29.
1384 Words
'So Rik,' I speak after a while of silence. 'are you two close?'
'I guess we are. I mean for as close as we can be. I'm not home often since most of my time is spent in the fort but we write letters and I try to visit as often as I can.' He smiles just talking about his sister. He tells me about all the mischief they used to do when they were kids and how their mother is still scolding them over it. I can't help but laugh. I remember how my childhood was also without worries. I didn't play pranks, but I did enjoy the fun.
As we make our ways through the streets, farther away from the center I realise I've never actually been here. I look around. The houses are small and built close together but it is quieter and much cleaner than in the front part of the city.
We make our way to the edge when a woman suddenly comes into view. She is busy brushing the piece in front of her house with an old broom. She's very pretty with long blond hair, lightly tanned skin and graceful curves. Rik waves and yells 'Clara!', suddenly the woman looks up and looks at us. Her lips want to form a big smile, but her face changes quickly. She drops her broom and comes at us at a brisk pace. I wonder what's going on, I thought he said they get along really well. Rik doesn't seem to mind as he calmly gets off his horse.
'2 weeks! 2 weeks it's been since I heard from you. You think that's normal Rik? Mr. I'm a big soldier now and I don't care about my sister anymore?!' That last part she says by imitating a giant with a grumpy low voice. I feel like I already like this woman.
Rik just smiles and and pulls her into a hug. He slaps his arms and starts to whimper. 'I'm sorry Clara, I've been busy. I didn't have time to write you but I promise I thought about you and mom every day.'
'You better!' And she hugs him back. Then her attention turns to me. 'But Rik, who's this?'
Before he can answer I get off too and introduce myself. 'My lady, my name is Rana, slave to prince Tristan. I need some dresses and Rik told me about your new business. Since I've never shopped for myself I need advice. I was hoping you could help me.' I bow my head and I feel her gasping for air. When I look up her cheeks are bright red.
'Well, no one called me my lady before.' She says shyly. 'Of course I'll help you, we want to keep the prince happy don't we?' And smiles. I nod and turn to Rik and Willem.
'It's ok, you guys can take a rest here.' I look to Rik now 'After all this is some serious woman stuff.' And as I wink saying this he blushes. Laughing, I follow Clara who walked into the little store. The room isn't very large but there are several dresses ready and there are many fabrics. All neatly sorted behind a table with all kinds of materials on it. I suppose that's her workspace.
'So prince Tristan huh? I thought the first prince wasn't interested in women. I've heard several clients talk about how they assumed he is gay. Not that it matters, but it's just surprising.' Wow, she is very direct but I do appreciate that. Plus, I don't think she has any bad intentions.
'So I've heard, but let me assure you that he is definitely NOT gay.' And I feel my cheeks burning just talking and thinking about our moments. Oh gods, I can't wait to see him again.
'Really?' Her eyes twinkle like a child who received a present. A wide grin appears as she takes some ribbons and starts measuring my body. 'You know, I know prince Alex is a woman's magnet and is sometimes called a god in bed but from Tristan I usually hear stories about his battles. So, how is he... you know...?'
A little perplexed by her question, I begin to wonder if this was such a good idea. I don't feel comfortable sharing such details since I don't know her but it wouldn't hurt if people talk about something other than his soldier side ... I guess. 'Well let's just say he knows well enough how to spoil a woman. And the rumours about his strength and stamina are a big understatement.' I wink and hope that this satisfies her.
Her pleasant laugh that follows is contagious. We continue to chat about small stuff as she pulls the one dress, fabric, trinkets after the other and holds it against my body.
I sat down on a chair in front of her table while she is busy sewing and adjusting. She has chosen a beautiful dress that she now adapts to my body. The colours are unseen but I like that special twist. If I have learned anything from my times with the masters is that the women look almost the same. The clothes are very monotonous and they try to outdo each other with their jewels.
After a while she gestures to a small booth in the corner of the room. 'You can undress there, I will come with this dress in a moment so that I can adjust it perfectly afterwards. I'm afraid I'll need some time for the other ones but I'll definitely have them ready in time.' I nod and make my way to the changing space. I take off the dress Tristan gave me and fold it neatly on the small chair. I feel the curtain open through the breeze hitting my body and I hear Clara gasp loudly for air. I turn around and she looks at me with big, watery eyes. She seems shocked and starts to stutter 'I-I- you - your b-back- i-'
I smile lightly, take the dress off the chair and lead her to sit on it. She just stares at me and I feel really uncomfortable. 'Does it hurt?' She almost whispers.
'Not anymore, they are all well healed, luckily I didn't get an infection this time.'
'I guess the rumours are true then. Rik always talks about him with such admiration but...' She sighs. 'I knew somewhere deep down that he had to be a monster through all the stories but now that I see it with my own eyes...'
I raise an eyebrow 'Who?'
'Prince Tristan. Maybe I can help you escape. We just need to think about a plan-' She suddenly stands up and sounds really confident. And as much as I admire her courage to help me despite not knowing me and this means going against the royal family I feel my blood boiling because she talks so badly about him.
'Clara, Tristan saved me. He didn't do this to me. He has been nothing but kind to me.'
'He didn't? B-but who?'
'My previous masters. My first encounter with the whip was just after the slave traders stole me from the men who had captured me. They used me to set an example of what happens if you don't obey.' She just stares at me and I don't like it. I don't like to be confronted with my mutilated body but since Tristan I feel like I can enjoy this body and let someone, Tristan, enjoy it. I take her hands in mine and look her in the eyes.
'I am not the only one who experienced this and as bad as it seems I know there are others with much worse scars. I am safe now and I count on your magical hands and creations to make people view me differently. Before Tristan, all I've seen is a look of disgust, hatred, ... But Tristan he- he doesn't care, he looks at me like I'm a person.'
She smiles and picks up the dress that had fallen to the floor. My mouth falls open. The dress is gorgeous! 'If I can help by making you look beautiful and change the looks on peoples face then I will. Although I don't know if you will wear it long after Tristan sees you.' And as she winks I blush. I can't wait to try this on and show it to him.
- Writer
