The Fallen Princess

Three

When they arrived at the orphanage, Zakai dismounts, then helps his sister down from his horse. He then goes to gather the young princesses from knights. “Thank you, Aldric for always arranging transport of the girls for me,” she tells him, as he places the youngest of the girls in her arms and Zaria sets her down, away from the horse and pulls out a small leather pouch. “I don’t have much but I would like to buy you and your men a drink at least.” She holds out a silver coin to him and he pushes her hand away.

“How about you ride with me next time instead.” he counters with a sly grin “No.” Zakai calls, as he sets the last of the little princesses on the ground and Aldric chuckles. “It will be a few hours; we are being briefed on the arrival of some of the Kings guests. I will come back for you after that.” He winks over at Zaria, and she gives him a smile “until then.” She says patting his horse then turns away to gather the girls, while Zakai ties his borrowed horse beneath the shade of a tree.

The tiny bell above the door tinkers as Princess Zaria escorts the girls inside the old wooden building. It is silent inside, so she ushers the children straight out to the back yard where all the children are playing. She looks around but doesn’t see the young director, so she goes back inside to find her. Zaria looks through the old building until she comes upon a woman sweeping beneath one of the bunks.

“Oh, there you are.” Princess Zaria says, and the woman bumps her head on the top bunk when she looks up. “Oh Princess!” She says surprised and steadies the broom against the wall before walking over. “I apologize I didn’t greet you at the door; I never heard the bell and was unsure if you were coming today as you didn’t arrive at the usual time.” “I woke up late.” The princess admits, with a small shrug making the young director chuckle. “Here,” princess Zaria holds out a small leather pouch that contains some silver coins she’s saved and a gem she took off a suitor that Zakai killed and buried in the woods somewhere outside the castle. ‘At least the man was not entirely worthless as his broach will be used for a good cause.’ Zaria thought to herself.

“Bless you Princess, if not for you, these children would be long forgotten.” she says sadly. “They are far from forgotten while you still show them love.” The princess encourages her brightly and a tinge of a smile reaches the corner of her lips. The two young women walk together down the hall and out to the yard to watch the children play.

“Honestly, I am glad to see you every time you arrive. I fear one day the King will stop allowing you and the little princesses to visit.” The young director says, as they watch Zakai step over the small, dilapidated wooden fence with ease. “I don’t believe his Majesty would be able to stop my sister even if he tried, she is stubborn.” He joins in, coming to stand beside the director causing her to blush.

Zaria laughs noticing her reaction and looks up to her brother. They were both quite stunning visually and the rumor amongst the humans was that the princess and her brother had descended from heaven. It was not uncommon for young ladies to react this way in his presence, nor young men in the princesses, which is why they often brought cloaks along wherever they went, to conceal themselves.

This practice was even extended to the half-sisters they adored even though they were all very much human. There never was another elf captured by the king, at least that the twins knew of. Not that they ever hoped for it, but they often wondered where their mother was from and if they would even be welcomed by her people if they were ever to meet, as they were half human.

When midday comes the knights arrive and while Zakai goes to greet them, Zaria has the girls say their goodbyes. “I apologize Princess, but we must leave at once,” Aldric calls from beyond the fence from his horse and all the children run to the fence to see the brave knight. “Of course,” Zaria replies while placing on her cloak. She gives a small wave to the young director and ushers the young princesses out the dilapidated gate.

They ride quickly back to the castle and are dropped in the front garden where today's adventure began. “I’m sorry princess, I was hoping to spend more time with you but unfortunately I cannot.” Aldric hangs back to tell her. “Does it have to do with the king's guests?” She asks, curious as to why a sudden air of chaos and tension has settled around the castle.

“He is not at liberty to say.” Zakai says dryly, pushing his horses lead into Aldric hand. He had obviously asked the same question earlier and been given that response. “If he could tell us, I’m sure he would.” Zaria corrects her brother, in his friend's defense. “Stay close to Zakai,” Aldric offers Zaria one last piece of advice before riding off towards the knightage.

“Alright girls off to my room.” Zaria says to the little princesses, removing their cloaks and guiding them towards the old stone castle. “Will you gather their maids and have them come to my room please.” She requests of Zakai. “I will, after I escort you to your room.” he replies. “Something odd is happening and I don’t wish to leave you.” explaining in a whisper, and she flashes him an understanding look. “Could you inform the maids to keep the girls inside for the remainder of the night as well, just to be safe.” she whispers back, he gives her a tight nod.

