The Prince and the Rogue

The Prince and the Rogue

Thomas Merritt

Published by Lit-N-Laughter at Smashwords

Copyright 2017 Thomas Merritt

All rights reserved.

ISBN:9781927507346

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Table of Contents

The Hummingbird

Troubling Plans

The Lost Love

The Child

Goblins

The Tower

Return to the Capital

The King's Health

Reaction at the Palace

Lord Kenji's House

The Phantom House

Back at the Palace in the Capital

Lord Krish's Daughter has a Problem

Isadora and Alim Discuss What to Do

Lord Aubin's Issue with His Home

A Lord Comes Calling

Why Lord Silas Did Not Respond to the Summons

Rumours and Beads

The Desert's Edge

Duke Reginald Has a Problem

The Desert

Breaking the Spell

The Rest of the Way Through the Desert

Second Broken Spell

The Caves

At the Capital

The Dragon

Duke Reginald's Response

About the Author

The author would like to acknowledge and thank the contributions of B. Heather Mantler and Frances Mantler. Without their help this book would not be what it is.

The Hummingbird

Prince Kenneth was mesmerized by the beautiful hummingbird since he saw her enter the ballroom. He, himself, was dressed as a bear in dark fur with real claws and teeth which did not co-ordinate with the delicate wings and bright colours of the hummingbird costume. However that incongruity never rose to the surface of his mind as he observed her circumnavigation of the room waiting until she got near enough to intercept.

Prince Kenneth had watched his father's guests arrive and was certain that despite their masks he could identify each of them but the hummingbird was a complete mystery to him. She was not a member of the royal court and he knew there were no visiting nobles as winter would soon be upon the land making travel dangerous and uncomfortable. So she must have invited herself. The bravo behind that act made Prince Kenneth determined to meet her, if he could ever get away from Lord Brawn.

The nobleman was dressed up as a goat and more long-winded than usual because of his excitement of the party. And as much as he, Prince Kenneth, wished to he could not get a word in edgewise to excuse himself. That's when he realized the hummingbird was drifting farther from him rather than closer. Prince Kenneth was careful to keep all sign of his frustration from Lord Brawn, but for the first in many years the emotion was rising to the surface inside him.

Then Duke Reginald went up to the hummingbird and obviously asked her to dance, she accepted and they joined the spiral of colours which made up the dance floor. Even then Prince Kenneth continued to keep his eyes on the hummingbird.

Duke Reginald was dressed as a stallion, but Prince Kenneth believed he should have chosen to be a donkey because it better fit his cousin's personality.

Lord Hayes stopped by the bear and goat. He looked like he was going to make a brief comment and move on, but he got sucked into listening to Lord Brawn talk. Prince Kenneth used the opportunity to slip away. He would have to apologize later, but for now his feelings left him with no other choice.

The song was just finishing. Duke Reginald was asking the hummingbird for something but she shooed him away. He was not happy about it as he slunk away. Prince Kenneth saw his opportunity and took it.

I was wondering if you needed a new dance partner, Prince Kenneth asked with a slight bow.

I would be honoured, the hummingbird said with a soft voice and a curtsy.

Prince Kenneth took her hand and led her back out on the floor. He looked into her eyes as the music started. They were emerald and matched some parts of her dress. Though he could not see all of her face, her mouth was visible. Her lips were a natural soft pink and tempted him to kiss them. Her light brown hair was pulled back into a loose bun. The feeling of her pressed against him for the dance made his loins tighten, but if all she was interested in was a conversation about slipping between two sheets she would not have banished his cousin.

What do you think of the ball? Prince Kenneth asked.

It is marvelous, the hummingbird answered, Though I am not sure how you are supposed to tell who is who with these costumes.

Most of them are not really difficult, Prince Kenneth said.

Really? the emerald eyes sparkled, Then who am I?

A mystery, Prince Kenneth replied, But the rest are familiar in their mannerisms.

Is that why you wanted to dance? the hummingbird asked, To discover who I am?

Can you think of a better reason to ask a woman to dance? Prince Kenneth asked.

I can think of many, the hummingbird answered.

As can I, Prince Kenneth said, But they were deterred after you turned down Reginald.

Perhaps he was not the type of man I look for in a dance partner, the hummingbird replied.

A very unpopular choice, Prince Kenneth said, Lack of interest in Reginald or any other duke makes you a rare gem in this court.

This would be the first time I have honoured by such an observation, the hummingbird said, Does it help you uncover my identity?

