To Seduce a Scribe (2)

A romantasy flash fiction series. An entry to the Thorny Thursday.

Previously…. Part 1

The King paced back and forth, whilst dictating a letter. Timush wrote it down, his handwriting was flawless. The King had nothing to worry about, though he kept peeking over Timush’s shoulder to make sure the new scribe does his work properly.

A timid knock on the door interrupted the King’s monotonous voice.

“Father?” A golden-haired girl entered the study before receiving an invitation. Timush stood up and bowed - it was princess Jewel, the youngest of the royal offspring, a girl of nearly sixteen summers. Timush had seen her before, the blue-eyed princess was the prettiest girl in the whole castle. Her rosy cheeks blossomed in a lovely red hue as their eyes met.

The King waved for Timush to get back to the writing.

“Jewel, dear, is the matter urgent? I have to finish this letter…”

“Oh, yes, father! It’s a matter of life and death!” Princess Jewel exclaimed, “the silk delivery for my Birthday hasn’t arrived yet, and I will die if my dress would not be done on time!”

Timush noticed the King rolling his eyes secretly, but he addressed his daughter with a patient smile.

“I am sure it shall be delivered today, dear.”

“I must write to them at once! Therefore…” Jewel cleared her throat and declared in her most serious tone, “I must borrow your scribe. I cannot write in this state.” She demonstrated her hands shaking.

“That won’t be necessary, Jewel dear. Do calm yourself. The delivery will come on time,” the King replied coldly.

“Oh, no, father…”

A noise outside the window drew the King’s attention. He turned to look.

“There, my dear! The delivery is here, right on time as usual.”

“Oh, thank Heavens!”

The King saw his daughter smile at him with her cheeks burning red. What he did not see was princess Jewel slipping a tiny piece of paper into the scribe’s open palm, while the King had turned to look at the window. As surprised as Timush was, he closed his palm without raising his eyes to the princess and kept his cool.

“I simply must make sure it’s the silk I wanted. Until later, dearest father!” Jewel said and hurried out with her gown fluttering.

The King gave a heavy sigh and murmured: “Daughters…”

Timush unfolded the note only after he left the study. The tiny piece of paper, all crumpled and moist from his sweaty palm, contained a short message:

“The old pavilion. At sunset.”

Timush had heard about the loose virtues of this court. He was a Snakeling, his people were extremely prudish. He was not to touch a woman before the wedding. Timush narrowed his eyes; he doesn’t have to touch the girl; therefore, he can easily show up… for a nice talk. He saw no harm in that! Besides, he could use his magic to become a snake an observe if this was not just a joke played out by bored princesses…

To be continued…