When they reach Zaria’s room, Zakai leaves to gather the young princesses' maids, while Cecil and Zaria begin washing the girls up so they can be served dinner when they return to their rooms. It wasn’t long before Zakai returned and gave Zaria a signal letting her know he had discussed what she had requested with each of the maids, and she gave him a grateful smile.

“Alright now, off you go. Eat your dinner and go to bed early.” Zaria instructs the girls before bending so that each of them can place a kiss on her cheek. They file out one by one with their maids in tow. The youngest of them pokes her head back inside, “I wuv you sister, I wuv you brudder.” Princess Zaria’s heart melts and rushes over to give her one last hug and squish her chubby little cheeks. “We love you too, my little angel.” Zaria says looking back at Zakai who gives the little princess his best smile.

Zaria pushes her old wooden door closed, then kicks off her shoes and jumps onto her bed like a child. “Would you like me to bring your dinner now, Princess?” Cecil asks and Zaria shakes her head. “I’m too tired to eat.” she complains. Zakai grabs the chair from his sister's old vanity table and sits against the wall. “Bring her dinner Cecil, I’ll make sure she eats,” he instructs her. “You won’t,” Zaria counters back.

“I won't what?” Zakai asks, leaning the back of his head against the stone wall. “Make me eat.” she says, peeking over at her brother. He only looks back at her, unwilling to argue. “Would you like me to bring you dinner as well, Prince Zakai” Cecil asks, ignoring Zaria attempt at bickering, and he nods. “If you wouldn’t mind and if Zaria won't eat, I’ll eat her portion as well.” He says smirking, hoping to annoy her when a knock is heard at the door.

“Don’t open it Cecil, if it's not important they will leave, and I can sleep.” Zaria tells her. “It’s too early to sleep.” Zakai scolds his sister as another knock sounds at the door. They wait in silence and another knock comes. “They’re not leaving, dear sister; would you like me to see who it is?” her brother asks, and she lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Fine.” she says defeated as another knock raps against the door.

“How can we help you?” Zakai asks the man at the door, and Zaria props herself up on the bed, now curious to know who it is. “Princess Zaria, the King requests your attendance at dinner in the great hall this evening.” the man says loudly, not yet able to see Zaria but attempting to speak with her and Zaria knows exactly who it is. “Let him in.” She groans. “Are you sure you want to come in?” Zakai taunts and glares at the king's messenger as he opens the door to let him pass. The messenger timidly steps around her brother to come inside and Zakai slams the door, making the man flinch.

“Can’t you tell,” Zaria begins her act before the man is able to say the first word. “I am very unwell as I have contracted some . . . ungodly venereal disease.” She lies, and dramatically flops back on the bed. “You have been unwell for quite some time my lady, and the doctor has not found issue with you each time he is sent.” The messenger explains dutifully. “Quite some time!” the princess repeats, sitting straight up. “I was forced into a dinner last week!” she answers back indignantly.

“If I may be so bold, it seems you are taking advantage of the King's kindness and the concern he shows you.” The man says arrogantly. “How could you dare say such a thing . . . I would never,” she scoffs and acts as if she was offended by his accusations. “My father obviously cares deeply for me, have you not seen the lovely accommodations I’ve been granted?” She gestures around the bare and musty stone room and the man looks at her unimpressed by her underhanded insult of the King.

“You are of age now; gain some young man’s favor and get married. Until then, you are obligated to attend dinner.” He states matter-of-factly. “I wonder, if I marry the king's go-between would he then stop inviting me to my father's dinners.” The princess says exasperated, flopping back on the bed.

“Was that a proposal, princess? I’m afraid I’ll have to decline, I prefer my women obedient.” the man says flatly, and Zakai snorts. “I’m not going.” she tells the king's messenger plainly, glaring at her brother for laughing at her being turned down by the chubby old whoremonger. “Then we will send your favored sister Anya in your stead.” The man states, fed up with her attitude. “She is 10!” Zaria sits up with an intense rage growing inside her. “She's old enough,” he retorts. "She's not!” the princess yells and the man shrugs walking towards the door.

“Fine, I’ll go.” she says, defeated. “That wasn’t so hard now was it.” The king's messenger gloats and Zakai steps forward, towering over the man and when the messenger notices he flinches and steps away. “You’ve overstayed your welcome.” Zakai growls menacingly, and the messenger runs out.

“Don’t worry Zaria” her brother begins, as soon as the door closes. “I will kill any man who insists on your company,” he says confidently, and she nods looking down at her hands. “I wish we could kill that revolting man.” she says exasperated and her brother nods. “Maybe soon.” he chuckles darkly.