The Prince, the Other Prince & the Pea, Part 1
The Prince, the Other Prince, and the Pea
By Ancasta
Long ago, in a kingdom far, far away, there lived a prince named Jensen the Modest. The only child of King Sextimus the Silent and his wife, Queen Aggravain, Jensen was beloved of his subjects. Good and kind, he was as fair of face as any in the land.
He was also shy. Painfully, painfully shy.
This shyness made his life at court a misery.
“Momma, why doesn’t the prince speak? Is he cursed like his papa?”
“No, my dear. The prince will one day rule this land. He isn’t like your sister or you. He can’t be friends with just anyone. He has to keep his own counsel.”
What the lords and ladies of the court didn't understand was that Jensen was far too bashful to extend the hand of friendship. It wasn't pride that held him in check, but fear. An only child, he had no peers, no royal relatives to play with and learn from. As a result, he grew up lonely and unsure. Like a turtle in love with its shell, he retreated whenever he could, more comfortable with his own company than with that of anyone else.
“Your Royal Highness, the Master of the Revels would like to know what kind of festivities you’d enjoy to celebrate your birthday. A feast with fireworks perhaps? A masque in your honor or maybe a ball?”
“I think a quiet night with my parents might be best, Minstrel. There’s no need for everyone to make a fuss.”
The only exception to this rule was Sir Thomas the True, dashing knight of the realm. Tom had been sent to the castle at a young age to train and had virtually grown up alongside his prince. Where Jensen was cautious and reserved, Tom was confident and outgoing. Against all odds, a surprising rapport had kindled between them early, the flame growing in warmth and intensity as the two matured.
“My dear prince, why don't any of your subjects know you have a sense of humor?”
“I suspect many of my subjects would be surprised to learn I even have a tongue.”
“And whose fault is that?”
“None but my own, Tom. None but my own.”
Yet while Tom proved Jensen's trusted friend, he still had responsibilities of his own, and could not spend every waking hour entertaining his prince. So it was easy for Queen Aggravain to fill the void.
Like most born into wealth, the king and queen's marriage had been arranged, and no deep affection had ever grown between Sextimus and his bride. Any fondness Aggravain held, any affection she showed was for her only child, who from birth she'd made her constant companion. With little care for what her son might want or need, she didn’t hesitate to bend him to her will, playing upon Jensen’s love for her with the skill of a virtuoso plucking at their lute strings.
"Jensen, darling, while that green tunic is very nice with your eyes, it doesn’t go at all with Mother’s burgundy gown. When we sit next to each other, we look like Christmas ornaments."
"Perhaps I should sit somewhere else then."
"Don’t be silly. You know where you belong-right here at my side. Whatever would I do without you?"
For his part, Sextimus watched the proceedings with sad eyes and a loving heart. Victim of a curse that had rendered him mute soon after assuming his throne, his influence was limited. He was able to lead his kingdom effectively enough, thanks to loyal nobles. But within his own family, his wife ruled the roost.
"What are you trying to say, Father?"
"By the time we figure it out, the moment will have passed, dear. Now leave your father to his advisers and come with Mother. The wizard has a new elixir he promises will make my skin glow. We must visit him and see if his work is as good as his word."
"But Mother, I-"
"With me, Jensen. Now."
Through it all, Prince Jensen bore his lot with patience and a certain wry humor. But what had been bearable when he'd still slept in the nursery started to chafe when other noble boys his age began leaving court for university.
"Mother, perhaps I too should go away to school. Our kingdom needs an educated leader."
"And leave yourself vulnerable for kidnapping or worse? I won't hear of it. We'll arrange for tutors. They’ll give you all the education you need."
By the time his studies were complete and his peers were wooing wives, the prince had finally had enough.
"Mother, I must wed. It’s expected of me. I need someone to sit on the throne with me and rule at my side."
"Don't you take that tone with me, young man. Your father and I aren't quite ready to take up living in the family crypt, you know."
"I'm sorry. It's just…Mother, I'm no longer a child. I need my own life. Please don't ask me to be content with only sharing yours."
The queen looked at her son long and hard, taking so much time, Jensen began to fidget. Her keen regard had always had that effect on him.
"Very well," she said at long last. "You may begin searching for a princess to be your bride. But you must choose quality, Jensen, someone you will be proud to have at your left hand. She must be beautiful, gentle, and clever, and her family must be of the very best lineage. Your subjects must admire her and all she represents."
"Yes, of course," Jensen said, thankful his mother was being so agreeable.
"To that end, the wizard and I will help screen possible candidates."
And just like that, Jensen's dreams crumbled. "Mother, I'm sure that's not-"
"Don't be ridiculous, we're glad to do it," the queen said, patting his hand. "After all, what do you know of women? Left to your own devices, you'd no doubt try and marry the scullery maid."
As much as Jensen balked at the idea of his mother choosing the woman he would wed, he had to confess she was right-his knowledge of the fairer sex was all but nonexistent. He didn't know what to say or how to act. He didn't even know how it felt to be in love.
Frustrated by his inexperience and daunted by what might lie ahead, Jensen went to Tom to ask his opinion. "Tom, how did you know Lady Allison was the one for you?"
Sir Thomas was enamored of the lovely and demure Lady Allison, one of the court's most popular maidens. "She makes me happy," Tom said, shrugging. "When we're apart, all I can think about is when I'll see her again. She is the one I want to impress, the one whose smile makes the rest of the world fade in its radiance. I want to share with her every triumph and lay my head on her chest for comfort when I fail. She's everything to me. And her kiss…it's sweeter than summer wine and twice as satisfying."
Jensen felt his cheeks turn warm when he thought of such intimacy. "Have you ever…? That is…do you two…?"
Tom lifted his brows, and smiled. "Your Highness, are you asking me about lovemaking?"
"No!" Jensen yelped, sure his face had to be redder than the orchard's ripest apple by now. Yet, when Tom chuckled in the face of his lie, Jensen dropped his head and sighed before admitting, "All right, yes. I mean…when did…how do… are you skilled in that regard?"
"Lady Allison seems to think so."
Jensen lifted his head. "So Lady Allison and you are…?"
"A knight never kisses and tells," Tom said.
"But you just did," Jensen said, now more confused than ever.
Tom frowned for a moment before his expression cleared. "Ah! About kissing, yes. But nothing more. When you set about wooing, your Highness, you may want to be a little less literal."
Jensen noted that bit of advice and wished he could ask for more. He didn't know the first thing about wooing. But Tom spoke before he had the opportunity to pursue his education.
"When you meet that special someone, don't worry about what to say or do. Just be yourself," Tom said with a friendly clap on the shoulder. "You're a good man. The best. Any princess would consider herself lucky to become your queen."
"Even if it meant having my mother for a mother-in-law?" Jensen asked.
That seemed to give Tom pause. "Make sure you choose one with a backbone, Your Highness," he said at last. "One with a mind of her own."
"If only I were the one who got to do the choosing," Jensen murmured.
It wasn’t long before selection got underway. Keeping her word, the next day, Queen Aggravain announced to the court her decision to find Jensen a wife.
"The time has come for our beloved son, Prince Jensen the Modest, to select a bride. Messengers will be sent to kingdoms near and far, inviting all eligible princesses to visit our court and introduce themselves to the prince. Only the very finest shall pass scrutiny, yet all are welcome to try."
And try they did. In the weeks that followed, countless young women poured into the kingdom. Jensen found himself encouraged by the response, yet discouraged by his mother's treatment of his prospective brides.
"That one is too tall," Queen Aggravain said from her throne, surveying the princesses arrayed before her in their most lavish gowns. "And do you see the hair on that one? Far too curly!"
"What about her?" Jensen asked, leaning in. "On the end in blue. She's very pretty and her smile is sweet." He didn't know the particular princess well, of course. They'd only just met. But he had to begin somewhere. Perhaps the two of them might suit.
The queen narrowed her eyes. "I suppose she's passable. Very well, let us test her on her royal knowledge. Wizard, if you would, please."
It was his mother's test that made Jensen cringe the most. The queen had decided it wasn't enough for a princess to be beautiful and accomplished. She had to be conversant in the areas of royal history and protocol too.
"Name three kings," the wizard instructed.
The princess in the blue took a deep breath, then replied, "King John, King Arthur, King Ethelred."
"Correct," the wizard said as if surprised. Glancing down at his scroll, he asked the next question on the list. "What animal is on the Noble family crest?"
Again, the princess thought about her answer before speaking. "A lion."
"Correct."
And on it went, the questions getting progressively more difficult until, "What meat did William the Conqueror eat the night before he invaded England?"