Prince Kenneth noticed the song was ending.

Unfortunately not, perhaps you will give me another chance, Prince Kenneth said, Another song to work it out.

I would not usually give such a chance, the hummingbird answered, But I think I will.

Thank you, Prince Kenneth said. He broke off the last movement of the dance to take her hand and kiss it. Laughter filled those emerald eyes. They continued dancing after the song ended and as the musicians got ready to play the next one. Dancers around them disappeared and others appeared.

Has anyone figured out who you are? the hummingbird asked as the music started.

None has said as much, Prince Kenneth answered, Correct guesses require a person to remove their mask, or at least that is the rule. Some people ignore it until caught.

Would you ignore the rule? the emerald eyes were curious, but it was hard to tell if she wanted him to be a breaker of the rule or an enforcer.

No, Prince Kenneth answered, But people so rarely guess who I am and rarer still do they get it right. If I am too good to be caught in it, why should I argue with it?

Yet you say you can guess everyone else? the hummingbird asked, Because I see no one without their masks.

I know who they are, Prince Kenneth replied, But I do not bother guessing out loud because the more people without masks make it more likely I will get caught and that would be no fun.

I see, the emerald eyes were hard to read, so Prince Kenneth could not tell what she was thinking. He could tell however that she definitely did not belong to court or she might have guessed who he was.

How about yourself? Prince Kenneth asked, Do you prefer to break the rule or enforce it?

I like to break rules, the hummingbird answered, I find it fun. Does that help you figure out who I am?

Not yet, Prince Kenneth answered, But I have until the end of the song to figure it out.

The emerald eyes were laughing at him, but Prince Kenneth did not mind because he was not at all worried about whether he figured out her identity or not. He was just enjoying his time dancing with her and was not in a rush to see it end.

So, if a duke is not what your preference, Prince Kenneth said, What are you looking for in a dance partner?

Someone who can dance and talk at the same time, the hummingbird answered, Someone who is interested in a conversation rather than their own voice. Someone who views everyone as people and not just as objects for their own amusement.

Do I fit any of those? Prince Kenneth asked.

More of them than Reginald did, the hummingbird answered, You are also a much better dancer. Though your reason for dancing with me is a little off-putting.

You would prefer that I tell you I asked you to dance, not because I wanted to dance with you here in the ballroom but the garden as well, Prince Kenneth asked, With the further option of finding somewhere quiet for a while?

And if I did? the hummingbird asked.

The garden is especially nice this time of day, Prince Kenneth said, And with the lingering summer heat it is warm enough that there is no worry about keeping warm. However, to leave before this dance is finished would attract too much attention. It is much better to wait until the dance is over and then slip out.

And a bear with a hummingbird will not attract attention when leaving together? the hummingbird asked.

With all the other strange animals in here, I doubt anyone would pay attention, Prince Kenneth answered, And there will be more people going out to wander the garden after enough wine is imbibed.

The song sounds like it is close to the end, the hummingbird said.

Another verse, Prince Kenneth said, And then it will be over.

They did not say anything as they continued to dance with the rest. When the final note of the song faded away, some of the dancers left the floor and were replaced by others. Prince Kenneth held on to the hummingbird’s hand as he guided her off the floor. He was very careful of the other people as he guided her through the crowd. He did not want to get close to anyone who would try to strike up a conversation with them, but he did not want to move with speed as that would make people suspicious and stop them. If they were stopped it would take much longer before they would have a chance to slip away again and by that time the garden would have plenty of extraneous people wandering through it.

The crowd was busy talking in groups or watching the dancers. There were very few who paid attention to a bear and hummingbird wander away from the dance floor. And those people probably thought that the dancers were merely searching for a drink before returning to the floor. Prince Kenneth used that to his advantage to slip out the door where the servants delivered the refreshments.

They did not pass any of the servants as they left the ballroom and there were no guards to stop them. The hummingbird slowed for a minute anyway to check, but Prince Kenneth was not worried about it. He kept a hold of her hand and walked a little faster. Now that there was no one to stop them, he did not feel the need to stay at the same pace.

The hummingbird joined him at that speed. Prince Kenneth looked over at her and found her smiling. He felt the sense of freedom go through him that always went through him when he did something he against his father's wishes and he had been instructed to stay at the ball until the unveiling at midnight.

Come on, Prince Kenneth whispered, This way. He tugged on her hand as he started to run. She let out a quiet laugh and then ran with him. Their footfalls rang down the hall but there is no one to hear or complain.

