"Princess! Princess!"
Princess Tilly opened her eyes.
"What is it, Susan? It is too early to be awake."
"But, your highness, your brother has returned."
"What?"
Tilly sat up in bed.
"When did he arrive?"
"Just moments ago. He is still in the stables."
Ignoring all proprieties, she jumped out of bed and ran toward the stables. Taken aback by her exit, the guards outside her room scrambled to catch up to the girl. In moments, she reached the stable.
"Eric!"
The girl jumped into his arms.
"Good to see you too, Tilly," he said wrapping her in a hug.
"How was your trip?"
"It was productive. i'll tell you all about it later. I have someone I would like you to meet; although I do not know if you want to be introduced in a less than lady status."
Embarrassed, she realized that she was still in her nightgown. He motioned for a cloaked figure to come forward.
"Tilly, this is Alicia."
The girl bowed, "Pleased to meet you, your highness."
"Likewise."
"And this is our son, Tanner."
Alicia pulled back her cloak slightly, revealing a sleeping baby.
"Oh, may I?"
"Of course."
Alicia handed the baby to Tilly.
"How old is he, Eric?"
"Two months."
"He is precious."
"Come you two, let us go inside where it is warm."
The girls followed Eric.
"I'm assuming father does not know that I have returned."
"I do not know. Susan informed me of your arrival."
"Well, there is no need to wake him."
"In other words no need to inform him about them."
"That will come soon enough," Eric smiled.
She hugged her brother.
"I am going back to bed, but I look forward to seeing you in the morning."
"I love you, Tilly."
"I love you too. I am so glad you are home."
"I'll see you in the morning."
Tilly's guards led her back to her room.
The next morning, the king's voice bellowed in the throne room.
"You brought a harlot home!"
"No, Father, Alicia is not a harlot. I love her and our son."
"I'm a grandfather?" he shook his head. "I will not allow you to bring disgrace to our kingdom. You must get rid of her this instant."
"If that is your wish, but know this: If you banish her, you banish me."
