The Storyteller

Six (part 1/2)

This girl was completely oblivious to the circumstances she was in. Either this princess was extremely self-confident, or dumb. Possibly both. She was taking everything he said with a smile, eager to conform to his changes. She didn't know how much trouble both of them were going to be in if someone important found out the princess was in the East without a proper chaperone. He doubted anyone would understand he had chivalrous intentions if they were discovered. Being no one of significance, he couldn't force her to return to the castle. Instead, he could only stay and protect her. He sighed, shaking his head to himself. "What's the matter?" A soft voice intruded his thoughts. She was looking up at him with her blue eye, innocent and hopeful. It was almost childish in a way, most girls her age were betrothed to men old enough to be their father, and worked countless hours cleaning house while raising babies. Most girls her age were no longer capable of creating such a look. They knew too much about the hardships of life, struggles the princess will probably never experience. "No, I'm fine. Shall we go, Princess?" He replied after a moment of staring at her. "Don't call me that here." She was looking down now, hiding her face. "Pardon..?" Tayle was slightly confused. Does she mean her birthright? Her title? "I am not permitted to call you anything else. It is considered a transgression to not address you properly, princess." Her head snapped up, playfulness glinting in her eye. "When it is just us, call me Nimeuh. It's a direct order from your princess." She set her hands in her hips, smirking up at him. "Now, let's go!" She turned on her heel, beelining for the festival. Tayle was stunned for a moment by her bluntness, a grin tugging at his lips as he followed her. He stayed close behind her as she lead them through the crowd. After a few minutes of directionless walking, it became clear to Tayle that she had absolutely no idea were she wanted to go. He cupped her elbow and led her next to a stall were they could speak while staying out of the way of the festival-goers. She looked up at him, pouting slightly. "What? We've only just got back!" He chuckled softly at her expression. "What do you want to do?" If he was going to follow her around, Tayle wanted to have a plan. She stared up at him dumbfounded. She pursed her lips slightly and drew her eyebrows together in thought. "I'm hungry." She said finally. "What's the best stall to eat at?"