They ran down that hallway and the one on the right at the end of it. Finally they reached the door and slipped through it. Prince Kenneth closed it behind them. They stopped on the other side to catch their breaths and laugh.

They were standing in an alcove that was hidden from view unless a person knew where to look for it. They could see the high bushes that surrounded the walking paths, but little else except that path from the alcove into the maze-like area. Once they had caught their breath, Prince Kenneth helped her down the step and along the stone path. The hummingbird looked around in interest at the various bushes and flowers as well as the bright moon and stars.

It is wonderful out here, the hummingbird’s voice had awe in it. Prince Kenneth could have pointed out that all of the court had been out here at some point, or that visiting nobles would likely have seen a garden similar to this one, but he kept quiet and just enjoyed being out here with her. Most of the woman in court were boring, married, or pushy and this lady did not seem to be any of those. So Prince Kenneth decided he did not need to know who she was, just that he liked her company.

It is, Prince Kenneth said. He let the hummingbird go ahead of him as she was engrossed in looking at everything and not pay attention to him.

They went along the path as it twisted and turned with bushes on either side. It was impossible to see over them to tell if anyone else was around. There was no sound of another person, just the rustle of the wind and the chirping of insects. The wind brought the sweet smell of flowers from other parts of the gardens. And the moon provided all the light necessary to see. The light shone down on the hummingbird and made her sparkle. The glitter on her costume and skin made her mesmerizing to watch as she practically danced along the path.

Prince Kenneth could barely remember to keep up with her, he was so busy just watching her. She got so far ahead that she was almost around a corner from Prince Kenneth. Prince Kenneth started to speed up to catch up with her but stopped when she turned back to look at him.

Prince Kenneth was not sure what happened, but he blamed the moonlight, the light breeze, and the sweet smell of the flowers. Or maybe it was the glittering figure before him. He has no idea why she did it, but he avoids thinking about it too much. Something passed between the two of them at that moment, which made them feel like they were the only ones in the world and they were meant to be together.

Prince Kenneth lifted his mask from his face to the top of his head, despite knowing that the clock was nowhere near the witching hour. The hummingbird did the same. Her skin was slightly tanned and her face thinner than what was popular at court. All her features were the right size for her face and her lips looked especially kissable. Prince Kenneth took a step toward her with that intent in mind. She flashed him an imp smile and then took off running.

Prince Kenneth dashed after her, but he was too slow and just barely saw her headed around the next corner. She was fast, but there were times when he caught up because she would stop and peek around the corner or taunt him in some other way. At one point he caught her hand, but she managed to slip away and off down the path. He never lost her completely because he could always hear her giggling.

He caught her again when they reached the rose garden, which was the middle of the maze. It was a large square with stone paths between the beds and benches for people to sit on while they looked at the roses. She had stopped to admire the extraordinary peach-coloured rose that was the focal point in the midst of the garden. Prince Kenneth walked slowly and softly towards her. When he reached her, he put his arms around her and held her close to him. She did not fight it but relaxed against him.

They stayed like that until both had gotten their breath back. Then he turned her around and took the kiss he had been longing for since that moment he had set eyes on her. She slipped her arms around his neck. He put one hand behind her neck and the other on her lower back to draw her closer to him. Her lips were soft and she smelled like lavender. Prince Kenneth never wanted to let the kiss end, but he finally did.

He looked down into those emerald eyes and saw the same longing which had taken over his whole being. He no longer was anything without her. And all he wanted to do was possess her. He kissed her again and she melted into him. If it was not for their costumes, Prince Kenneth felt they would become one.

The sound of voices came over the bushes to them from the direction of the palace. Both Prince Kenneth and the hummingbird jumped apart a little bit and looked toward the noise. She turned to him with a look that suggested it might not be a good idea to get caught kissing in the rose garden. Prince Kenneth knew better than to get caught kissing in the rose garden and he also knew that it was the favourite place for night rendezvous among the court.

Prince Kenneth took her hand and led her to the other side of the rose garden from where they had entered. Anyone walking in the gardens during the night rarely went passed the rose garden so they would be safe. Prince Kenneth and the hummingbird reached the path and started to run to get away from the people. They did not stop until they reached the other entrance into the path with bushes on either side. This brought them into the orchard. The first several rows of trees were for peaches and had been harvested a month ago.

The hummingbird did not let go of Prince Kenneth’s hand but started forward into the orchard. There was plenty of space for the moonlight to come through the branches to create fascinating patterns on the ground. Prince Kenneth pulled the hummingbird to him, but instead of kissing her, he started to dance. She followed him and they wound their way through the peach trees and the rows of pear trees that followed.

