The Path to Ivory

Ch. 8 - Corrupted

The way he said it irked something in me. Why would you say I could afford something if I couldn't purchase it, that, to me, is deceitful. I had the money to pay, but now I was irritated and it was all directed at him.

"Now, boy, don't lose your head." My deep scratchy voice made him second guess his attitude, I could tell, and he looked around for a second to decide his next act. For his benefit I hoped he'd make the right decision. "I just wanted a piece of chocolate, you hear? Ain't no need for the theatrics."

It seemed my words relayed clearly, and he nodded. "I apologize, sir, but if you don't have the money I'm afraid I cannot provide you with the service you asked for." While it wasn't an answer I wanted, he was just protecting his business. A pricey business, sure, but I could respect that.

"Well'n, that's fine. D'ya know where a cowpoke could get horse feed?" I might as well get something for Truffle before I search for a place to sleep tonight. If the food was out of my price range, I can guarantee they won't have a room for me.

"My educated guess would be the Tack and Feed on the other side of town, south-ways." Well, that was a satisfying answer. I'm surprised they have a proper place for the horses, but I suppose they had some themselves. Prim horses, granted, but that wasn't my business. 

"Thank ya kindly, sir." I tilt my hat, and turn to head out, surprised to remember that they didn't have doors. But I should've known that despite the lack of doors, that people still went in and out of the shops. In my quick moving and no checking, a person stepped through without a second guess.

I put my hand to my chest and step out of the way before we collide, nodding to them. Though I didn't think they noticed me. "G'mornin', my 'pologies." Despite the other people here not responding, you always have to have manners. To my disbelief, they respond.

"Ah, I'm sorry, too. I should've checked where I was going! Good morning!" It was a young man's voice, and I found myself pleased to know at least the younger ones around here had manners. I looked up to find no young man, though, at least not one I could've expected.

I believed them to be a young lady. She had pastel pink hair, shaped in a way I'd never seen before but reminiscent of one of the ladies back home. She was gorgeous, honestly, like a picture perfect princess from one of the stories. At least, I didn't know if she was a princess, I hadn't asked yet.

Removing my hat from my head and placing it to my chest, my head lowered with. "Why I'll be, you're quite the stunnin' one." Being straightforward has gotten me into trouble before, but it's also given me some fun and memorable nights with other stunning girls. "Who do I owe the pleasure of running into, young'n lady?" That was my assumption, at least.

"L-lady?" My eyes slightly widened, not enough to tell, but I noted that for myself. 'Keep your assumptions low and few.' They looked slightly down, and I hoped it was not because of me, but their makeup made me have to think if they were blushing or not. "W-well." They continued. "I am the Prince of this Kingdom. Praline Ivoire. Nice to meet you." Prince, eh? They sure were pretty, for a prince.

I was expecting more, though, or at least for them to form it as a question. I asked who they were, and even if they were royalty, why wouldn't they have the manners of asking who I was? My thoughts didn't read on my face, thank goodness, but it was definitely a consideration. "Prince Praline, is that so? Well I 'pologize for callin' you a young'n lady, you are still stunnin' though." I reached forward and took their hand in my own, my callouses and tough skin grazing against their pillowy soft fingers. I lifted it, and placed a gentle kiss on the knuckles.

They looked more shocked than flattered, and I grow a tad nervous.

"I..." They're speechless, and I'm left to guess that it's not in a good way. "Thank you."

A welcome surprise! They didn't look like they hated it, it seemed that they were just having a bad day. Maybe something I could fix! They speak up again. "Oh, where are my manners! May I ask who you are?" An even more welcome surprise! Their rosy glow made me feel something, something good.

"Goodness me, you're a right angel." My mouth moves faster than my brain. A deep feeling of panic builds up, as I can't use one of my old names, let alone my original one. I had to come up with something on the fly.

"I'm honored'ta make your acquaintance, Praline, my names... Chocolat." Certainly the least creative I could be in the moment, I'll take my losses where I can get them, same as my wins. And the win is talking to this beautiful Prince in front of me.