Essence of Narnia

Chapter 31

I walked into one of the back entrances of the castle and nearly bumped into a broad figure. "If you may excuse me." I mumbled.

"Well don't you just smell like a rose?"

I rolled my eyes. "Don't start with me Peter, unlike some people I actually don't mind getting my hands dirty now and then."

Peter chuckled and gave me a knowing smile. "Oh why does it seem as if I might have an idea as to whom you're referring too?"

"I'm pretty sure we both know who I'm talking about here. No need to point names." I shifted the water pail as it was starting feel heavier holding it with one arm.

Peter, seeing this offered a hand. "Here let me help you. I'll walk you to the stables to clean these up."

I shrugged and gave him the water pail as we began to walk down the brightly lit halls passing a maid every now and then. Heaven bless them for being so polite as to hide their discomfort of the manure stench that clung to my skin. They smiled and curtsied kindly as we passed and I could almost swear I could hear an sigh of relief when they thought I was out of ear shot.

"I just can't wait to take a bath." I muttered.

"You don't exactly smell lovely Charlotte." Peter chuckled.

"Oh hush it why don't you. Before I end up rubbing the smell on you." 

"No you wouldn't dare." he teased, his blue eyes challenging me.

"Really?" I cocked an eyebrow and raised my arm at him. "Come here and let me share this wonderful perfume on you!" I teased as he backed away trying to dodge my smelly self.

"Charlotte, don't you even try. You little goat." 

My eyes widened. "You did not just call me a goat!"

He smiled. "But you sure do smell a lot like one." 

"Peter you-"

"What is that foul smell?" 

Peter and I turned our heads just as Julie, Edmund and Caspian came into view from behind us and for a while we stared.

Julie crinkled her nose. "Charlotte what is that horrible smell?"

"I apologize Princess Julie for the smell. Lady Charlotte was just doing some of her duties." Peter apologized with a crooked smile. 

Her round blue eyes widened in surprise. "With manure? A lady should know better than to muck around in the dirt!"

"I do what I must." I shrugged.

"You shouldn't even be doing peasantry work! We have maids for that! Why don't you come along with me and-" Julie stepped forward reaching for my hand but stopped midway, the creases on her nose getting deeper as the stench got stronger. "Erhm, just come along and I'll help you get cleaned up. Peter, go and hand those pails to the maids please and thank you." 

"No, I know how to handle myself. I've worked with worse conditions." 

"Yes, don't fret Lady Julie. Charlotte has always been more than capable of handling unfeminine tasks. Don't take it to heart." Edmund says stepping in.

"Unfeminine?" I raised an eyebrow. "Now what do you mean by that?" 

"Nevermind him Charlotte let's go." Peter said abruptly grabbing my arm.

"But Peter!" Julie exclaimed.

"Oh, don't you worry I can take care of her just fine." Peter called back winking as he said so.