The Princess's Servant

54. The Watering Hole

Holden didn't know how long they sat in that carriage for. All he knew was that by the time they finally pulled over at the watering hole, the now-clouded skies were beginning to darken. Sybil had not budged nor said a word in the hours that had passed, and neither had Holden. When the doors to the carriage opened up, the prince didn't hesitate to bounce out.

Once outside, Holden caught sight of the still pond and the gray Wardian horses that lapped away at them. There was a certain stillness and the atmosphere, despite the trickling breeze that threatened change. Holden twisted his lips and took a step towards the pond as he heard Sybil exit behind him.

Before he could get too far though, a familiar face intercepted his path.

Holden's mood lowered beyond what he thought possible.

But the usual smirking, smug face of Sebastian was uncharacteristicly grave.

"There is urgent royal business, Your Highness." Sebastian addressed Sybil. "Would you mind?"

Holden glanced back at her. Her shoulders tensed for a moment and gave Holden the impression that she intended to deny him. But then the princess relented and she gave Sebastian a slight nod.

The servant in turn nodded to Holden and he started away from their caravan. Holden followed.

Urgent royal business, Holden wondered. What news could it be? Could his brother have changed his mind on bringing Sybil early? Or perhaps — it almost wasn't possible, but perhaps — he called the wedding off early. The pair stepped over fallen logs and mossy stones until they were so far away that they could no long see or hear the rest of the troop.

"Where are you taking me?" Holden asked.

"Somewhere they won't hear us," Sebastian replied, and Holden tried not to become too frightened at his words.

And then, after another while of walking, Sebastian stopped. Holden watched him with great suspicion as he waited for what fateful news he might convey.

Sebastian lowered his head a little.

"What's going on?" Holden asked. "Has my brother sent word?"

"What was it like?" Sebastian asked. The prince stopped and waited for more, but there was no more.

"What was... what like?"

"Her expression when you told her?" Sebastian turned to face the prince. "Did she make a face? Did she look like—" the servant widened his eyes and gaped open his mouth in expression of exaggerated surprise. "Did she cry?"

Holden parted his lips but found no words. "My gods—" was all he could manage for a moment. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and his confusion converted into rage. "You dragged me out here for gossip?"

"Well I have to know," Sebastian defended. "What did she say? How did she react?" His voice lowered. "Did the drops I gave you help?"

Holden searched him for any sign that this was a joke. "It wasn't like anything because I didn't tell her," he said. "It wasn't the right time."

Sebastian stared at him.

Holden stared back and then scoffed. "I'm going to tell her soon," he said, relaxing a little.

"'Soon.'" Sebastian echoed.

"As soon as I can," Holden offered.

The Lailoyan said nothing. He just gave Holden a dissecting stare as he hugged his arms close to his chest.

"Can I go now?" Holden asked as he turned halfway towards camp.

Sebastian nodded to himself. "You're still in love with her," he said.

"What?!" Holden suppressed a flinch. "I am not!"

"Yeah. You are." Sebastian stepped towards him and the prince stepped back. "She put you through hell but you still have feelings."

"You are way out of line, Sebs!" Still the Lailoyan stepped closer. Holden tried to maintain their distance, but Sebastian was closing in. "I do not—! I cannot—!"

The servant leaned in and widened his eyes. "You're blushing," he told Holden.

Holden felt that his cheeks were indeed red. "No I'm not!" He protested.

Sebastian twisted his head and gave him a mirthless smile. Holden's blush only deepened.

The young prince shook his head. "I don't need this," he said. "I've suffered enough abuse this week." Holden turned from the servant and stomped off towards the caravan.

I'll show him, Holden thought. I'll walk right up to Sybil and tell her exactly who I am. Then there'll be no more excuses, no more speculations. No more foolishness that I'm still... Still... Holden shook his head and thought on that nonsense no more.

Holden arrived back at camp much faster than he had left it, but to his surprise, Princess Sybil was not there.

A/N:

Sorry for the late chapter!