The princess' face dropped. "I…uh. That is…"
"Do you know or do you not?" the wizard prodded. "It is a simple question."
It truly wasn't. History was one of Jensen's favorite subjects, yet he didn't think he'd ever read anything about William the Conqueror's dietary habits.
"Might it be pheasant?" she said at last.
"Are you asking me?" the wizard replied with a disapproving frown.
"Yes. I mean no," the princess replied. "That is my answer-pheasant."
"Wrong!" the wizard said with far too much relish for Jensen's liking. "William the Conqueror ate nothing at all before going into battle, choosing instead to fast and fortify himself with prayer."
"And you call yourself a princess!" the queen said with a sniff.
"But…but that's a trick question," the princess said, her eyes welling with tears. "You asked what meat, not whether he ate at all."
"A true princess would have known regardless," the queen said, gazing down her nose at the crestfallen miss. "Time to pack your bags and return home. Bye-bye."
"Mother!" Jensen said in protest.
"Darling, I know what I'm doing," the queen said, turning to address her son. "The chit isn't worthy of you. Leave everything to Mommy, sweetheart. All will be well."
Lips pressed flat in frustration, Jensen rose to his feet. "I need some air."
"Good idea," the queen said, utterly unfazed. "Take a turn around the garden. It'll calm your nerves."
*
As it happened, Jensen was not the only one frustrated by the queen's machinations. Not a moment after he left the throne room, a voice came ringing from the crowd.
"I can't believe none of us can get married until the prince does!"
"What was that?" the queen asked with an arch of her brow.
All heads turned in Lady Allison's direction.
The court knew Allison to be bright and kind, well-mannered and well-bred. It wasn't like her to have an outburst of any sort. But Allison had a secret, a secret everyone would soon know if something didn't change.
"Nothing," Allison said quickly when all eyes fell on her. "I was just stating the Marriage Law, your Majesty."
"Oh. Well perhaps you could state it for the entire court, Lady Allison," the queen said.
Allison curtsied and recited what all young lovers of the court knew by heart. "Throughout the land no one may wed, 'til Prince Jensen shares his wedding bed."
"Quite so," the queen said before turning her attention elsewhere.
A frown wrinkling her pretty forehead, Allison picked up her skirts and wound quickly through the throng of courtiers, one destination on her mind.
Tom. She must find Tom.
He was in the courtyard, sharpening his sword.
"Tom! Oh, Tom! I must speak with you at once."
"Dearest, what's wrong?" Tom asked, standing and gathering Allison into his arms.
"It's awful, just awful," Allison murmured, her cheek pressed to Tom's chest. "Yet another princess has failed to pass the royalty test."
"There's no need to carry on so," Tom assured her. "Sooner or later one is bound to be royal enough for the queen's liking."
"I don't think so, "Allison said, looking up at him. "Word has spread about the queen's treatment of the princesses. Fewer make their way to court every day. Why should they, when they're likely to be treated so abominably?"
"Queen Aggravain is simply looking out for Jensen's best interests," Tom said soothingly, and bent his head for a kiss.
But Allison evaded him. "No, she's not! She's intent on keeping him with her until he's as old as she is. Her royalty test is a sham and the Marriage Law is in place only to keep people from criticizing the queen's actions."
Tom looked around worriedly, but no one in the courtyard was paying them any mind. "Ally, please! Someone will hear you."
"I don't care," Allison said, pulling free from his embrace. "Let the guards throw me in the dungeon and lock me away. At least there I wouldn't have to suffer pitying looks and shunned company."
"I don't understand," Tom said. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying I'm pregnant, Tom," Allison said, her eyes filling with tears. "Pregnant with our child."
She watched as Tom's face went from shocked to delighted. "Pregnant? Why that's…oh, my love! You're going to have our baby." Tom swept her up in his arms, holding her close and spinning her with joy. "How?" "When?"
"You know how well enough," Allison said, squirming to be set down. After another twirl or two, Tom obliged her. "As to when-the baby will be here by Yuletide."
"This is wonderful news," Tom said. "Marvelous!"
"Wonderful for me to be ridiculed as an unwed mother?" Allison asked. "Marvelous for you to be known as a cad who takes a maiden's innocence, but does not marry her?"
Tom's expression turned devastated. "But, Ally…you wanted to lie with me. I-I didn't force you, did I?"
Contrition poured through Allison, and she went to him. "Tom, no. No, of course you didn't."
"Dearest." Tom moved to embrace her.
Only Allison stopped him once more. "But don't you see-the court won't care about that, not if the child comes before we're married. In their eyes, I will be a trollop and you a knight who is a disgrace to the title. It's a scandal we'll never be able to live down."
Tom looked away. "I hadn't thought of it that way."
"I have," Allison said. "And as far as I can see, there’s no way around it. Only one thing will save us."
Tom met her eyes once more. "What is that?"
"The prince must wed, so that we may," Allison said. "Otherwise, I'll have to go."
"Go?" Tom said in fear. "Ally, no-"
"It's the only way to save our reputations," Allison said, shaking her head. "Without them, we're nothing."
After a moment, Tom nodded. "What you say is true. People can be cruel, even those we now call our friends."
"Talk to the prince," Allison said, taking his hands in hers. "Ask him to choose a bride swiftly and use his influence with his mother to successfully bring his princess to the altar. Please, Tom. Do it for your prince. Do it for us."
Tom nodded. "I will," he said, resolute. "Fear no longer, Lady Allison. You have a knight of the realm as your champion."
*
Tom found Jensen sitting on a bench before one of the garden fountains. The prince was tossing small pebbles into the water there, and staring at the circles he created.
"Your Highness."
Jensen looked up. "Tom. What brings you here?"
"Lady Allison tells me another princess failed your mother's royalty test," Tom said, coming to Jensen's side.
"Yes," Jensen said with a lopsided smile. "Though I suppose we shouldn't be astonished. It's not as if she's the first."
Surprised by Jensen's response, Tom arched his brow. "You don't sound as if it bothers you, my prince. Don't you want to marry?"
Jensen took a moment before he answered. "I want someone to share my life, to be mine and mine alone. But I will confess, despite being lovely and talented, none of the princesses who have journeyed to court thus far have captured my heart."
"Have they lacked in character or intelligence?" Tom asked. "Were any ill-mannered or dull?"
Jensen shook his head. "Not at all. Each has been a paragon."
"Then what do you believe is the problem?" Tom asked.
"I wish I knew," Jensen answered with a shake of his head. "It's just…I look at what you and Lady Allison have, and I say to myself, 'That's what I want.' That kind of rapport, that kind of connection. Only I've never felt even a hint of it with any of the princesses I've met." He shrugged and looked away. "It's probably selfish to wish for such a thing. I should be thinking of my kingdom and my family instead. Not everyone who marries finds true love, after all. Look at my parents."
"Don't use them as your model!" Tom protested, aghast. "You shouldn't marry out of duty. You'll never be happy that way. And if you're not happy, I don't see how you can hope to make your subjects so."
"I suppose," Jensen said, tossing another pebble. He didn't sound convinced.
"You'll know when you've found the right one," Tom said, sitting down beside his prince. For just a moment, he put aside his own concerns. The happiness of a friend was too important. "Just don't allow your mother to keep you apart."
"What do you mean?" Jensen asked with a frown.
"I mean when you find someone, be ready to fight for them," Tom said. "True love should never be taken for granted. It's far too difficult to find. In fact…I was thinking…rather than waiting for love to come to you, what if you went after it?"
"Went after it where?" Jensen asked with a kind of dismay. "Where would I go?"
"Outside this castle," Tom said, standing, energized now as a plan began to form. "You can't wait for your intended to walk through the castle gates, Your Highness. You need to go out there and find her."
For a second or two, Jensen looked as if he were seriously considering the idea. Then he shook his head. "My mother would never allow it."
"You're a grown man!" Tom said in exasperation.
"And she's the queen," Jensen said, standing now too, his face flushed with an emotion Tom couldn't identify. "Funny how that trumps adulthood every single time."
The two men stared at each other as if each were daring the other to blink. Finally, Tom turned away and ran a hand over his hair. "Fine. Then I'll go out into the world for you."
Jensen took a step closer to him. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying I'll act as your agent," Tom said, turning back to him. "I'll search out suitable young royals and tell them of your situation. Prospective brides might have better luck if they knew what to expect. I could…coach them. Make them ready for the intensity of your mother's screening."
"Tom," Jensen said, looking equal parts intrigued and appalled. "That would be cheating."
Tom shook his head. "That would be leveling the playing field."
