But Daddy I Love Him (Tayvis Short Story)

four

For the next two of the six days before the day I was meant to be married, I spent my time in my room. Father was furious with me for what I had spoken with Joe about, and told me to spend time alone until I composed myself. I sat by the window for hours, gazing out at the light snow finally coming in, dusting everything I could see. I simply felt miserable.

On the third day, I finally ventured out of my room out of pure boredom. I could find no sign of anyone; father and Austin must be in meetings again. They were always in meetings now. I sighed to myself as I walked slowly around the castle, no destination in mine, just letting my shoes tap across the stone as my thin dress swished around my ankles.

After a little while, I made my way down to the staff's quarters and knocked on the door lightly. While I waited, I peeked around to make sure no one was nearby, knowing I would be scolded for going behind my father's back. But perhaps this would be one of my last chances to do some good, and I wanted to take it.

"Oh, hello princess." Maggie blinked in surprise at me when she opened the door.

"Hello Maggie." I smiled. "Would I be able to have a sack of food and some blankets? I am going down to the village."

"Of course princess, come in." Maggie nodded, and I slipped past her. She was so used to me going that she did not even ask if I had my father's permission; she just assumed that I did. 

She helped me to get a sack of food and a bag of blankets, and I hooked them over my shoulders before thanking her gratefully and leaving. I dashed quickly through the gates, nodding at the guards. One of them immediately moved to come with me, since I always had an escort while on foot, I was used to that. He was quiet, staying steps behind me, only there to make sure I stayed safe.

When I got down to the village, I walked through the center to the back houses where the poor people without homes were often found. I spent a while passing through them, handing out blankets to those who did not have any, making sure everyone had food, and crouching down to speak to some who seemed to have enough energy to do so. Some I had seen multiple times, and all thanked me profusely with everything I handed them.

As I held the hand of a pregnant girl who was even younger than me, consoling her, my eyes flickered over past a home, down an alley to see someone leaning against a wall. My breath caught and I looked back at the guard, who had seemed to find someone he knew and was chatting with them. Glancing back at the girl, I handed her a blanket and wished her well before I darted down the alley to where Travis stood.

"You are still here." I whispered. "I thought for sure you had gone home by now." Travis shook his head.

"I had to see you again princess." He told me. "And I heard whispers that the princess often comes down to help the people without homes, so I thought I might try and see if you came. And you did." He smiled. "Of course you did. You have such a sweet heart princess."

"Thank you." I whispered, blushing. "However my father has forbidden me from ever seeing you again and so I fear this will be the last time we speak."

"No, do not say that." Travis took up my hands. "Princess I find myself unable to walk away from you. I know we are not allowed to see each other, but I want to."

"Me too." I breathed. "But how? Soon I will be married and I will live in Joe's home, not mine any longer. I will be a wife, and I will be expected to bear his children. I will never be able to see you again."

"I do not know princess." Travis sighed. "I only wish there was a way for us, a way that we could choose in our own time." I nodded, my heart hanging heavy in my chest. Oh, I had never longed for much, but now I longed for more time with this man before I was snatched away by the cruel claws of expectations. For a life where I could choose.