Spryte

The following morning, I got up early, ate a hasty breakfast, and then went upstairs to see if Queen Bria was awake. I opened the door after hearing movement outside. Queen Bria walked restlessly between the closet and the bed.

"My Lady, may I fetch you some breakfast?"

At my spoke, she spun around, her eyes piercing. "Close the door." I immediately obeyed. "Did you have a late night?"

"No, My Lady," I answered, completely confused. What would she be trying to say?

"No? After you left my chamber, you must have gone straight to bed, right? Like a stone descending into my gut, realization hit me. She had observed Prince Jase and I strolling across the grounds. They wouldn't have cared if it had been King Ryn, a servant, or even a visitor, but this was Queen Bria.

"Tell me," she demanded, approaching, "was last night's weather cold in the gardens? Was it a pleasant company? Did he tell you anything? Tell me, what were you doing, you idiot?

I lowered my head. "I had gone to fetch tea for Prince Jase, my lady. If I wasn't busy, he asked for companionship before venturing into the gardens. I had no idea that going on a walk with him would cause you any problems.

I was amazed at how easily I lied. I raised my head to meet Queen Bria's intense gaze. "My Lady, I had no idea. Please pardon me.

She suddenly reached out and slapped me across the face. I staggered backward a few paces. She spat, "You're a fool, Camryn." "It will be your undoing!"

I followed her as she bounded out of the room and went to Prince Jase's room. She banged on the door and rushed inside. Prince Jase was surprised by our presence and jumped out of bed. "Ma’am, what is it?"

"What were you doing strolling in the gardens with my maid?" He gazed, unable to speak. "Answer me, boy!"

"I’m sorry, Ma’am, but I don’t—I don’t understand."

"I saw you in the garden with her last night." She poked me with a finger. "She claims you sought company for your midnight walk."

"Ma’am, why else would I walk with Camryn?" As he said my name, I made the horrible mistake of putting my palm to my cheek.

"I understand. Could you tell me what you talked about?

"Nothing of note, Ma’am," he answered.

She faced me. "And you—what did you talk about?"

My breathing became difficult, my thoughts confused, and my heart beat so hard I thought it could stop. I looked anxiously at Prince Jase and told him another falsehood. "I talked about my life in the places back home. He wanted to know if there were peasants. Then we went back inside. It was just a beautiful talk in the gardens, my lady.

"I know you," she murmured, staring at Prince Jase. "And I understand what kind of conversation this is. I'm saying he was teaching you, not that he was acting improperly."

Our astonished looks, which resulted from her extraordinary understanding, also provided a brief opportunity to break free from this maze. "My Lady, he was not!" I objected.

Prince Jase said, "I was not!" almost simultaneously.

"I've repeatedly told you to stop these studies," she added, raising her voice. One day, Jase, you'll be king, and if you can't reign, they won't do anything for you! Go see the folks, follow your dad around, work with the counselors—take action! Not this, though! Later, when you're ready to assume the throne, you'll have time for such activities. These can wait, even if it takes years.

She inhaled deeply. "In two hours, I'll be back. When I do, I'd better put these books away, file and keep those notes, and tidy up everything else. You get it? I'll burn this area to ash if I don't! Jase, two hours!"

She turned to face me. "And you—come with me!"

She walked down the hall with a swagger. I looked at Prince Jase, who had an apologetic expression on his face. I muttered, "Me too," and hurried after her to her room, where I helped clothe her.

She answered, "You'll be punished as well." "I can see that you two are lying to me. I'm putting you in a three-day confinement for your lies. Come with me."

"My Lady, please, grant me at least the morning." She stopped, thinking about me.

"It will mean a longer confinement."

"Very well, My Lady."

"This morning, I have to go see a neighbor. You understand that your break expires when I return?

"Yes, My Lady."

"Then prepare the carriage, and you may go."

"Thank you, My Lady." I marveled at this tiny act of kindness as I bid her farewell. I hurried upstairs and rushed into Prince Jase's room as soon as her carriage turned the corner and disappeared.

"Camryn!"

"I apologize, sir, but I had to pay you a quick visit. As soon as I walked into her room, she started asking me questions. Sir, I told Queen Bria a falsehood! For that, I might be put to death! I apologize for drawing you into this. Oh, pardon me. I collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down my face as the weight of the morning fell upon me. Prince Jase appeared confused. He moved past me to shut the door and then stopped there, maybe wondering how to deal with the wretch who was crying in front of him. Finally, he knelt next to me.

"Camryn… shh… shh, don’t cry."

My eyes were wiped. "Sir, I apologize. I shouldn't act that way."

"No, everything is OK. You didn't betray me; Queen Bria just knew, so there's no need to apologize. Don't worry; nobody else knows and I won't ever tell your lie. You won't be put to death."

"Thank you, sir." He eased me down to seat after helping me stand up and directing me to his bed.

"While I store these books, you can rest there. Does Queen Bria live close by?

"She's gone to see a neighbor, sir. Let me help here; it's the least I can do. I got up and picked up four bulky books.

"You’re not to be punished for this, are you?" I sidestepped his query and headed for the library. "Camryn, are you?"

I looked over at him. "Queen Bria is locking me away for three days."

"Sequestered? "Where?"

"I don’t know, sir."

"Oh, Camryn, I’m sorry."

"It’s not your fault, sir."

"However, it is. The garden path was my idea.

"And I concurred. The fact that I will be imprisoned is my fault, sir. I walked right by him and went back to his room to get the rest of the books and put them away. We didn't speak again as he took care of his notes. I went down when I saw the carriage coming up the lane, stopping only to say good-bye.

His words, "Don’t worry, Camryn," "Bria the Queen will move on. I'll take care of some royal responsibilities and get my notes; when I'm free, I'll instruct you once more, okay?"

"Yes, sir. Farewell, sir. In three days, I'll see you.

"Goodbye, Camryn." I forced a smile and left.

I was imprisoned by Queen Bria in the tallest tower, in a space too small for a standard bed. I stayed there for three days, three days that seemed to go on forever.