Jensen chewed on the corner of his mouth and considered the offer before saying, "You're right. I can see the wisdom in such a plan. Very well. I would be honored if you would shoulder such responsibility on my behalf."
Tom smiled and sketched him a bow. "It would be my pleasure, Your Highness. Leave everything to me."
*
Tom had been gone nearly a month.
During that time, a dozen more princesses had found their way to the castle. Eleven had failed the royalty test. The twelfth was currently taking it. While she was very pretty and seemed as clever as any who had thus far journeyed to the castle, Jensen didn't feel any particular pull. Yet he rooted for her just the same.
He'd always liked to cheer for the underdog.
"This last question has four parts and concerns a famous man known as the Knight of the Red Cross," the wizard announced with appropriate gravity.
The court all but hummed with tension.
"I'm ready," said the princess, clear-eyed and steady.
"One: what was his name? Two: what beast did he slay? Three: how many rows of teeth did the beast have and what kind? And four: what was the middle name of the daughter-in-law of the best friend of the blacksmith who forged the sword that killed the beast?"
The princess' eyes grew wide. But she quickly recovered. "All right, one: St. George. Two: a dragon. Three: twelve rows of teeth made of iron. Four…could you repeat the last question?"
"Middle name, daughter-in-law, blacksmith." With a smirk, the wizard turned over the sandglass used to keep time.
That flustered the princess. "Right. Oh...I know this."
"Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock!" the queen said, clearly enjoying herself. Jensen's father just looked pained.
"It was Ada!" the princess cried.
"Oh," the wizard said, smiling. "So close. It was Ida."
All the lords and ladies of the court sighed as one.
"Thanks for playing!" the queen said with a little wave.
The princess blinked back tears, her fist pressed to her lips, then dashed from the chamber. Jensen stood, ready to go after her, thinking someone should offer her comfort. Who better than the one responsible for her embarrassment?
"Sit down, Jensen," his mother said, her hand on his wrist.
Before he could protest, the herald's trumpet sounded and someone shouted, "Sir Thomas returns!"
The reason for Tom's absence was no secret, so people poured from the chamber-Lady Allison in the lead-all eager to learn the results of his trip. While he followed along, Jensen moved with less haste than most, fearing Tom's success almost as much as he longed for it.
It wasn't that he hoped Tom had failed. If the past several weeks had taught Jensen nothing, it had taught him he absolutely needed to cut his mother's apron strings.
Jensen's concern was more he would be meeting whoever Tom had brought back with him in front of a crowd, an audience who had as big a stake in the meeting as he did himself. He'd heard the whispers. Until he found himself a bride, couples at court had their hands tied. He sympathized with their plight. But the pressure made him more nervous than determined.
When Jensen reached the courtyard, Tom was handing his horse's reins to his page. Lady Allison stood closely by. Exhaustion evident in his posture, Tom smiled at her. He looked travel-worn and dusty from the road.
"Tom!" Jensen cried in greeting. "Welcome home."
When he heard Jensen's voice, Tom squared his shoulders and directed his smile towards his prince. "Your Highness. It's good to see you. You’re looking well."
"Good to see you too, my friend," Jensen said, reaching out to clasp Tom's arm. He hesitated before asking the question everyone longed to have answered. “Any news?”
Hesitating for a moment himself, Tom finally sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Jensen, but I haven’t much to report. I pleaded your case at every castle that would open its gates to us . Some I spoke to were curious, but all had heard stories from other maidens who had traveled to our kingdom.” Jensen’s cheeks burned with embarrassment and shame. “I did my best. But I can't promise any of the princesses I spoke with will vie for the opportunity of becoming your bride.”
Disappointed, yet doing his best not to show it, Jensen nodded. “Ah, well. At least you tried.” He clapped Tom on the shoulder and addressed the men who had traveled with his friend on his behalf. “I appreciate the effort you and your men made. To look at you, it appears the journey wasn’t easy.”
“On the contrary,” Tom said, glancing at his fellow knights with what looked to Jensen like a sheepish expression. “It was quite pleasant until two days ago."
“What happened two days ago?” Jensen asked.
“We got lost,” one of the other knights said. Jensen knew his name to be Michael. “In a swamp.”
Jensen lifted his brows. “A swamp? How did that happen?”
“Night was falling and the trail wasn’t well marked,” Tom explained. “Without meaning to, we wandered off of it. By the time we’d realized our error, we had no idea where we were.
“It was terrible, Your Highness,” Michael agreed. “The swamp was dark and dank, and filled with insects and things that slithered beneath the water. You could hear them move but never catch a glimpse. One of the pack horses got stuck in the mud there and actually began to sink. We thought we were going to lose the animal or maybe worse. Thank God, Jared and his men came along. Not only did they rescue us, but Jared's family gave us shelter for the night.”
“That was very lucky," Jensen said. "But who is this Jared?"
“He was here just a minute ago,” Tom murmured, looking around.
“He said he wanted to get cleaned up before we introduced him to everyone,” Michael said, searching the crowd now as well. “Jared? Jared, where are you?”
“Here!” A stranger popped his head out from behind the washhouse. Backlit by the late afternoon sun, he was nothing more than an outline. Jensen couldn’t make out any features. All he knew was Jared-whoever he was-was big. “I’m here, good knight.”
Michael waved him over. “Make haste. We want to introduce you to our prince.”
“Coming!”
“Oh, my,” Jensen whispered as the man walked out of the shadows.
As Jensen had noted initially, Jared was very tall, with broad shoulders and powerful arms. His hair was long and tousled, its color a shade or two darker than Jensen’s own, and his face was as handsome as any Jensen had seen. But what struck the young prince most profoundly was Jared’s chest. It was bare and gleaming with droplets of water he must have used to refresh himself. Some of that liquid trickled downward over muscle and bronzed skin to disappear into the fabric of Jared’s breeches. Breeches that clung lovingly to impossibly long legs and cradled the rounded mound of flesh where those two legs met…
“Him,” Jensen breathed as first cold then heat rushed through his veins.
“What was that, Your Highness?” Tom turned to ask.
“Him,” Jensen repeated, having no other words. “Him.”
“Him, who?” Tom asked, his brow furrowed. "Jared?"
“Him,” Jensen said one last time before suddenly realizing how he must sound. Thank God, Michael had left to escort Jared to them. Only Tom remained at Jensen’s side to witness his madness. “Hmm. Hmmmmmmmm!” Scrambling to save face, Jensen pounded his fist against his chest and coughed. “Sorry, just…um, clearing my throat.”
“Ah,” Tom said, his frown deepening. “I see.”
Jensen very much doubted that.
Michael approached, ushering Jared forward. Jared was trying to put on a shirt as he walked. “Your Highness, may I present Prince Jared the Tall of the Vast Northern Marsh.”
Jensen’s mouth dropped open. “Prince? He’s a prince?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Prince Jared said from beneath his clothing, his arms flailing as he strove to shove his hands through stubborn cuffs, his stomach muscles flexing as he squirmed. “I’m the…uh… second son of King Gerald the Great and Queen Sharon the Wise. Our kingdom lays two days' journey north of here. As I knew the way well, I traveled with your party, thinking to assure their safety.”
Just as Jared finished detailing his lineage, his head popped free of the cloth, revealing an even more tousled mop of hair and a toothy smile. Dimples. He had dimples. Jensen couldn’t keep from staring. “W-welcome, noble sir. Thank you for…uh…for rescuing our knights.”
Jared’s smile widened. “I didn’t so much rescue as assist. Your knights are quite capable, fair prince. But our marshland can be rather treacherous to those unfamiliar with the terrain.”
Fair prince. Jared had called him fair. “Still, we must reward you for your kind service,” Jensen said before his hopes could run away with him. “Will you stay with us tonight as our honored guest? We're having a feast to welcome back the travelers.”
"You've planned a feast?" Tom said in surprise.
"I'm planning one now," Jensen said.
“I’d be delighted,” Jared assured him.
"Excellent," Jensen said, already trying to figure out how he was going to convince the castle's notoriously temperamental cook to pull together a lavish spread with only a few hours notice. "Tom, if you wouldn't mind escorting Prince Jared inside-"
"And just what have we here?"
Like a dog called to heel, Jensen whirled to face the speaker. It was his mother. She did not seem pleased. His father stood at her shoulder, looking as if he wished he could intercede.
"Mother, Father, Sir Thomas and his men have returned from their journey," Jensen said, coming to his parents.
"So the herald had announced ages ago," the queen said. "Why have you not made your greeting and come back inside?"
"Because Tom brought with him a guest," Jensen said.
