A Dove's Tale

Chapter 14

"Good morning, Prince Chevalier," I called the next morning, tying the drapes back.

There was no response from the lump under the covers.

"Sorry to break it to you, your highness, but it's back to work again today," I continued as I went to his bureau.

The blankets rustled behind me.

"The festival was a lot of fun, but I'm glad it only lasted one day."

"For once, we agree on something," he mumbled.

I pulled his clothes out of the drawers, smiling to myself.

"It's bound to happen once in a while, your highness."

He pushed back the covers and stretched languidly as I set the clothes on the sofa next to the bed.

"I hope you had the sense to take my advice," he said condescendingly.

"Yes, I did, your highness. Prince Leon was happy to walk me home. I'll be back with your breakfast."

Maybe a bit too happy, I thought as I left. He fell neatly into the category of 'big brother' to me, but I wasn't entirely sure he intended that kiss to come across as innocent. Then again, he'd been drinking all day. He hadn't seemed drunk, but maybe he was one of those people who held their liquor well. In any case, as I'd said to Prince Chevalier, it was back to work today. No more apple cider, or funnel cakes, or teasing smiles and friendly arms around my shoulder. In fact, I planned to work extra hard today, in appreciation for the day off Prince Chevalier had given me.

"I was hoping to run into you," Prince Clavis said, falling in line beside me as I made my way back to Prince Chevalier's room with his breakfast.

"Good morning, Prince Clavis."

"You looked like you were having fun yesterday."

"I was, thank you. I hope you did as well, your highness."

"Oh, yes. There was so much entertainment around," he said, wearing his usual sly grin. "Chev looked like he was having fun, too."

"Really? How could you tell, your highness?" I asked innocently. My tone was meant to deny whatever implication he was making, but the question was genuine.

He shrugged. "Just a feeling I got. How was it, being the life of the party?"

I blushed at that. "I think Prince Leon was the life of the party, your highness. He really enjoys sneaking out of the palace, doesn't he?"

"Yeah, and he and Chev always avoid each other as much as possible. Yet there they were, hanging on your every word," he said, his golden eyes sparkling mischievously.

"You're exaggerating, Prince Clavis."

Fortunately, we had arrived at Prince Chevalier's door, and I could end this embarrassing conversation.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to deliver Prince Chevalier's breakfast."

"Chev won't mind if I tag along," he replied smoothly, opening the door for me.

"Prince Clavis, you and I both know that he will. And he's in the bathroom right now, too."

I stepped inside and tried to close the door, but Prince Clavis pushed in after me.

"Just do whatever it is you do," he said casually. "Leave Chev to me."

The bathroom door was wide open, as usual. The only way Prince Chevalier wasn't hearing this was if he was currently underwater in the bath. I sighed and called out, "Prince Chevalier, you have a visitor," as I crossed the room to set his breakfast on the desk.