The Heir and her Guard

Chapter 39

A few weeks had now passed since Jane and Max had watched the sunset outside together, and while the guard was out training her army despite the chilly weather, the Princess was in town with Will.

They were mainly there to make sure everyone was doing okay during the winter, giving out firewood to those who needed it, and offering freshly baked goods straight from the palace kitchens to those who were hungry.

Jane was on Sterling, the horse they had raised in the castle's stables since he was a foal. Will was talking with a young family, giving them blankets for their newborn baby and assuring them that everything was free of charge.

"Princess!" A man suddenly exclaimed, holding his daughter up on his shoulders. "My daughter would like to talk to you." He approached her, and looked up at the child who was wearing a massive grin on her face. She reached ahead and stroked Sterling gently, earning a scolding from her father.

"Alice! You can't just touch the Princess' horse like that, you must ask first!" He spoke, embarrassed. "I'm so sorry ma'am."
"It's okay, really." She smiled lightly, "Do you like horses?" She asked the girl.

She nodded enthusiastically, "I have one of my own at home!"
"Is that so? Oh wow." Jane grinned, watching her eyes full of awe as she touched the white horse.
"She's talking about her rocking horse." Her father whispered, making the princess chuckle.

"Daddy, daddy!" She suddenly exclaimed, "Can I have a go?"
"What are you talking about child?" He asked, exasperated with his energetic daughter.
"On the horsie! I want to ride it!"
"Oh no no, the Princess needs to give people aid. There shan't be time for you go on the horse."
"Please?" She asked, giving her dad puppy dog eyes.

"I can do both if you'd like." Jane offered, "I shall bring her with me while I help the others, if that's okay with you."
"Would you really? Oh thank you greatly." The man thanked her gratefully, glad he wouldn't have to deal with a sobbing child at home. He helped her onto the saddle, and Jane settled her down in front of her, allowing her to stroke Sterling's mane while she had the reins.

"I will stay in eyeshot of you, and I assure you I won't be long." The Princess said, not wanting him to grow worried.
"Oh please. Tire her out, I beg of you." He spoke.
Jane laughed lightly, turning to look behind her. "Do you need any necessities? Some firewood, a blanket perhaps?"

He shook his head, "Go give it to people who need it. I shall wait here. Thank you again."
Jane nodded, making sure Alice was secure on the saddle. "It's my pleasure." She smiled, Sterling beginning to carefully trot down the path.

———

"Yes, but then my father said no!" Alice rambled on about her day to the princess who was listening intently while also handing out the last of the blankets.
"Well you shouldn't blame him too much, having a dog isn't an easy task."
"Well of course it is! You get to play with it!"
"As well as feeding it and making sure it's well cared for. And you know what the worst part is?"
"What?" The girl asked, curious.
"You even have to go outside in the cold just so it can have a poo." She mumbled close to her ear as if it was a secret.

"Ewww!" Alice giggled, "What about the toilet?"
"Dogs don't often use toilets, they prefer the dirt." Jane told her, beginning to turn back to meet her father.
"Very well..." She sighed, "Maybe I shall ask for a dog once more when I'm a little bit older. Ooh and a cat! And maybe a fish too!"
"An amazing plan, I give you my full support."

They finally returned and Alice's father took her from the saddle, thanking Jane once again.

"Princess, I shall tell you how it goes when I next see you!" The girl said.
"See you soon! And good luck!" Jane waved, following Will out of town once their stock was completely gone.