"A princess?" the queen asked.
"A prince," Jensen replied.
"A prince?" the queen echoed, drawing back her chin. "No one gave Sir Thomas permission to find you a prince."
"He didn't find one for me," Jensen said, glancing over his shoulder to see Jared's reaction. His guest was watching with avid interest. "One sort of…tagged along."
"Prince Jared the Tall, Your Highness," Jared said, jogging forward to drop into an enthusiastic if not particularly graceful bow. "At your service."
"Prince Jared from where?" the queen said, pointedly not welcoming Jared to her court, Jensen noticed.
"The Vast Northern Marsh," Jared said, seemingly unbothered by such rudeness.
"The swamp?" the queen said as if she'd stepped in something nasty. Like a swamp.
"The marsh," Jared corrected with a smile. "My family has ruled there for generations."
"How nice for you and yours," the queen said, turning and taking a few steps away. "Jensen!"
Jensen hurried to her side in the hopes of preventing any further bad behavior. "Mother, please," he whispered. "You're behaving poorly."
"I'm behaving poorly?" the queen said, her entire face pinched, like she'd just finished sucking on an entire bowlful of lemons. "Sir Thomas' guest is The Swamp Thing."
"Mother!"
"Well, he is."
"He saved our men when they became lost in his family's marshes. He is a hero and our guest, not Tom's alone."
"He is not my guest," the queen assured him, grabbing hold of her skirts and sweeping past her son.
"I like him!" Jensen called after her in desperation. He had no assurance of Jared's inclination or interest, but he had to take Tom's advice and dare. Just a little. Jared stirred feelings in him Jensen had never experienced before. The only way he would learn if they were reciprocated was to make those feelings known.
His mother stopped in her tracks and turned around to face him. "You like him?"
"I do," Jensen said, nodding, his voice as firm as he could make it.
"You do?" Jared asked, seeming pleased by the notion.
"Yes," Jensen said, looking his way. "Is that all right?"
"Very much all right," Jared said with a smile and a nod.
Jensen returned the smile tenfold.
"He is a prince, Jensen," his mother said, interrupting the interlude. "A man."
"I know that, Mother," Jensen said, turning back to her. "But there is no law that keeps me from choosing a man as my mate."
"There isn't?" Jared queried.
Jensen turned back to him again. "Not for generations," he assured the visiting prince.
“Excellent!” Jared said, beaming.
"You're an only child," the queen said, redirecting Jensen's attention towards her. His neck was beginning to ache. "And our kingdom's throne must have an heir."
Jensen shrugged. "Maybe Jared comes from a large family."
The queen's complexion turned suddenly puce. "Jared comes from a swamp!" she cried, all restraint lost. "The size of his family is entirely beside the point."
"Actually, it's a marsh," Jared said, crossing to stand between the queen and her son. "You see-swamps have trees and are usually near rivers. My father's kingdom is really more grassland-"
"I have no interest in the native plant life!" the queen snapped. Jared immediately took a step away. "The point is you're unsuited to sit on my throne."
"Mother, that’s untrue," Jensen said, standing now at Jared's side. "Jared is handsome, royal, and clearly of noble character. That is the criteria you set for my spouse."
"For your bride, Jensen," the queen said. "We were always talking about a bride."
"I didn't know I wanted this," Jensen said. "Him, I mean."
"You want me?" Jared asked, a shy smile on his lips.
"I really do," Jensen admitted, his cheeks warming. "Could you learn to want me too, do you think? I know I'm rather quiet and perhaps a little dull-"
"You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I can't imagine wanting anyone more," Jared said, turning to take hold of Jensen's hands. "When Tom and his knights visited our castle, he told the court about the reason for their journey. He spoke of his gentle prince, and of that prince’s search for a princess. I listened to Tom's stories of you growing up, and heard the fondness and respect in his voice. And I thought, 'What a fine man this Prince Jensen must be. How lucky will be the one who wins his hand." Pausing for a moment, he shook his head. "I'd never dared hope the lucky one might be me."
Jensen's heart was flitting like a butterfly in a flower garden. His face was hot and his mouth was dry. "I-I don't know what to say."
His smile lingering, Jared leaned in to whisper in Jensen's ear. "If we were alone, I'm sure we wouldn't be worrying about that."
It was all Jensen could do to keep from swooning dead away at Jared’s feet. "Oh…I…that is…my! Come, dear prince. W-We must show you to your chambers, so you can rest before tonight's festivities."
"And what festivities are these?" the queen demanded.
Tom had been silent since the queen's arrival. Now, however, he spoke up. "Prince Jensen was good enough to announce there would be a feast this evening to celebrate our return."
"Was he now?" the queen asked, giving her son a sideways glance that cut as sharp as any knife.
"Indeed," Tom said, stepping forward. "My men and I appreciate the welcome, and are looking forward to Cook's efforts on our behalf."
The queen looked as if she might say more. But in the end, all she did was turn to her son. "Well then, I imagine you have quite a bit to organize, Jensen," she said, her tone frosty. "Seeing as the sun hangs so low in the sky."
"Yes!" Jensen said, freeing himself from Jared's grasp with an apologetic smile. "Yes. There is quite a bit to do. Tom, would you be so kind as to show Prince Jared to the guest quarters in the east wing?"
"It would be my pleasure, Your Highness," Tom said. "Prince Jared, if you'll follow me."
"Yes. Thank you," Jared said, taking his satchel from Michael. Before he followed Tom, he looked one last time at Jensen. "Until later then."
"Yes," Jensen said, trying with all his might not to simper like a schoolgirl. "Until then."
Until then, Jensen repeated inside his head as he watched Jared walk away. Until then…he had a great deal to do.
*
Tom left Prince Jared in his chambers and found Lady Allison waiting for him in the hallway. He wasn't surprised. He knew Allison had seen and heard Jensen's interest in Jared, the same as everyone else. She had to be as excited as he.
"Oh, Tom! You've done it!" Allison said, taking hold of his hands and pulling him away from the door. "You've found the one person Jensen is willing to fight for."
"Let's not be hasty, my love," Tom said. "It's true; Jensen showed some mettle where Jared is concerned. But the queen is formidable. If she wants to keep her only child with her, she is not above doing something underhanded. We must all be on our guard."
"I agree," Allison said, drawing him away down the corridor. "Which is why we must not allow Jensen to fight this battle on his own. He has no mind for deviousness."
"And you believe we do?" Tom asked in surprise.
"I believe we see the queen for what she is," Allison said. "And we are not alone."
"Ally, please be careful," Tom urged as they came to a stop outside one of the royal council chambers. "I know you mean well, but sometimes you speak without considering who might be listening. We wouldn’t want the wrong person hearing you criticize our ruler."
"Our ruler is not the queen. It is her husband, the king," Allison said, opening the chamber door. Tom looked inside the room. Waiting for them were King Sextimus and his minstrel. The king smiled and waved. "Thankfully, he is on our side."
*
Jensen resisted the urge to go to Jared's room personally and escort him to the feast. But it was a near thing. Part of him couldn't believe Jared was there at all. Another part feared he'd vanish before Jensen could see him again.
But that was nonsense, Jensen told himself as he studied his reflection in the mirror. Jared was flesh and bone. Not a figment of Jensen's imagination. He would be brought to the great hall by a page when it was time for the feast to begin, as guests always were, and Jensen would be seated with his family, waiting for him.
If he could ever decide what to wear.
Jensen didn't normally think of himself as vain, but it was taking him an inordinate amount of time to choose a doublet for the evening. He couldn't be certain, but he thought his manservant might be losing patience with him.
"Perhaps the navy, Your Highness?"
"I don't know. Navy is a color in our family crest. Such a choice might seem pompous, don't you think?"
The problem was he didn't want to look as if he were trying too hard, yet he also didn't want it to appear as if he hadn't made any effort at all. It was maddening to try and find the perfect balance.
In the end, he settled upon a creation made of rich pewter colored silk. Intricate stitching and braid-work trimmed the garment in black, matching Jensen's breeches and boots. The doublet's front and back panels were laced together with black cording on the sides, and a row of ornate silver buttons held it closed in front.
"That'll have to do, I guess," Jensen murmured into the mirror, his forehead wrinkled in a frown.
"You look very fine, Sir," his man Aubrey assured him. "Very fine indeed."
Jensen had almost forgotten anyone else was in the room. "Thank you, Aubrey," he said, smiling with embarrassment. "That will be all." Aubrey inclined his head and left his master to his thoughts.
Jensen had plenty of them. His mind was awhirl with excitement and worry. But he couldn't let any of that distract him. He had a guest to entertain.
