Chapter 5 - I ordered you, didn't I?
1298 Words
“My name is Vincent. You can call me Vince. I would like you to be my companion, but you will have to pretend as a boy. You will be paid handsomely.”
Naya glanced at him briefly before contemplating on his words. As her prince, how can she turn him down? She’s not supposed to, is she? She had to obey him. Her lip twitched recalling how he said she can call him Vince.
“Would that be Prince Vince, my lord?” Who would dare to call a royal by their first name? Their highnesses are revered.
“My companions are allowed certain privileges. They can call me by my name.”
Naya stared at him with an open mouth. She’s not very knowledgeable on the way of the royals.
“It would be a good time to tell me what my responsibilities would be, lest I lose my head by sheer ignorance, my lord.”
Vince pursed his lips as he stared at her. She’s outspoken. He likes that. He expected her to turn mum when she learned about his identity.
He would prefer it if his companion would tell him off if he says something wrong. Even the servants and the palace staff don’t dare to do it. They murmur when his back is turned and he’s sick of it.
“You accompany me through my daily activities. You will be my friend. You will tell me what I need to hear. You will tell me if you hear anything about me. You will advise me if you have something to say. You will assist me if I require it.”
He paused. Both of them think that it’s fairly one-sided, so Vince continued.
“If you need someone to talk to, you can talk to me. If you need advice, I will try. If you need assistance, I will provide it. If there’s anything you need, you can ask me.”
Naya found herself smiling. This time, she thinks it’s too much.
“How many companions do you have?” She hasn’t worked with others before. For long periods of time, anyway. She’d worked odd jobs with others but those only lasted for a few days at most.
“You’ll be the first one.” Vince admitted and he looked awkward about it.
Naya had a vague idea why that is the case, but she can’t help feeling the dread.
“Isn’t deception a punishable offense? What if I get discovered?”
“I ordered you, didn’t I? Besides, the doctor also knows and I told him to keep quiet.”
She sighed, still undecided. She still feels sad about the loss of her sword.
Backtracking on the situation, she thought the prince must be lonely. A companion would be nice. For herself, too. But is she ready to risk her life?
She grunted at how she thought last night that she was going to die and it was a dumb way to go. She did say that she would rather die being persecuted because of her magic.
“How much coin would I earn? How about my food and lodging?”
Oh, she’s now considering it. Vince smiled inside, but he didn’t show it on the outside.
“How about ten gold coins a month? Food and lodgings will be provided. You can have one of the rooms in the castle and you will most likely accompany me through meals as well.”
Ah, just the thought of food and a warm bed already convinced her. “I agree.”
This time, Vince showed her a smile. He offered his hand for a handshake. Her hands are small but roughened. She winced again.
“I’ll get them to send your breakfast. We’ll probably leave in an hour to go back to the castle.”
Naya lifted her chin to point at her cloak on a nearby table.
“Can you help me put that on?”
The way they exchanged glances afterwards was interesting. They both know she had to disguise herself. Vince didn’t mind helping her. He already helped her before.
Given her experience the previous day, Naya is feeling reckless and a little bit fearless. She will basically walk into the lion’s den. If anyone in the palace learns of her abilities, she’s sure that she will be punished accordingly. Her mind wandered to the prince as she ate her breakfast. What is his life like? For him to ask a stranger to be his companion? Had he no friends? Where are all the nobles? She thought nobles act high and mighty in front of them ordinary subjects, but them ordinary subjects thought the nobles lick the royalties’ shoes to gain favor and have their requests approved. Never mind the royal family. It’s more than messed up, what with the issue of succession and the possibility of treason. They always have to wonder who they can trust. People change sides according to what would benefit them more. They could be your friend now, your enemy tomorrow.
On their way to the palace, Vince glanced at her figure a few times. Is he making a wise choice? His father would ask that question for every decision he has to make. But now that he got time to think it over, why did he ask a complete stranger to be his companion? Is he hoping she’ll feel indebted to him and be loyal? In a way, the answer is yes. The palace staff are loyal to whoever sits on the throne, not to a specific person. As his companion, she’s bound to be loyal to him, is she not?
He realized he doesn’t know anything about her. Would it prove his stupidity if she turns out to be a bad person? He tilted his head as the palace came into view. No. No matter what, beating up a woman is not the right thing to do. Whatever the reason was for her previous situation, he’s sure it wasn’t her fault.
He frowned when he realized she has been asleep on the way, slumped on the back of a beast. He couldn’t let anyone carry her or their secret would be revealed. He chose to wake her up. He tried hard to treat her like a young man. Like him. So, he tapped her on the back a bit stronger than he would have on a woman. She woke up on the first tap, squinting at the person in front of her.
“We have arrived. I’ll show you your room.” He managed to say in an official tone.
Naya bowed, “I’m grateful, my lord.” She can’t help wincing as she unmounted the horse and her sides ached. They exchanged glances again. Vince, wanting to help her but not wanting to arouse suspicion. Naya, understanding his nature of wanting to help but being unable to do so. She grinned inside. The prince is a gentleman. A true royalty.
Vince ordered a servant to prepare clothes for his companion, along with a few necessities. There are a few rooms near his quarters. All of them unoccupied. Two servants followed them, carrying the prince’s possessions.
“Clean up this room. Nate will be occupying it.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
They continued towards the prince’s room to bring his things inside. They left immediately to clean and prepare the next room for the prince’s guest.
When the door closed and they are left alone, Nate started to speak.
“Am I supposed to stay at my room, sire? Or do I accompany you here?”
“Stay for now. Your room isn’t ready yet. Would you like something to eat?” Vince surveyed the fruits and bread on a table. He pulled a chair and gestured for her to sit. Naya nodded her thanks but she stared into space after sitting down. Her body is still healing from her wounds and bruises.
Vince noticed, so he tapped her on the forehead. Naya gave him a glare. The reaction made Vince smile. No one has given him a glare before.
- Writer
