The Scarlet Lillie

New Places

Chapter 22
We smelled the village before we saw it. A sharp, awful stench carried through the air, sending off my gag reflexes.
"Your Highness, the air is unclean. Place this over your mouth." Logan said, handing me his hankie.
I thanked him and pressed it against my mouth. I turned to Alex. "I thought you said the air was clean?"
He hung his head. "The village air is not. But my home is a good two miles from the village, so I grew up with clean air."
"I see." I returned my gaze to the front, just in time to get a clear sight of the village.
It was small, and the buildings were cluttered together. They formed a circle, a well in the center. I could vaguely make out some of the commoners and their clothes. I frowned, and looked around at the clothes that my group was wearing.
"Everyone stop." I said suddenly, pulling on Midnight's reigns. The men copied my actions.
"What is it, Milady?" Jake questioned.
"I don't want to go through the town. Not yet. Phillip, Jake," I turned to them, "I want for you two to go ahead in the village and ask around. Keep your true identities hidden. I want the people's unbiased opinion of me and my father. You will be quick but thorough and return to us at Alex's home."
They bowed their heads. "Yes, Milady." They kicked their horses and took off towards the village. My stomach knotted as I watched them ride. Something told me their reports weren't going to be friendly.
"Onward." I said, urging Midnight forward.
We marched in silence around the village, giving it a wide birth. About ten minutes later, I removed the cloth from my mouth. Roughly five minutes after that, we arrived at a small farm. A man was plowing the field, while a woman was tending to the plants that were growing on the other side.
Alex lit up and dismounted his horse.
"Mama! Papa!" He called, running towards them with open arms. The couple looked up from their work, and squinted at the young boy. Realizing who he was, they ran to meet him half way. The father picked him up and spun him around in his arms. The mother kissed his face, tears in her eyes.
"What are you doing back so soon?" The man questioned.
"We weren't expecting you for months!" The woman added.
"The princess wanted to bring me home." Alex answered. "How's Jenna?"
The two exchanged an uneasy glance. "She's fine. She hasn't changed since you left." The mother said, though I could see she was lying.
Logan cleared his throat, causing Alex to suddenly remember us.
"Oh, Mama, Papa, these are the people that brought me home." He introduced.
"My name is Nathan and this my wife, Pemma." The man said.
I smiled at him. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Princess Scarlet of Perdania."
Shocked, the two fell to their knees.
"Your Highness!" Nathan gasped. "A thousand apologies. We did not recognize you."
I shook my head. "No, no, it's quite alright. Please, stand." They obliged. "These men are a part of my guard; Sirs Logan, Isaac, as Max."
"Please, allow us to invite you into our home." Pemma offered.
"Thank you." I said, and followed them to their home, a small one, but an average sized one for a commoner.
It only had one level to it, but flowers decorated to windows, adding to the outer appearance.
I took a deep breath. I hoped this meeting went well, for my sake and this family's.