Swan Song

Ten

Anike woke bright and early. Things were supposed to look brighter in the morning but she didn't feel much better. Maybe it was as the other saying goes; time heals all wounds. She pushed herself up, the stone in her chest making it harder work than usual.

  She'd slept in her dress. Stupid. It would need to be steamed before tonight. She slipped it off then dressed in her uniform. She made her bed than got Odessa up.

"What happened to you last night?" The princess yawned. "I came back and you were asleep."

"Sorry. We're not all night owls. It would be better if the day started at noon and ended well past midnight for you."

Odessa smirked. "When I'm queen that will be my first edict." She declared as they began to prepare her for the day. "So what about your family? Did Madam Rumbel really know you?"

"Oh yes..." Odessa would forget her left shoe if Anike didn't strap it to her foot, but when it came to news, her mind was like a steel trap. Anike supposed it meant she cared. She'd always been interested in the people and the lives of friends, living vicariously through them, Anike thought, but right now it was a very annoying quality. "She worked with my parents. And she was Miss LuLu's sister."

"Oh, I remember LuLu. She brought you to the palace right?"

"Yes exactly." Anike nodded as she finished her hair. Please drop it. Please drop it. Please drop it.

"So what did she tell you about them. She must have had some stories."

"Uh, well, she did, yes...uh...long stories. I can tell you later. You have to meet with your father don't you? And we're already behind schedule."

"Stars! I forgot. Later. Definitely later. No falling asleep on me."

"I promise." She called as Odessa hurried from the room. Anike sighed, relieved. Well that was one problem delayed. Right now she would focus on her chores. She changed Odessa's sheets, then took her dress downstairs to be steamed in the washroom.

The day crawled by. She wasn't looking forward to tonight. Appoligizing wasn't exactly her strong suit. And she still had no idea what she'd say to Odessa.

***

"You're going to reject a courtship aren't you?" Malachi asked though it wasn't really a question. He sat on Roan's bed testing it for comfort. Not nearly as nice as Roan's bed back home but still more comfortable than his slab here at the inn. Lucky him. Princes, even second princes, got the best comforts and didn't have to bunk with snoring soldiers. Malachi missed the castle and his own room. He was glad Roan wasn't showing much interest in the Princess. It meant they could leave soon. Though he couldn't imagine why Roan barely glanced twice at such a beauty. Still there was something or rather someone that might keep Roan from doing his duty and consequently keep Malachi from his familiar chambers back in Ofrincia. "That serving girl, however..."

"What about her?" Roan snapped as he washed his face. Jonas handed him a towel then his shirt.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. Except, she seemed upset with you."

"Well it's not my fault. I didn't lie to her."

"Right."

"I didn't!" He insisted as Jonas buckled the belt around his vest.

"I didn't say anything." Malachi waved his hands.

"And neither did you, my Lord." Jonas muttered.

Roan threw him a look as the servent boy strapped on his ceremonial dagger. "And just what is that supposed to mean?"

He shrugged, "There are many things said or not said between folk, which hold meaning." Jonas said. Of course it was not his place nor Malachi's to call out a prince.