I Love You, My Cursed Prince

Princess Arya made a hollow laugh with her fingers near her mouth. "Oh? Have my servants been handing their gossip over to a guest? I'll have to dismiss them permanently. The very principle of it!"

"So you're aware of this improper behavior?" the prince said with a voice that suggested surprise, but Muriel didn't think he was surprised. "Why, I'm appalled. You're a strict woman. I'm highly aware of that."

With a shrug, Princess Arya said, "Silly child, it's as you've said. I'm a strict woman. Dear Vidar knows this, so he's been bribing Muriel in his way, desperately trying to have her stay with me. It's difficult for a woman of my nature to keep a companion for long. So many have stormed out of the castle and cursed my name."

"Ah? How tragic. I should hand this girl something worthwhile before she realizes how poorly she's been treated. After all, nothing that sickly one gives her could compare to anything suitable." He bent down to take the case.

Muriel looked up at Princess Arya's tense eyes. She wanted to say something, but she was afraid that if she disobeyed her mistress something awful would happen.

"I don't think it would be wise for her to accept your gift," the princess said as her son walked closer to them. "She's in the market for a husband, and what man would have her if she's thought to be a favorite of yours?"

Prince Emil held the case out towards Muriel, but his face was pointed towards his mother. "She doesn't seem particularly foolish. She won't tell the world about this."

Princess Arya yanked the case out of her son's hand. "Your brother is the master here, and he's left me in charge in his absence. If you want to stay here, then I'll give you one night, but if you don't leave by tomorrow morning I'll make your visit quite deplorable."

She threw the case cross the room in much the same manner as she had taken with the flute earlier. The case opened up as it landed on the floor. A jewelry set with o.b.s.c.e.n.ely large fairy stones drooped out. A necklace, two bracelets, a pair of earrings, and a ring.

Muriel turned her eyes away from the pricey baubles and let her disgust show on her face. Her lips shriveled and her brow furrowed as if she had been looking at a pile of animal droppings. She didn't want him to have any misunderstandings. She wanted him to know that she wasn't refusing him because of her mistress' pressure. She was refusing him because she wanted to.

"Come, Muriel," the princess said.

Muriel followed her out of the room. It seemed that the princess didn't want to entertain her guest.

In a hallway, Doctor Bergson happened to be walking. Princess Arya grabbed his sleeve and whispered something in his ear. With a nod and a determined expression, the doctor walked away.

The women went inside the princess' bedchamber, and Muriel watched her mistress lock the door.

"Doctor Bergson will keep an eye on our guest," the princess whispered. Then she turned to Muriel and told her, "Try not to speak. Only speak when absolutely necessary. In fact, I'm going to escort you to your bedroom in a few moments, and I urge you to remain there unless I summon you."

The princess reached up to lightly scratch at her tight hair. "Well ... if the doctor calls you, then you should come, but don't heed any servants' requests to come, and don't obey any written messages. Only my voice, or the doctor's voice, should have you leaving. Do you understand?"

Muriel nodded. She nearly said, "Yes Madam," but the princess stopped her with a single, calm hand in the air.

"Remember, don't speak. Anyone could be listening. Gag yourself if you must."

Another nod from Muriel.

They waited around three more minutes. Then Princess Arya unlocked the door and led Muriel out. She walked her to her bedroom, where Muriel stayed, quiet and shaking.