Thread: The Prince's Servant (Rai & Bell)

An expanse of brilliant green and forests stretched far before him, and farther towered a snow-capped mountain range. Rowan, seated on his mount, admired the magnificent colors created by the morning sunrise. The wind that blew past was cool, hinting that a storm would arrive at some point later that day. Rain would be good for the land. His fathers kingdom had suffered drought the prior year and nearly perished from starvation. A soft smile graced the princes otherwise rough features. The king cared dearly for all of his subjects, unlike his mother. Thoughts of the queen swirled like a dark cloud in Rowans mind. His smile faded, replaced with a hardened expression and a crease between his gray eyes. The very thought of his mothers cruelty toward his fathers subject and how she influenced the kings decisions angered Rowan. Rowans steed snorted and tugged at the reins. The motion was enough to drag Rowan from thoughts of his mother. Easy boy, he murmured, patting the horses thick white neck. Youll have your breakfast soon enough. The prince glanced back at the forest trees that towered behind him. A leisurely hunt would have to wait until evening, or perhaps tomorrow. Exhaling, Rowan flicked the reins and the horse stepped forward into a steady gait. The soft green grasses beneath the animals hooves muffled its footsteps. As they descended the hill, Rowans gaze travelled over his fathers lands. One day, he would be king of the very same lands. With any luck, he would be as good a king as his father was. An image of the queen flashed through his mind, and the prince scowled. He would betroth a woman greater than his mother. His queen would be kind, caring, sweet and motherly. She would treat her subjects with respect, just as she would be respectful of him as king and as her husband. A different face entered his thoughts then, calming the darkness that swirled in his eyes. Again, a smile so soft appeared on his face, and he looked to the castle. She was probably up already, treading lightly through the halls as she did most mornings. He admired her for her bravery as much as he did her beauty. It had been a while since theyd had a chance to talk. The queen was swift to interrupt if she caught Rowan conversing with Ella. She would never scold her son, but poor Ella. Hed only heard of the punishments inflicted on servants that misbehaved. Lets go, boy. Home! Another flick of the reins and drive of his heels into the horses side sent it into a gallop. Back within the massive stone walls of his fathers inner kingdom, Rowan led his white steed to the stables. He tended to the animal himself, denying the stable boys insistence to leave the work to him. What did it matter if the prince cared for his own horse? Perhaps it mattered to his mother, but it mattered not to Rowan. He was young and perfectly capable of carrying out tasks such as this. Sliding the saddle from the horses back, he did allow the stable boy to take it away. Bring me a bucket of grain when you return, Rowan said, with a smile. The stable boy nodded his response, having given up trying to fight the stubborn prince. Once the stable boy disappeared, Rowan set about mucking out the stall and laying down fresh straw. It would be at least an hour before he finished. However, hed risen early, and he wouldnt miss seeing her. Not today. Sir. The stable boys voice startled the prince, who turned to look at the young lad. In the boys hand was the requested bucket of grain. Wiping sweat from his forehead, Rowan smiled and held out his hand. Thank you. He turned and dumped the grain into the feeding trough. When the horse began to eat, Rowan turned back to face the stable boy. An idea entered his mind in that instant and his smile became one of mischief. A gold piece for you if you will ready my horse for riding again after hes finished eating. Can you do that? As large as two melons did the stable boys eyes grow, and he nodded in eager agreement. Good, Rowan said, still smiling, and went about finishing his work. Perhaps he could convince Ella to permit him to take her outside the castle walls. They could ride through the forest, talk, and maybe even enjoy a meal together. It would have to be a simple meal of bread, but he liked the idea of eating with her nonetheless. These thoughts hastened his pace, and when he was finished, he headed for the castle. He knew where he would find her, provided she hadnt been as quick as he to finish her chores. She would have to prepare the hall for his fathers meeting. He entered through one of the three large arched doorways, the screens passage, mindful to step over the bit of stone that separated the hall from other parts of the castle. There, coming toward him, he saw her. She was barefoot, not uncommon of her. The gentle morning light that streamed in through the bay window only made her appear more majestic and beautiful in his eyes. Ella. Her name left his lips on a low note. If ever he could suppress a smile, it wasnt before her. One was present on his face as his eyes took her in. How much work have you left to do before my fathers meeting at noon? Stepping to her, he reached a hand up and brushed his thumb across her cheek. His fingertips followed the shape of her ear as they tucked strands of hair behind her ear. That was better. He could see more of her angelic face. His hand fell to his side, and he stepped past her to let her find her shoes. Its been a while since we last had a chance to speak, he said, focusing his sight on the broom shed been using to sweep up the hall. With a strong grip, he picked it up in one hand, tossed it to his other, and then set it down again. He turned over his shoulder to face her once more. Ive quite missed hearing your voice. His gray eyes were shining, and he quirked an eyebrow as he looked upon her. Have you missed hearing mine? There were many more reasons hed missed her. Her smile and laugh were two more.