A Dove's Tale

Chapter 12

When we reached the city, the crowded streets forced the carriage to slow significantly, and Prince Chevalier called for the coachman to stop.

"You are here as my personal attendant," he said coolly. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, your highness."

He stepped down out of the carriage, and his chilling presence immediately cleared a path for us. I followed quietly, beside and a bit behind, hurrying to keep up with his long strides. The expressions of those around us were striking compared to the expressions of those same people when they looked at Prince Leon. Prince Chevalier inspired awe and an almost reverent fear with his inborn aristocratic bearing.

"Hey there!"

Prince Leon's booming voice carried well, even over the hubbub of the massive crowd. He was also taller than most, so it wasn't hard to pick his smiling face out. I smiled back at him as he pushed his way toward us. Prince Chevalier didn't acknowledge him.

"I'm still working, P - Leon," I said, realizing just in time that he was in disguise again.

"Will your boss let me buy you a drink?"

"I don't tolerate drunkenness from my employees," Prince Chevalier said without turning around.

"Apple cider it is," Prince Leon announced, and then he disappeared back into the crowd.

Prince Chevalier said nothing but continued winding his way through the festival goers until we arrived at a stall selling rare books. My eyes lit up at the sight of all those beautiful tomes, the brightly colored bindings, the ornate lettering.

"You have most of these already, Prince Chevalier," I said, running my fingers across the spines. "But I don't think you have this one."

He took the book I'd indicated and glanced at it. "You are correct. Shopkeeper."

The shopkeeper was already trembling in Prince Chevalier's presence, and he nearly fainted when Prince Chevalier addressed him. "Y-y-yes, your highness?"

"Are these all the books you have?"

"N-n-no, y-y-your highness," the shopkeeper replied, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down nervously.

"Here's another one, Prince Chevalier," I said, pulling out another book. "And another. There's a really good selection here." I handed each book to Prince Chevalier without taking my eyes off of the titles I was still scanning. He continued questioning the shopkeeper about a particular book he was looking for while I kept up my search.

"There you are. One apple cider, coming up!" Prince Leon appeared beside me and shoved a mug into my hand.

"Thank you - Leon," I said, catching myself again. I straightened up, taking a sip. "Mm, this is good. I think I'm done, Prince Chevalier."

"Bundle these up," he instructed the shopkeeper.

"Y-y-yes, of c-c-course," the shopkeeper stammered, his fingers shaking as he stacked the books together. It was a dozen volumes, and it surprised me to find so many. Prince Chevalier's collection was extraordinarily vast.

"You're doing his shopping?" Prince Leon asked, his amber eyes searching mine.

"I'm here to work, Leon. Here, let me help you." I reached out to steady the stack of books while the shopkeeper fumbled with some bits of twine.

"That won't be necessary, my lady," he said. The poor man had sweat beading on his forehead, and it wasn't even that hot outside.

"It's no trouble. Leon, could you take this?"