To Hide a Princess

Chapter Nine

Chapter 9

As sad as I am to move away from Fin and into another inn, I know that I have to move on and get a grip. This is my life and I need to stay in control and not let my pesky little heart overcome me and make me weak.

I ride Aranel through the city, making sure to take the small alleyways, cuts and passages to lose any tail I might have. I haven't noticed anyone following me and that's a rare thing but I cannot risk it. Who knows there could be someone better than me at blending into the shadows. I ride on and on until dusk, at times weeping and at times staying strong. My heart bleeds for the one that I cannot have.

I arrive fairly late at another inn. A large very obvious and popular inn. I figure that it would be best to hide in plain sight. This is the inn all travelers stay at so I can hide amongst a lot of people. I pay for a small room for two nights deciding this is long enough to stay before moving to another inn. The innkeeper recognizes me and like fin offers me money for my music. I accept since I want to buy a small home here. I've decided I won't move until I have to, the city has grown on me and I love it here. It's home.

Since this inn is so much more popular I earn much more money here but I miss Fin, he was my father figure. I decide that I will take the risk and go to see him soon to apologize. I don't think Legolas will expect me to return to somewhere that I was nearly caught.

The next two days pass uneventfully and I now have quite a lot of money in case I decide to buy a small house or cottage to stay. Today is the day that I will return to see Fin and apologize. I should not have left him in such a way that I did.

I ride up to the inn and tie up Aranel outside. I find Fin inside wiping down tables and cleaning the bar. I stand in the doorway and teasingly speak to him.

"Miss me Fin?"

Abruptly he turns around, recognising my voice.

"Miss Fallyn! I didn't think I was going to see you around again in these parts, it's so good to see you midear. But you left so fast I couldn't say goodbye."

I look down in shame,

"I really am sorry Fin, I just couldn't let myself be caught by Legolas. I had to leave but I truly didn't want to leave you. You work too hard for a man of your age and deserve a good rest. I am so sorry!"

"Midear you have nothing to apologise for. I understand why you ran but really dear why do you run from your soul mate. Yes I can tell Fallyn, you belong together. Surely it would be easier to go with him. He loves you and he hardly knows you. Age brings wisdom you know dear"

"I understand Fin but I just can't". With this I begin to tell him my whole story from my kingdom to where I am today. He listens carefully nodding and saying everything I need to hear. He truly is a wonderful man. Once I finish, a flicker of movement in the corner catches my eye as a young boy makes him way out of the door. I excuse myself from Fin and run outside to catch him.

I catch up just as he runs into a small dark alleyway. I know this kind of boy, he was spying on me.

"Stop," I shout, "Please!"

He hesitantly turns around and looks me in the eye before shying away.

"Please, I know you're working for Legolas, can you just tell me anything. Anything he's planning."

"M'fraid that I can't tell you miss, apologies"

"I'm begging you please, I'll do anything"

Again he only looks at me pityingly. An idea hits me.

"wait you...you're homeless? Or poor? I don't know but clearly there's something wrong. I'll help you, I promise. I'm not even asking you to tell me his plans anymore. I'm just asking you not to tell him where I am. I'll help with anything I promise"

He appears to think for a second, scuffing his feet on the ground. Eventually he looks up at me again. Now I notice that he looks only about ten years old. The poor thing

"Homeless milady. I'm homeless and I have no money or family."

"I am so sorry. Let me help!"

"Thank you milady. I'm willing to work...I just need...help....Help me......please?" He looks up with hope and a hidden desperate need.

"Of course I will help you but please tell me your name?"

"I'm Orophin, milady. I was named after the late prince of Eldarewen. I share his birthday and all. My mother said it was a sign. Called me her little prince. She passed away last year, she was the last of my family."

He stands there looking cold and lost hugging himself and tears drip down his face. If he was the same age as Elfor then he would be eleven now. He reminded me so much of my little brother, just a young innocent boy. He needs hope and he needs help. I approach him quickly and wrap him into a hug. I let him cry into my chest as I stroke him head. He needs a mother or at least someone to care for him. I'm determined to be that person. I murmur comfort in his ear and lead him towards Aranel who is still outside the inn. I lift him up in front of me and we take off riding throughout the city. I hum into his hair as we ride under the stars to find a place to sleep

"We have a new life now Orophin, we'll get through this together"