Her Portrait

Clarke

Once again Arianthe was standing in front of the king.
"Now I hope that night has given you a chance to clear your head, Arianthe." Her father was saying.
"It has, My Lord."
"I am overjoyed to hear it." he coldly replied " "Now I want nothing more than you to go back to your chambers and stay there like a good responsible princess."
The girl said nothing.
"Can you do that for me?" Asked the king patronisingly.
"Yes, sir." She answered.
"Good." King Eustace sat back in his throne "Take her away." He said to the guards holding her.
~~~~
Back in her room Arianthe was in turmoil.
She couldn't stop thinking about that corridor she'd glimpsed for half a second, she somehow knew it was important otherwise her father wouldn't have restricted it. What was so important down there that her father was so desperate to protect? Or to keep out.
"My Lady?"
Arianthe jumped and turned around to see Agnes standing in the doorway.
"Sorry to interrupt but Mr Clarke is here, he says your father sent him." She smiled.
"Send him in." Replied the Princess.
Her tutor entered her bedroom, bowed and kissed the girls hand. He didn't let go of it.
"When I heard that his majesty the king had you in jail Iwas shocked as you can imagine." He simpered.
Arianthe smiled politely and tried to release her hand.
"Well I am quite alright now, Clarke, thank you." She said.
"Are you sure, My Lady? It was very unusual of King Eustace to lock you up like that. You may benefit from a little lie down."
He was pulling at her wrist now, pulling her closer and closer until she could see every wrinkle ploughed into his wizened face.
"Thank you, Clarke, but I'll have to say no this once," Arianthe was getting scared now "and if you have nothing else to say you may go."
Her tutor paused and looked at her.
"Are you sure, My Lady?"
He clenched her wrist tighter.
"Yes I am sure, sir."
He paused and then dropped her wrist.
"Well then, I'll be seeing you at dinner, My Lady." He said.
She watched him go with hate and loathing in her heart. She'd always known Mr Clarke had been attracted to her like that, ever since...
But she couldn't remind herself of that now, she'd promised herself she would never think of that day again. Shuddering as she recalled what he had done to her all those years ago she made a mental note to herself to tell Agnes to have her dinner brought up later.