The Princess and the Bodyguard

Cooking With Ren

                Nora got dressed in her room and looked out the window again, planning her next move. Outside her window, she had a view of the outside courtyard, a winding path that was filled with flowers, shrubs, and trees. The high walls allowed Nora to walk along the path without being seen by anyone in the city, but Nora could clearly see the streets and buildings from her window. She spotted a large tree close to the wall and, squinting through the branches, an almost deserted street. Looking over the wall further down, she saw a parade just beginning, making its way slowly down the street. The parade was done every year and would last for at least an hour. If she wanted to join it without being noticed, now was the time.

            Nora quietly opened the door and looked left down the hallway. No one in sight. She looked right and nearly jumped out of her skin as Lie Ren stood next to the door looking at her.

            “Is there a problem, Your Highness?” he asked.

            Nora settled her beating heart. “No. What are you doing outside my room?”

            Ren shifted his weight uncomfortably. “I am your bodyguard, Your Highness. I have orders to protect you.”

            Nora flushed with anger.

            “I don’t need a bodyguard. I especially don’t need one in my own home.”

            Ren’s eyes shifted to the floor. “I’m sorry Princess, but your Father wanted me to be with you at all times.” He glanced back up. “Where am I accompanying you today?”

            Nora thought fast. “I’m hungry. I’m going to the kitchens.” She made her way down the hall. Behind her, she heard Ren patter quietly behind her. If her father had ordered Lie to follow her around, she will never get a moment’s peace, never mind getting a chance to explore the city. Until she found a way to get rid of him, she had to play along.

            The two of them made their way downstairs and into the dining room. This time of day, the servants were probably outside the castle enjoying the celebration. Nora started to make her way to the kitchen, but Ren cleared his throat.

            “If you’d like Princess, I could make you something to eat.”

            Nora hesitated. She liked to cook for herself when she could, despite her father’s disapproval that she learn “commoner skills.” But if Ren reported back to her father, it would just mean another argument.

            “Sure, Ren,” Nora said. “What are you going to make?”

            Ren smiled. “I’ll think of something.” He disappeared into the kitchen. Nora sat down at the table. She thought about sneaking away, but she might not have enough time to make her escape before Ren got back.

            A few minutes later, Ren backed into the dining room wearing a pink apron, balancing several plates. They were piled high with something round and brown. Some of them had what looked like fruit imbedded in them, while others had…

            “Chocolate chips?” asked Nora. Her diet was strictly regulated and she rarely ever received chocolate from the staff with her father present. Ren smiled again.

            “I thought today should be a time when we bend the rules a little. Have you ever tried pancakes before?”

            “No,” said Nora. She eyed the pancakes suspiciously. “What are they made of?”

            “Try them, see for yourself,” said Ren, sliding a plate over.

            Nora cut into the pancake and took a small bite. It was soft, warm, and the chocolate added a wonderful flavor. She had never had such good food for breakfast.

            “Wow…” Nora exclaimed. “This is terrific! I didn’t know you could cook.”

            “We are not just bodyguards, Your Highness,” said Ren. “We need to be prepared for all aspects of your life, including meals.” He slid a bottle of dark liquid across the table. “Try adding some syrup on them.”

            Nora opened the bottle and poured it onto her next bite. After tasting it, she abandoned all attempts on her manners and dumped a large helping on the rest of her pancakes.

            “Whoa!” exclaimed Ren. “Don’t eat too much, Your Highness. We don’t want you to get sick on your birthday.”

            An idea sparked in Nora’s head. She began to eat quickly, being careful not to eat too much, but enough to concern Ren. After the plates had cleared Nora leaned back and attempted a look of queasiness.

            “Are you okay, Your Highness?” asked Ren.

            “Yes…” said Nora. “The food was excellent, but I think I might have eaten it a little too fast.”

            Ren looked downcast. “I am so sorry, Princess.”

            Nora had a pang of guilt, but leaned back and closed her eyes. “It’s not your fault Ren, I should have listened to you. I think I’ll go lie down.”

            “I’ll escort you back, Princess,” said Ren, but Nora attempted a regal wave of her hand.

            “That’s not necessary, Ren. If you would please just clean up the dishes, I’ll see myself to my room and get some sleep.”

            Ren looked troubled, but he nodded. “Very well, Your Highness.” He gathered the plates and went into the kitchen. As soon as the door shut behind him, Nora stole quietly into the hallway and ran to the courtyard. She could still hear the parade in progress. She shimmied up the tree, took one last look around for any guards or anyone on the street below, and jumped.