When they reached the rows of apple trees, they stopped. The peaches and pears had been cleaned off the trees, but the apples were set to be picked later that week. Prince Kenneth and the hummingbird took a break from their dancing to just walk together.

The hummingbird reached up and picked a low hanging apple. She took a bite out of it before offering it to Prince Kenneth. He accepted it and had a bite before passing it back. They ate as they wandered through a few rows of apple trees. There were twice as many rows of apple trees as there were peach and pear trees.

There were still several more rows of apple trees when Prince Kenneth stopped and threw away the apple core. The hummingbird stopped to look at him. He pulled her to him and kissed her lips with soft feathery kisses. He kissed down to her jaw and along it to her neck. She brought his lips back to her mouth and deepened the kiss. His hands wandered down her body and back up. She removed his mask completely from his head and dropped it nearby so that she could run her fingers through his hair. Her mask came off and was dropped near his. He started to unhook the back of her dress. When he got far enough, she shimmied out of it and let it drop to the ground. His costume joined it shortly after. They used the costumes as bedding as they laid down under the apple tree and made love.

When the temperature reached the point where she started getting goose bumps, Prince Kenneth got them both up and dressed. The ball was long over and everyone had gone home when they quietly slipped into the palace. Prince Kenneth took halls he knew would be empty of guards as he took her back to his room. Once inside they climbed into his bed, where they made love until they fell into an exhausted sleep.

Troubling Plans

Where is this rogue you hired? Reginald paced in Monico’s study.

Coming, Monico answered without looking up from studying his spell book.

When! Reginald stopped at Monico’s desk and slammed his hands onto it. Monico did not look up at him, but kept studying. Reginald went back to pacing.

I need to get back to court soon, Reginald said, The last thing I need to for my uncle or cousin to find out that I am conspiring against them. If you are caught you will be run out of the kingdom, but if I am caught there will be serious consequences not to mention that they will never trust me again.

According to my seer, you have six years before there are any problems with your plan, Monico said, Do not worry, you will be back in time for court.

And how long will it take to get the jewel you say I need? Reginald asked.

The seer could not see that, Monico answered, But hopefully the rogue will be able to answer that.

And the rogue is where? Reginald asked.

The door creaked as it opened. Both Monico and Reginald jumped and turned because they had locked the door. The person who entered was slightly taller than five feet and had a slim build. They were wearing black boots, glove, leggings, tunic, and cloak with the hood up. The buckles on the boots were silver as well as the clasp on the cloak, but they did not look recently shined.

Reginald was about to open his mouth and demanded where the rogue had been when the person lifted the hood and dropped it onto her shoulders. Her dirty face was thin with emerald eyes and light brown hair braided back.

I assume I am in the right place, since you both look surprised the door opened as opposed to be surprised to see me, the rogue said with a soft voice.

You are in the right place, Monico said as he closed his spell book, Have a seat and we will get started. Monico indicated the chair.

I will stand, the rogue replied, This meeting will be brief.

Very well, Monico said. He was about to continue, but Reginald interrupted him.

You are late, Reginald said.

I am not late, the rogue said, I arrived exactly when fate needed me here. And if you choose to dispute that I will take my ten silver and go on my way.

Reginald was about to say something more when Monico loudly cleared his throat. Reginald looked over at him and received a glare.

I apologize for my friend’s outburst, Monico said standing up and coming around the desk, But he is not patient. However, we do not wish for you to leave until you have at least considered the job.

Speak, the rogue said.

We need you to get the Jewel of Athum, Monico said, and as quickly as possible.

Do you know where the Jewel of Athum currently resides? the rogue asked. Her eye brow arched up as if she knew and was wondering if they understood what they were asking.

It was last seen in a load of jewels being taken away by the dragon, Shamus, Monico answered, Though there have been claims of it being seen since then at the ruins of Jezulus. None of these things have been confirmed of course, but it is likely to be in one of these places. Whichever it is, gaining possession of the jewel will take time. We understand that. Our deadline is six years.

Six years? the rogue asked, This is turning into a quest rather than a job. Are you going to pay for my expenses during this time, or am I suppposed I take jobs to pay my way?

We can provide you with some money now, Monico answered, When you run out, send me an accounting of the money and I will sent you some more.

I see, the rogue said.

Are you accepting the job? Reginald asked.

"Six years is a