh, sorry," an awkward silence fell between us. I fiddled with my fingers trying to think of something else to say. "Do you want to see the city? Dad has not really let me since I didn't have a personal guard and all."

"Sure."

That was it? Just 'sure'? Okay, I guess.

I led her down to the far side of the courtyard and stopped in front of one of the trees. Once Eroi caught up, I pulled back the overgrown branches and leaves, revealing a secret hole in the wall. The elf grinned as she saw it and slipped right through.

Okay, so we're doing this.

~~~~~

Thankfully, I looked nothing like the rest of my family. Their gold hair and gold eyes would've given me away. Besides, people care more about the prince and the future ruler than some princess. Eroi had to change. The insignia would have made it too obvious. She draped a black coat over her red flannel and placed the rest of the gear into her bag. We walked down the streets. It was freeing to not have the same publicity as before. Nobody staring at you and being hyper aware of everything you do. A stranger to those around you.

"You haven't been out, right?" Eroi said, a few paces ahead of me, "I know a few places you might like."

I hummed a response as I tried to weave my way through the crowds. People pushed and shoved each other around as they made their way through the city. Eroi moved off to the side and waited as I caught up to her. She grabbed my hand and dragged me along past the people. Weaving between mothers holding crying babies and men heading towards the mines.

She stopped at a tavern and dragged me inside with her. We sat down at the bar, Eroi handing some coins to the barkeep.

"What d'you want? Something sweet, sour, alcoholic, or not?" She asked, a hint of a smile on her face.

"Uh, whatever you are having," I replied as I stared at my lap.

She grinned and waved the barkeep back over, "Two ciders, an apple and a regular. Also, a plate of taters. Thanks."

Eroi turned back to me with a large smile, a contrast to she acts back at the castle. We talked for a while, the general questions and formalities. The drink was decent, though not to my personal taste. Eroi slid the plate of fried potatoes to me, munching on one herself.

I slid it back to her, "No. Thanks."

She shrugged and grabbed a few more, mumbling through a stuffed mouth, "More for me."

*Warning*

A guy slid into the seat next to me, a lopsided smile on his red face. The barkeep passes him a glass, a silent exchange between them.

"Hey there," he said, words slurring, "what brings y'all here?"

"We're not interested. Please, leave." Eroi glared at him, placing a half-eaten fry on the tray.

He clicked his teeth and stood up. The man walked over between us, hand placed on both of our shoulders. I kept my head down and tried to swallow my discomfort. Play nice. Dad's words rang in my ears. Eroi pushed his arm away from her and stood up from her seat.

"I said leave," she growled.

"What 'bout you sweetheart? You look fine~" he leered down at me and rubbed his hand along my arm.

I stood up out of my chair, trying to get away from him. Disgusting, disgusting, disgusting. He placed himself between me and Eroi, placing his hands on my hips. Disgusting. Disgusting.

"The things I could do to you-"

"Get. Your. Hands. Off. Her." Eroi grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.

He chuckled, rolling his eyes, "Is this your girlfriend or something?"

And then she punched him. Straight in the face. I jumped back as he stumbled backwards on to the stool. No, no, no, stop. Stop it, please. He threw the second punch. The two of them started brawling each other. The other patrons shouted and cheered.

I watched in horror as they swung at each other. Blood poured down their faces, bruises starting to form. The Rose Soldiers rushed inside and pulled the two of them apart. A grin sat on Eroi's face as blood trickled down from her nose.

We were going to be in so much trouble.