*
Part 2
Master Post
By Ancasta
Long ago, in a kingdom far, far away, there lived a prince named Jensen the Modest. The only child of King Sextimus the Silent and his wife, Queen Aggravain, Jensen was beloved of his subjects. Good and kind, he was as fair of face as any in the land.
He was also shy. Painfully, painfully shy.
This shyness made his life at court a misery.
“Momma, why doesn’t the prince speak? Is he cursed like his papa?”
“No, my dear. The prince will one day rule this land. He isn’t like your sister or you. He can’t be friends with just anyone. He has to keep his own counsel.”
What the lords and ladies of the court didn't understand was that Jensen was far too bashful to extend the hand of friendship. It wasn't pride that held him in check, but fear. An only child, he had no peers, no royal relatives to play with and learn from. As a result, he grew up lonely and unsure. Like a turtle in love with its shell, he retreated whenever he could, more comfortable with his own company than with that of anyone else.
“Your Royal Highness, the Master of the Revels would like to know what kind of festivities you’d enjoy to celebrate your birthday. A feast with fireworks perhaps? A masque in your honor or maybe a ball?”
“I think a quiet night with my parents might be best, Minstrel. There’s no need for everyone to make a fuss.”
The only exception to this rule was Sir Thomas the True, dashing knight of the realm. Tom had been sent to the castle at a young age to train and had virtually grown up alongside his prince. Where Jensen was cautious and reserved, Tom was confident and outgoing. Against all odds, a surprising rapport had kindled between them early, the flame growing in warmth and intensity as the two matured.
“My dear prince, why don't any of your subjects know you have a sense of humor?”
“I suspect many of my subjects would be surprised to learn I even have a tongue.”
“And whose fault is that?”
“None but my own, Tom. None but my own.”
Yet while Tom proved Jensen's trusted friend, he still had responsibilities of his own, and could not spend every waking hour entertaining his prince. So it was easy for Queen Aggravain to fill the void.
Like most born into wealth, the king and queen's marriage had been arranged, and no deep affection had ever grown between Sextimus and his bride. Any fondness Aggravain held, any affection she showed was for her only child, who from birth she'd made her constant companion. With little care for what her son might want or need, she didn’t hesitate to bend him to her will, playing upon Jensen’s love for her with the skill of a virtuoso plucking at their lute strings.
"Jensen, darling, while that green tunic is very nice with your eyes, it doesn’t go at all with Mother’s burgundy gown. When we sit next to each other, we look like Christmas ornaments."
"Perhaps I should sit somewhere else then."
"Don’t be silly. You know where you belong-right here at my side. Whatever would I do without you?"
For his part, Sextimus watched the proceedings with sad eyes and a loving heart. Victim of a curse that had rendered him mute soon after assuming his throne, his influence was limited. He was able to lead his kingdom effectively enough, thanks to loyal nobles. But within his own family, his wife ruled the roost.
"What are you trying to say, Father?"
"By the time we figure it out, the moment will have passed, dear. Now leave your father to his advisers and come with Mother. The wizard has a new elixir he promises will make my skin glow. We must visit him and see if his work is as good as his word."
"But Mother, I-"
"With me, Jensen. Now."
Through it all, Prince Jensen bore his lot with patience and a certain wry humor. But what had been bearable when he'd still slept in the nursery started to chafe when other noble boys his age began leaving court for university.
"Mother, perhaps I too should go away to school. Our kingdom needs an educated leader."
"And leave yourself vulnerable for kidnapping or worse? I won't hear of it. We'll arrange for tutors. They’ll give you all the education you need."
By the time his studies were complete and his peers were wooing wives, the prince had finally had enough.
"Mother, I must wed. It’s expected of me. I need someone to sit on the throne with me and rule at my side."
"Don't you take that tone with me, young man. Your father and I aren't quite ready to take up living in the family crypt, you know."
"I'm sorry. It's just…Mother, I'm no longer a child. I need my own life. Please don't ask me to be content with only sharing yours."
The queen looked at her son long and hard, taking so much time, Jensen began to fidget. Her keen regard had always had that effect on him.
"Very well," she said at long last. "You may begin searching for a princess to be your bride. But you must choose quality, Jensen, someone you will be proud to have at your left hand. She must be beautiful, gentle, and clever, and her family must be of the very best lineage. Your subjects must admire her and all she represents."
"Yes, of course," Jensen said, thankful his mother was being so agreeable.
"To that end, the wizard and I will help screen possible candidates."
And just like that, Jensen's dreams crumbled. "Mother, I'm sure that's not-"
"Don't be ridiculous, we're glad to do it," the queen said, patting his hand. "After all, what do you know of women? Left to your own devices, you'd no doubt try and marry the scullery maid."
As much as Jensen balked at the idea of his mother choosing the woman he would wed, he had to confess she was right-his knowledge of the fairer sex was all but nonexistent. He didn't know what to say or how to act. He didn't even know how it felt to be in love.
Frustrated by his inexperience and daunted by what might lie ahead, Jensen went to Tom to ask his opinion. "Tom, how did you know Lady Allison was the one for you?"
Sir Thomas was enamored of the lovely and demure Lady Allison, one of the court's most popular maidens. "She makes me happy," Tom said, shrugging. "When we're apart, all I can think about is when I'll see her again. She is the one I want to impress, the one whose smile makes the rest of the world fade in its radiance. I want to share with her every triumph and lay my head on her chest for comfort when I fail. She's everything to me. And her kiss…it's sweeter than summer wine and twice as satisfying."
Jensen felt his cheeks turn warm when he thought of such intimacy. "Have you ever…? That is…do you two…?"
Tom lifted his brows, and smiled. "Your Highness, are you asking me about lovemaking?"
"No!" Jensen yelped, sure his face had to be redder than the orchard's ripest apple by now. Yet, when Tom chuckled in the face of his lie, Jensen dropped his head and sighed before admitting, "All right, yes. I mean…when did…how do… are you skilled in that regard?"
"Lady Allison seems to think so."
Jensen lifted his head. "So Lady Allison and you are…?"
"A knight never kisses and tells," Tom said.
"But you just did," Jensen said, now more confused than ever.
Tom frowned for a moment before his expression cleared. "Ah! About kissing, yes. But nothing more. When you set about wooing, your Highness, you may want to be a little less literal."
Jensen noted that bit of advice and wished he could ask for more. He didn't know the first thing about wooing. But Tom spoke before he had the opportunity to pursue his education.
"When you meet that special someone, don't worry about what to say or do. Just be yourself," Tom said with a friendly clap on the shoulder. "You're a good man. The best. Any princess would consider herself lucky to become your queen."
"Even if it meant having my mother for a mother-in-law?" Jensen asked.
That seemed to give Tom pause. "Make sure you choose one with a backbone, Your Highness," he said at last. "One with a mind of her own."
"If only I were the one who got to do the choosing," Jensen murmured.
It wasn’t long before selection got underway. Keeping her word, the next day, Queen Aggravain announced to the court her decision to find Jensen a wife.
"The time has come for our beloved son, Prince Jensen the Modest, to select a bride. Messengers will be sent to kingdoms near and far, inviting all eligible princesses to visit our court and introduce themselves to the prince. Only the very finest shall pass scrutiny, yet all are welcome to try."
And try they did. In the weeks that followed, countless young women poured into the kingdom. Jensen found himself encouraged by the response, yet discouraged by his mother's treatment of his prospective brides.
"That one is too tall," Queen Aggravain said from her throne, surveying the princesses arrayed before her in their most lavish gowns. "And do you see the hair on that one? Far too curly!"
"What about her?" Jensen asked, leaning in. "On the end in blue. She's very pretty and her smile is sweet." He didn't know the particular princess well, of course. They'd only just met. But he had to begin somewhere. Perhaps the two of them might suit.
The queen narrowed her eyes. "I suppose she's passable. Very well, let us test her on her royal knowledge. Wizard, if you would, please."
It was his mother's test that made Jensen cringe the most. The queen had decided it wasn't enough for a princess to be beautiful and accomplished. She had to be conversant in the areas of royal history and protocol too.
"Name three kings," the wizard instructed.
The princess in the blue took a deep breath, then replied, "King John, King Arthur, King Ethelred."
"Correct," the wizard said as if surprised. Glancing down at his scroll, he asked the next question on the list. "What animal is on the Noble family crest?"
Again, the princess thought about her answer before speaking. "A lion."
"Correct."
And on it went, the questions getting progressively more difficult until, "What meat did William the Conqueror eat the night before he invaded England?"
