The Unfortunate, стр. 21
That had also been the year that had forever transformed Jenn’s life. Initially she had been excited to leave the village, go to the capital, and enter the service of Queen Marlisa, but her emotions had been quickly altered. Because of ongoing conflicts between Armania and Drunacht, King Beadurof had disapproved of his wife’s newest handmaiden. He had not allowed Jenn to visit her mother. He had not even allowed her to leave the castle without being accompanied by guards who had been instructed not to leave her side. Because of the apparent distrust, Jenn had to spend the initial years of her service proving her loyalty was to Armania and not Drunacht. Even then it had required excessive convincing from Queen Marlisa for her husband to change his opinion. In addition to gaining the king’s approval, the queen had always supported Jenn, and she had always watched over her. Even when Beadurof had forbade the handmaiden from doing something, such as traveling to the country village to visit her mother, Marlisa had always provided means for Jenn to do what she needed without being discovered.
Thoughts of how she came to serve at Caberton Keep continued to multiply as Jenn paced her chamber in the servant’s quarters. Even though the room was small with only the basic necessities, she still had much for which to be grateful. She was thankful for the queen and all she had done, especially because Queen Marlisa had not been required. Life in the capital was more than Jenn could have ever anticipated. And then there is—
Several gentle but rapid knocks interrupted her thoughts. She immediately knew who to expect, but before she could cross the room, Banan entered.
“You have been avoiding me.” He spoke in a soothing manner and slowly closed the door. “Is this because of my father?”
Yes, she had been using every opportunity to evade the prince, but not wanting to admit the truth, to acknowledge Banan was correct but also to be reminded of the ordeal, Jenn remained silent, but her expression revealed all.
“I do not care what he believes,” the prince explained.
Sensing moisture at the corners of her eyes, the handmaiden averted her vision. Her head was turned only slightly, but she still made certain to avoid eye contact. She had dreaded this moment. Despite her love for Banan, Jenn still could not help but feel uncomfortable as if she were revealing her most intimate thoughts to a stranger, but using her sternest tone, she eventually answered, “I thought it best. I thought perhaps your father would see it as a single occasion.” What am I implying? That I wished King Beadurof would think I am only a whore? That does not make the situation any better! There must be something more substantial, something more true. She sniffled and did her best to fight back her tears before concluding, “I did not want him to suspect we have been together, that we are lovers.”
Banan crossed the room, put his arms around Jenn, and pulled her into his embrace. “I do not care what my father knows or what he thinks about it! What we share is nothing about which you should be ashamed. I love you, and nothing can alter my mind.”
Another sniffle. “I know your feelings, and I know you would do whatever necessary for us to be together.”
“I would challenge any who attempted to stall me, even those of royal blood!”
The comment caused the woman to snicker because she knew to whom the jest had been directed.
“For you I would suffer a thousand deaths, each more painful than the last.”
“I know you would.” Oh, but there are so many other factors.
Being able to sense the reluctance in Jenn’s tone, Banan inquired. “Then what troubles you?”
“You know my worries. King Beadurof, despite your questionable acts, will never permit his heir to marry a servant. He will have you wed another sovereign’s daughter to strengthen diplomatic relations.”
“Never.” He kissed her neck, and that caused her to giggle and all but forget her concerns. “Stop it, Banan!”
Instead of answering, however, the prince chuckled slightly before adding, “I shall have to change his mind.”
“And if he still refuses?”
He pulled aside the fabric of Jenn’s upper sleeve and kissed her bare shoulder between statements. “I shall still do as I please. What is the worst that could occur? As you said, he will not disown me. Who would succeed him?” He ceased his advances and looked directly into the young woman’s eyes. “He is too concerned about his legacy to do that. We shall be together. Have faith.”
Jenn was prepared to reply, but before she could, the conversation was disrupted by urgent knocking.
“Why must we always be interrupted?” Banan inquired playfully. His lips only inches from hers.
She smiled, quickly straightened her dress, and turned to the room’s entrance. “Yes?”
The door opened slowly, and another handmaiden entered. She quickly offered a curtsy to the prince. “Forgive the interruption, but I bring urgent word.” She paused briefly and looked to Jenn. “Queen Marlisa has requested to speak with you.”
✽ ✽ ✽
Having sensed the importance of the situation, she quickened her pace. On some days she had seen the corridor bustling with life, but because of the late hour, Jenn did not expect she would encounter another. Her assumption was soon proven false. She quickly turned a corner, and that is when it occurred. She had not even been aware of another presence until she had crashed into the individual. It felt as if she had collided with the mortar and brick walls rather