A Dove's Tale

Chapter 2

Eight o'clock the next day found me in the back room of the library again. I'd almost finished my dusting yesterday before Prince Chevalier had arrived, and I was determined to get as much done as possible this morning. I just hoped he kept to a consistent schedule. He truly was a terrifying person, and I wanted to interact with him as little as possible. The way he'd said I could serve a purpose made me think there would be no avoiding him, though. I had the unsettling feeling that I'd signed my life away by taking this job. Several hours passed with no incident, and I was hard at work mopping when I was interrupted.

"You must be the new maid."

This voice was far more pleasant and conversational than Prince Chevalier's, but it still startled me enough to jump when I turned around. The man in the doorway was quite distinctive, with violet hair and golden eyes, and his immaculate dress identified him as another prince. He wore white pants and a white shirt, a violet jacket with gold fastenings, a deep purple tie and a pair of blue boots that cut off just below the knee, a white cloak, and a pair of brown gloves, all tailored for a perfect fit. On first impression, he wasn't as threatening as Prince Chevalier, although he, too, wore a sword strapped to his side.

"What a reaction! You must have met Chev yesterday," he said, laughing.

I didn't appreciate the humor of the situation, and I certainly didn't appreciate his laughter at my expense. "Yes, your highness, Prince Chevalier was in here yesterday," I replied.

"And lived to tell the tale. What's your name?" His golden eyes danced with glee, like a little boy who had just received an amusing new toy. I was immediately on guard. He was going to be trouble, just like Prince Chevalier.

"My name is Ivetta, your highness. And you are...?"

"Clavis. Now tell me, are you brave, or just foolish?" His tone didn't change at all, but his eyes narrowed slightly, and I suddenly felt very trapped.

"Prince Clavis," I said carefully, "I'm not sure I understand the question."

"Not the brightest one, then. I'll spell it out for you. Do you really think Chev wants you in here?" He dropped the volume of his voice slightly as he finished his question, as if he didn't want to be overheard by someone.

More insults. Had nobody taught these princes any manners?

"There is no reason for you to call my intelligence into question, your highness. The library, including this room, has been placed in my care, and Prince Chevalier has given me no indication to suggest otherwise. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do before lunchtime." I turned back to my work in what I hoped would be a smooth, decisive motion. There was a brief silence, followed by an amused laugh.

"Such a brave little dove. I may have to stop by later to see if you're still in one piece." The laughing continued but grew softer as he walked away.

I sighed as I continued my mopping. There were eight princes, all sons of the king and six different women. Prince Chevalier's mother, the queen, had died a long time ago. The king was very ill and had been for some time, so his regent, Sariel Noir, was the de facto ruler of the kingdom, with the princes supporting him. If all the princes were like the two I'd met so far, I was going to have a very hard time maintaining my professional composure.

After a quick lunch and a good read in the alcove, I returned to work in the main library. Prince Chevalier arrived midafternoon, as he had the day before, and walked over to where I was washing windows. Even though I was on a ladder above him, it still felt like he was looking down his nose at me. His icy blue eyes regarded me coolly.

"Would you like me to bring you some tea, Prince Chevalier?" I asked, climbing down the ladder. A good maid should always try to anticipate her master's needs, and like it or not, I had the feeling that was what he had become to me.