The princess' face dropped. "I…uh. That is…"
"Do you know or do you not?" the wizard prodded. "It is a simple question."
It truly wasn't. History was one of Jensen's favorite subjects, yet he didn't think he'd ever read anything about William the Conqueror's dietary habits.
"Might it be pheasant?" she said at last.
"Are you asking me?" the wizard replied with a disapproving frown.
"Yes. I mean no," the princess replied. "That is my answer-pheasant."
"Wrong!" the wizard said with far too much relish for Jensen's liking. "William the Conqueror ate nothing at all before going into battle, choosing instead to fast and fortify himself with prayer."
"And you call yourself a princess!" the queen said with a sniff.
"But…but that's a trick question," the princess said, her eyes welling with tears. "You asked what meat, not whether he ate at all."
"A true princess would have known regardless," the queen said, gazing down her nose at the crestfallen miss. "Time to pack your bags and return home. Bye-bye."
"Mother!" Jensen said in protest.
"Darling, I know what I'm doing," the queen said, turning to address her son. "The chit isn't worthy of you. Leave everything to Mommy, sweetheart. All will be well."
Lips pressed flat in frustration, Jensen rose to his feet. "I need some air."
"Good idea," the queen said, utterly unfazed. "Take a turn around the garden. It'll calm your nerves."
*
As it happened, Jensen was not the only one frustrated by the queen's machinations. Not a moment after he left the throne room, a voice came ringing from the crowd.
"I can't believe none of us can get married until the prince does!"
"What was that?" the queen asked with an arch of her brow.
All heads turned in Lady Allison's direction.
The court knew Allison to be bright and kind, well-mannered and well-bred. It wasn't like her to have an outburst of any sort. But Allison had a secret, a secret everyone would soon know if something didn't change.
"Nothing," Allison said quickly when all eyes fell on her. "I was just stating the Marriage Law, your Majesty."
"Oh. Well perhaps you could state it for the entire court, Lady Allison," the queen said.
Allison curtsied and recited what all young lovers of the court knew by heart. "Throughout the land no one may wed, 'til Prince Jensen shares his wedding bed."
"Quite so," the queen said before turning her attention elsewhere.
A frown wrinkling her pretty forehead, Allison picked up her skirts and wound quickly through the throng of courtiers, one destination on her mind.
Tom. She must find Tom.
He was in the courtyard, sharpening his sword.
"Tom! Oh, Tom! I must speak with you at once."
"Dearest, what's wrong?" Tom asked, standing and gathering Allison into his arms.
"It's awful, just awful," Allison murmured, her cheek pressed to Tom's chest. "Yet another princess has failed to pass the royalty test."
"There's no need to carry on so," Tom assured her. "Sooner or later one is bound to be royal enough for the queen's liking."
"I don't think so, "Allison said, looking up at him. "Word has spread about the queen's treatment of the princesses. Fewer make their way to court every day. Why should they, when they're likely to be treated so abominably?"
"Queen Aggravain is simply looking out for Jensen's best interests," Tom said soothingly, and bent his head for a kiss.
But Allison evaded him. "No, she's not! She's intent on keeping him with her until he's as old as she is. Her royalty test is a sham and the Marriage Law is in place only to keep people from criticizing the queen's actions."
Tom looked around worriedly, but no one in the courtyard was paying them any mind. "Ally, please! Someone will hear you."
"I don't care," Allison said, pulling free from his embrace. "Let the guards throw me in the dungeon and lock me away. At least there I wouldn't have to suffer pitying looks and shunned company."
"I don't understand," Tom said. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying I'm pregnant, Tom," Allison said, her eyes filling with tears. "Pregnant with our child."
She watched as Tom's face went from shocked to delighted. "Pregnant? Why that's…oh, my love! You're going to have our baby." Tom swept her up in his arms, holding her close and spinning her with joy. "How?" "When?"
"You know how well enough," Allison said, squirming to be set down. After another twirl or two, Tom obliged her. "As to when-the baby will be here by Yuletide."
"This is wonderful news," Tom said. "Marvelous!"
"Wonderful for me to be ridiculed as an unwed mother?" Allison asked. "Marvelous for you to be known as a cad who takes a maiden's innocence, but does not marry her?"
Tom's expression turned devastated. "But, Ally…you wanted to lie with me. I-I didn't force you, did I?"
Contrition poured through Allison, and she went to him. "Tom, no. No, of course you didn't."
"Dearest." Tom moved to embrace her.
Only Allison stopped him once more. "But don't you see-the court won't care about that, not if the child comes before we're married. In their eyes, I will be a trollop and you a knight who is a disgrace to the title. It's a scandal we'll never be able to live down."
Tom looked away. "I hadn't thought of it that way."
"I have," Allison said. "And as far as I can see, there’s no way around it. Only one thing will save us."
Tom met her eyes once more. "What is that?"
"The prince must wed, so that we may," Allison said. "Otherwise, I'll have to go."
"Go?" Tom said in fear. "Ally, no-"
"It's the only way to save our reputations," Allison said, shaking her head. "Without them, we're nothing."
After a moment, Tom nodded. "What you say is true. People can be cruel, even those we now call our friends."
"Talk to the prince," Allison said, taking his hands in hers. "Ask him to choose a bride swiftly and use his influence with his mother to successfully bring his princess to the altar. Please, Tom. Do it for your prince. Do it for us."
Tom nodded. "I will," he said, resolute. "Fear no longer, Lady Allison. You have a knight of the realm as your champion."
*
Tom found Jensen sitting on a bench before one of the garden fountains. The prince was tossing small pebbles into the water there, and staring at the circles he created.
"Your Highness."
Jensen looked up. "Tom. What brings you here?"
"Lady Allison tells me another princess failed your mother's royalty test," Tom said, coming to Jensen's side.
"Yes," Jensen said with a lopsided smile. "Though I suppose we shouldn't be astonished. It's not as if she's the first."
Surprised by Jensen's response, Tom arched his brow. "You don't sound as if it bothers you, my prince. Don't you want to marry?"
Jensen took a moment before he answered. "I want someone to share my life, to be mine and mine alone. But I will confess, despite being lovely and talented, none of the princesses who have journeyed to court thus far have captured my heart."
"Have they lacked in character or intelligence?" Tom asked. "Were any ill-mannered or dull?"
Jensen shook his head. "Not at all. Each has been a paragon."
"Then what do you believe is the problem?" Tom asked.
"I wish I knew," Jensen answered with a shake of his head. "It's just…I look at what you and Lady Allison have, and I say to myself, 'That's what I want.' That kind of rapport, that kind of connection. Only I've never felt even a hint of it with any of the princesses I've met." He shrugged and looked away. "It's probably selfish to wish for such a thing. I should be thinking of my kingdom and my family instead. Not everyone who marries finds true love, after all. Look at my parents."
"Don't use them as your model!" Tom protested, aghast. "You shouldn't marry out of duty. You'll never be happy that way. And if you're not happy, I don't see how you can hope to make your subjects so."
"I suppose," Jensen said, tossing another pebble. He didn't sound convinced.
"You'll know when you've found the right one," Tom said, sitting down beside his prince. For just a moment, he put aside his own concerns. The happiness of a friend was too important. "Just don't allow your mother to keep you apart."
"What do you mean?" Jensen asked with a frown.
"I mean when you find someone, be ready to fight for them," Tom said. "True love should never be taken for granted. It's far too difficult to find. In fact…I was thinking…rather than waiting for love to come to you, what if you went after it?"
"Went after it where?" Jensen asked with a kind of dismay. "Where would I go?"
"Outside this castle," Tom said, standing, energized now as a plan began to form. "You can't wait for your intended to walk through the castle gates, Your Highness. You need to go out there and find her."
For a second or two, Jensen looked as if he were seriously considering the idea. Then he shook his head. "My mother would never allow it."
"You're a grown man!" Tom said in exasperation.
"And she's the queen," Jensen said, standing now too, his face flushed with an emotion Tom couldn't identify. "Funny how that trumps adulthood every single time."
The two men stared at each other as if each were daring the other to blink. Finally, Tom turned away and ran a hand over his hair. "Fine. Then I'll go out into the world for you."
Jensen took a step closer to him. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying I'll act as your agent," Tom said, turning back to him. "I'll search out suitable young royals and tell them of your situation. Prospective brides might have better luck if they knew what to expect. I could…coach them. Make them ready for the intensity of your mother's screening."
"Tom," Jensen said, looking equal parts intrigued and appalled. "That would be cheating."
Tom shook his head. "That would be leveling the playing field."
