That was two months ago. Today, he was sent to escort the Princess from her room to the Dining Hall so she could dine with the King. Captain Bellis had carefully instructed him that he was to speak only when spoken to. He was also to await while the Princess ate so he could escort her back to her room once the meal was done.
Arriving at the Princess's room, he knocked twice and called out, "Princess, the King's Own is here to escort you to your dinner.
At your pleasure." And with that, he stood at attention beside the door to await the Princess.
Nearly an hour later, the Princess opened the door. "Hello," she said to Gehrig.
Gehrig smiled and swallowed. The Princess was even more beautiful up close than she was from afar. “Your Highness," he said and bowed his head.
"Are you here to take me to my meal?" she asked.
"Yes, your Highness," Gehrig said. "It will be my pleasure to escort you to your meal."
"Your name?"
"Private Gehrig, Your Highness."
"Private Gehrig, please lead the way."
Private Gehrig turned and began to walk down the hall. Every few steps, he turned his head to make sure the Princess was right behind him. She stepped so quietly that he wasn't sure she followed. As he walked, he thought of the maid, Sally. He was quite certain she was the one for him. Why, just yesterday, she had told him that she wanted to tell him a secret. He hoped the secret might involve a quick kiss or two. When he told her this, she blushed and said that it wasn't that kind of secret at all. But they agreed to meet later this evening near the north stalls.
"Do you have a wife?" the Princess asked.
"No, Your Highness."
"A girl then?"
"Mayhaps, Your Highness."
She smiled at this. And then she reached into her purse and handed him a gold coin. This is for you to take her somewhere nice. Take her to a fine meal or buy her something special.
"Thank you," stammered Private Gehrig. "I shall do just that."
© 2017, Stone Golem Publishing
**All pictures used are labeled for reuse. They come from Pixabay
