To Seduce a Scribe (6)

Romantasy flash fiction

Previously…. (5)

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(6)

“You treacherous little…witch!” princess Emerald cried at her sister, as soon as princess Ruby had told her about the unfortunate horseback ride at sunset.

“What? Why do you say this, Emerald? It wasn’t my fault! Ashwin made me!” Ruby whimpered.

“And you gladly agreed! I should’ve known you wanted our handsome Scribe to yourself all along!” Emerald wouldn’t settle.

“Please, Emerald, hush!” Ruby looked around the garden. “I will give him your invitation tonight.”

“Oh… well then… alright!” Emerald said, still scoffing.

“I would never stand in your way, dear sister! I know you really do like our Scribe, although I do not approve of your bet,” Ruby said heartily. Finally, a warm smile rose on Emerald’s face.

“Of course, you wouldn’t, dear sister! I trust you.” She clutched Ruby’s hand, and both ran into the castle.

“I must write a new note to him! I still have time before Jewel’s nose heals!” Emerald exclaimed as they skipped onward.

“Ashwin, please! I do not agree with your plan! Can’t there be another way?” Timush whispered to his friend prince Ashwin, as they met in the courtyard a moment before sunset. The two men, the horses and some guards were waiting for princess Ruby to show up. Prince Ashwin had come to see them off.

“Trust me, please! My sisters would not learn their lesson any other way. Just do as I told you - when you arrive at the picnic spot I arranged, you kiss Ruby. I’ll make sure the other two princesses are there to witness it,” the prince explained.

“But…” Timush objected.

“Nobody would find out - I’ve bribed the guards.” Ashwin smiled at the young Scribe’s frightened face. “I know your Snakeling laws are strict, but I am well informed how your people don’t hesitate much to break them. At least secretly.” Ashwin winker at his friend. “You have heard the rumours of my father, the King, ignoring the Snakeling rules when he courted my mother?”

“Yes, unfortunately I have.” Timush blushed.

“Well, the rumours are true!” Ashwin said and laughed. “Don’t worry, Snakelings will not banish you, like they did my father, because they’ ll never find out about your little righteous mischief!”

“But…”

“Trust me - when the other two will see Ruby out of all people, surpass them and win the bet she’s not even taking part of, Emerald and Jewel shall be punished in full.”

“But what about princess Ruby?”

“That will teach her a lesson not to comply to her sisters so blindly!” Ashwin stated.

Timush shook his head, but it was too late. Princess Ruby approached them.

“Sister dearest!” Ashwin greeted her with a wide smile. “I wish you a wonderful time! Unfortunately, I must hurry to the dinner with the people of Avem and the King! Off you go!”

Ashwin would not leave until Timush and Ruby and their guards had gotten on their horses and galloped away into the forest and down to the river.

“Now where are those other two pesky sisters of mine?!” He asked out loud whilst smiling and rubbing his hands impatiently.

* Prince Ashwin. Image generated by Substack. The stupid generator surpassed itself with this one. I think I have a new crush… (yes, I’m being naughty using AI images, but I think it suits the playful nature of this romantasy.)