Jensen chewed on the corner of his mouth and considered the offer before saying, "You're right. I can see the wisdom in such a plan. Very well. I would be honored if you would shoulder such responsibility on my behalf."
Tom smiled and sketched him a bow. "It would be my pleasure, Your Highness. Leave everything to me."
*
Tom had been gone nearly a month.
During that time, a dozen more princesses had found their way to the castle. Eleven had failed the royalty test. The twelfth was currently taking it. While she was very pretty and seemed as clever as any who had thus far journeyed to the castle, Jensen didn't feel any particular pull. Yet he rooted for her just the same.
He'd always liked to cheer for the underdog.
"This last question has four parts and concerns a famous man known as the Knight of the Red Cross," the wizard announced with appropriate gravity.
The court all but hummed with tension.
"I'm ready," said the princess, clear-eyed and steady.
"One: what was his name? Two: what beast did he slay? Three: how many rows of teeth did the beast have and what kind? And four: what was the middle name of the daughter-in-law of the best friend of the blacksmith who forged the sword that killed the beast?"
The princess' eyes grew wide. But she quickly recovered. "All right, one: St. George. Two: a dragon. Three: twelve rows of teeth made of iron. Four…could you repeat the last question?"
"Middle name, daughter-in-law, blacksmith." With a smirk, the wizard turned over the sandglass used to keep time.
That flustered the princess. "Right. Oh...I know this."
"Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock!" the queen said, clearly enjoying herself. Jensen's father just looked pained.
"It was Ada!" the princess cried.
"Oh," the wizard said, smiling. "So close. It was Ida."
All the lords and ladies of the court sighed as one.
"Thanks for playing!" the queen said with a little wave.
The princess blinked back tears, her fist pressed to her lips, then dashed from the chamber. Jensen stood, ready to go after her, thinking someone should offer her comfort. Who better than the one responsible for her embarrassment?
"Sit down, Jensen," his mother said, her hand on his wrist.
Before he could protest, the herald's trumpet sounded and someone shouted, "Sir Thomas returns!"
The reason for Tom's absence was no secret, so people poured from the chamber-Lady Allison in the lead-all eager to learn the results of his trip. While he followed along, Jensen moved with less haste than most, fearing Tom's success almost as much as he longed for it.
It wasn't that he hoped Tom had failed. If the past several weeks had taught Jensen nothing, it had taught him he absolutely needed to cut his mother's apron strings.
Jensen's concern was more he would be meeting whoever Tom had brought back with him in front of a crowd, an audience who had as big a stake in the meeting as he did himself. He'd heard the whispers. Until he found himself a bride, couples at court had their hands tied. He sympathized with their plight. But the pressure made him more nervous than determined.
When Jensen reached the courtyard, Tom was handing his horse's reins to his page. Lady Allison stood closely by. Exhaustion evident in his posture, Tom smiled at her. He looked travel-worn and dusty from the road.
"Tom!" Jensen cried in greeting. "Welcome home."
When he heard Jensen's voice, Tom squared his shoulders and directed his smile towards his prince. "Your Highness. It's good to see you. You’re looking well."
"Good to see you too, my friend," Jensen said, reaching out to clasp Tom's arm. He hesitated before asking the question everyone longed to have answered. “Any news?”
Hesitating for a moment himself, Tom finally sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Jensen, but I haven’t much to report. I pleaded your case at every castle that would open its gates to us . Some I spoke to were curious, but all had heard stories from other maidens who had traveled to our kingdom.” Jensen’s cheeks burned with embarrassment and shame. “I did my best. But I can't promise any of the princesses I spoke with will vie for the opportunity of becoming your bride.”
Disappointed, yet doing his best not to show it, Jensen nodded. “Ah, well. At least you tried.” He clapped Tom on the shoulder and addressed the men who had traveled with his friend on his behalf. “I appreciate the effort you and your men made. To look at you, it appears the journey wasn’t easy.”
“On the contrary,” Tom said, glancing at his fellow knights with what looked to Jensen like a sheepish expression. “It was quite pleasant until two days ago."
“What happened two days ago?” Jensen asked.
“We got lost,” one of the other knights said. Jensen knew his name to be Michael. “In a swamp.”
Jensen lifted his brows. “A swamp? How did that happen?”
“Night was falling and the trail wasn’t well marked,” Tom explained. “Without meaning to, we wandered off of it. By the time we’d realized our error, we had no idea where we were.
“It was terrible, Your Highness,” Michael agreed. “The swamp was dark and dank, and filled with insects and things that slithered beneath the water. You could hear them move but never catch a glimpse. One of the pack horses got stuck in the mud there and actually began to sink. We thought we were going to lose the animal or maybe worse. Thank God, Jared and his men came along. Not only did they rescue us, but Jared's family gave us shelter for the night.”
“That was very lucky," Jensen said. "But who is this Jared?"
“He was here just a minute ago,” Tom murmured, looking around.
“He said he wanted to get cleaned up before we introduced him to everyone,” Michael said, searching the crowd now as well. “Jared? Jared, where are you?”
“Here!” A stranger popped his head out from behind the washhouse. Backlit by the late afternoon sun, he was nothing more than an outline. Jensen couldn’t make out any features. All he knew was Jared-whoever he was-was big. “I’m here, good knight.”
Michael waved him over. “Make haste. We want to introduce you to our prince.”
“Coming!”
“Oh, my,” Jensen whispered as the man walked out of the shadows.
As Jensen had noted initially, Jared was very tall, with broad shoulders and powerful arms. His hair was long and tousled, its color a shade or two darker than Jensen’s own, and his face was as handsome as any Jensen had seen. But what struck the young prince most profoundly was Jared’s chest. It was bare and gleaming with droplets of water he must have used to refresh himself. Some of that liquid trickled downward over muscle and bronzed skin to disappear into the fabric of Jared’s breeches. Breeches that clung lovingly to impossibly long legs and cradled the rounded mound of flesh where those two legs met…
“Him,” Jensen breathed as first cold then heat rushed through his veins.
“What was that, Your Highness?” Tom turned to ask.
“Him,” Jensen repeated, having no other words. “Him.”
“Him, who?” Tom asked, his brow furrowed. "Jared?"
“Him,” Jensen said one last time before suddenly realizing how he must sound. Thank God, Michael had left to escort Jared to them. Only Tom remained at Jensen’s side to witness his madness. “Hmm. Hmmmmmmmm!” Scrambling to save face, Jensen pounded his fist against his chest and coughed. “Sorry, just…um, clearing my throat.”
“Ah,” Tom said, his frown deepening. “I see.”
Jensen very much doubted that.
Michael approached, ushering Jared forward. Jared was trying to put on a shirt as he walked. “Your Highness, may I present Prince Jared the Tall of the Vast Northern Marsh.”
Jensen’s mouth dropped open. “Prince? He’s a prince?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Prince Jared said from beneath his clothing, his arms flailing as he strove to shove his hands through stubborn cuffs, his stomach muscles flexing as he squirmed. “I’m the…uh… second son of King Gerald the Great and Queen Sharon the Wise. Our kingdom lays two days' journey north of here. As I knew the way well, I traveled with your party, thinking to assure their safety.”
Just as Jared finished detailing his lineage, his head popped free of the cloth, revealing an even more tousled mop of hair and a toothy smile. Dimples. He had dimples. Jensen couldn’t keep from staring. “W-welcome, noble sir. Thank you for…uh…for rescuing our knights.”
Jared’s smile widened. “I didn’t so much rescue as assist. Your knights are quite capable, fair prince. But our marshland can be rather treacherous to those unfamiliar with the terrain.”
Fair prince. Jared had called him fair. “Still, we must reward you for your kind service,” Jensen said before his hopes could run away with him. “Will you stay with us tonight as our honored guest? We're having a feast to welcome back the travelers.”
"You've planned a feast?" Tom said in surprise.
"I'm planning one now," Jensen said.
“I’d be delighted,” Jared assured him.
"Excellent," Jensen said, already trying to figure out how he was going to convince the castle's notoriously temperamental cook to pull together a lavish spread with only a few hours notice. "Tom, if you wouldn't mind escorting Prince Jared inside-"
"And just what have we here?"
Like a dog called to heel, Jensen whirled to face the speaker. It was his mother. She did not seem pleased. His father stood at her shoulder, looking as if he wished he could intercede.
"Mother, Father, Sir Thomas and his men have returned from their journey," Jensen said, coming to his parents.
"So the herald had announced ages ago," the queen said. "Why have you not made your greeting and come back inside?"
"Because Tom brought with him a guest," Jensen said.
"A princess?" the queen asked.
"A prince," Jensen replied.
"A prince?" the queen echoed, drawing back her chin. "No one gave Sir Thomas permission to find you a prince."
"He didn't find one for me," Jensen said, glancing over his shoulder to see Jared's reaction. His guest was watching with avid interest. "One sort of…tagged along."
"Prince Jared the Tall, Your Highness," Jared said, jogging forward to drop into an enthusiastic if not particularly graceful bow. "At your service."
"Prince Jared from where?" the queen said, pointedly not welcoming Jared to her court, Jensen noticed.
"The Vast Northern Marsh," Jared said, seemingly unbothered by such rudeness.
"The swamp?" the queen said as if she'd stepped in something nasty. Like a swamp.
"The marsh," Jared corrected with a smile. "My family has ruled there for generations."
"How nice for you and yours," the queen said, turning and taking a few steps away. "Jensen!"
Jensen hurried to her side in the hopes of preventing any further bad behavior. "Mother, please," he whispered. "You're behaving poorly."
"I'm behaving poorly?" the queen said, her entire face pinched, like she'd just finished sucking on an entire bowlful of lemons. "Sir Thomas' guest is The Swamp Thing."
"Mother!"
"Well, he is."
"He saved our men when they became lost in his family's marshes. He is a hero and our guest, not Tom's alone."
"He is not my guest," the queen assured him, grabbing hold of her skirts and sweeping past her son.
"I like him!" Jensen called after her in desperation. He had no assurance of Jared's inclination or interest, but he had to take Tom's advice and dare. Just a little. Jared stirred feelings in him Jensen had never experienced before. The only way he would learn if they were reciprocated was to make those feelings known.
His mother stopped in her tracks and turned around to face him. "You like him?"
"I do," Jensen said, nodding, his voice as firm as he could make it.
"You do?" Jared asked, seeming pleased by the notion.
"Yes," Jensen said, looking his way. "Is that all right?"
"Very much all right," Jared said with a smile and a nod.
Jensen returned the smile tenfold.
"He is a prince, Jensen," his mother said, interrupting the interlude. "A man."
"I know that, Mother," Jensen said, turning back to her. "But there is no law that keeps me from choosing a man as my mate."
"There isn't?" Jared queried.
Jensen turned back to him again. "Not for generations," he assured the visiting prince.
“Excellent!” Jared said, beaming.
"You're an only child," the queen said, redirecting Jensen's attention towards her. His neck was beginning to ache. "And our kingdom's throne must have an heir."
Jensen shrugged. "Maybe Jared comes from a large family."
The queen's complexion turned suddenly puce. "Jared comes from a swamp!" she cried, all restraint lost. "The size of his family is entirely beside the point."
"Actually, it's a marsh," Jared said, crossing to stand between the queen and her son. "You see-swamps have trees and are usually near rivers. My father's kingdom is really more grassland-"
"I have no interest in the native plant life!" the queen snapped. Jared immediately took a step away. "The point is you're unsuited to sit on my throne."
"Mother, that’s untrue," Jensen said, standing now at Jared's side. "Jared is handsome, royal, and clearly of noble character. That is the criteria you set for my spouse."
"For your bride, Jensen," the queen said. "We were always talking about a bride."
"I didn't know I wanted this," Jensen said. "Him, I mean."
"You want me?" Jared asked, a shy smile on his lips.
"I really do," Jensen admitted, his cheeks warming. "Could you learn to want me too, do you think? I know I'm rather quiet and perhaps a little dull-"
"You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I can't imagine wanting anyone more," Jared said, turning to take hold of Jensen's hands. "When Tom and his knights visited our castle, he told the court about the reason for their journey. He spoke of his gentle prince, and of that prince’s search for a princess. I listened to Tom's stories of you growing up, and heard the fondness and respect in his voice. And I thought, 'What a fine man this Prince Jensen must be. How lucky will be the one who wins his hand." Pausing for a moment, he shook his head. "I'd never dared hope the lucky one might be me."
Jensen's heart was flitting like a butterfly in a flower garden. His face was hot and his mouth was dry. "I-I don't know what to say."
His smile lingering, Jared leaned in to whisper in Jensen's ear. "If we were alone, I'm sure we wouldn't be worrying about that."
It was all Jensen could do to keep from swooning dead away at Jared’s feet. "Oh…I…that is…my! Come, dear prince. W-We must show you to your chambers, so you can rest before tonight's festivities."
"And what festivities are these?" the queen demanded.
Tom had been silent since the queen's arrival. Now, however, he spoke up. "Prince Jensen was good enough to announce there would be a feast this evening to celebrate our return."
"Was he now?" the queen asked, giving her son a sideways glance that cut as sharp as any knife.
"Indeed," Tom said, stepping forward. "My men and I appreciate the welcome, and are looking forward to Cook's efforts on our behalf."
The queen looked as if she might say more. But in the end, all she did was turn to her son. "Well then, I imagine you have quite a bit to organize, Jensen," she said, her tone frosty. "Seeing as the sun hangs so low in the sky."
"Yes!" Jensen said, freeing himself from Jared's grasp with an apologetic smile. "Yes. There is quite a bit to do. Tom, would you be so kind as to show Prince Jared to the guest quarters in the east wing?"
"It would be my pleasure, Your Highness," Tom said. "Prince Jared, if you'll follow me."
"Yes. Thank you," Jared said, taking his satchel from Michael. Before he followed Tom, he looked one last time at Jensen. "Until later then."
"Yes," Jensen said, trying with all his might not to simper like a schoolgirl. "Until then."
Until then, Jensen repeated inside his head as he watched Jared walk away. Until then…he had a great deal to do.
*
Tom left Prince Jared in his chambers and found Lady Allison waiting for him in the hallway. He wasn't surprised. He knew Allison had seen and heard Jensen's interest in Jared, the same as everyone else. She had to be as excited as he.
"Oh, Tom! You've done it!" Allison said, taking hold of his hands and pulling him away from the door. "You've found the one person Jensen is willing to fight for."
"Let's not be hasty, my love," Tom said. "It's true; Jensen showed some mettle where Jared is concerned. But the queen is formidable. If she wants to keep her only child with her, she is not above doing something underhanded. We must all be on our guard."
"I agree," Allison said, drawing him away down the corridor. "Which is why we must not allow Jensen to fight this battle on his own. He has no mind for deviousness."
"And you believe we do?" Tom asked in surprise.
"I believe we see the queen for what she is," Allison said. "And we are not alone."
"Ally, please be careful," Tom urged as they came to a stop outside one of the royal council chambers. "I know you mean well, but sometimes you speak without considering who might be listening. We wouldn’t want the wrong person hearing you criticize our ruler."
"Our ruler is not the queen. It is her husband, the king," Allison said, opening the chamber door. Tom looked inside the room. Waiting for them were King Sextimus and his minstrel. The king smiled and waved. "Thankfully, he is on our side."
*
Jensen resisted the urge to go to Jared's room personally and escort him to the feast. But it was a near thing. Part of him couldn't believe Jared was there at all. Another part feared he'd vanish before Jensen could see him again.
But that was nonsense, Jensen told himself as he studied his reflection in the mirror. Jared was flesh and bone. Not a figment of Jensen's imagination. He would be brought to the great hall by a page when it was time for the feast to begin, as guests always were, and Jensen would be seated with his family, waiting for him.
If he could ever decide what to wear.
Jensen didn't normally think of himself as vain, but it was taking him an inordinate amount of time to choose a doublet for the evening. He couldn't be certain, but he thought his manservant might be losing patience with him.
"Perhaps the navy, Your Highness?"
"I don't know. Navy is a color in our family crest. Such a choice might seem pompous, don't you think?"
The problem was he didn't want to look as if he were trying too hard, yet he also didn't want it to appear as if he hadn't made any effort at all. It was maddening to try and find the perfect balance.
In the end, he settled upon a creation made of rich pewter colored silk. Intricate stitching and braid-work trimmed the garment in black, matching Jensen's breeches and boots. The doublet's front and back panels were laced together with black cording on the sides, and a row of ornate silver buttons held it closed in front.
"That'll have to do, I guess," Jensen murmured into the mirror, his forehead wrinkled in a frown.
"You look very fine, Sir," his man Aubrey assured him. "Very fine indeed."
Jensen had almost forgotten anyone else was in the room. "Thank you, Aubrey," he said, smiling with embarrassment. "That will be all." Aubrey inclined his head and left his master to his thoughts.
Jensen had plenty of them. His mind was awhirl with excitement and worry. But he couldn't let any of that distract him. He had a guest to entertain.
*
Part 2
Master Post