A Secret Visit

Fifteen minutes later I am heading back to the woods with my satchel and two others full of food. I carefully slide down into the grove and move across to slip up into the Elvish territory.

“And where have you been?” Elau pops up out of nowhere on my left. I smile at him and keep heading to the exit.

“I just made a quick trip home, and I have to get back to the others.” I reply, and he cuts in front of me.

“And what do you have in the bags?” He says, staring down at me.

“None of your business.” I nudged past him.

“Oh come on, I can smell the delicious food your mother made.” He grabs my arm, “I’m offended you aren’t going to share any with me.” He makes an exaggerated sad face.

“Fine,” I reach into the bag and grab a turnover. “Just one, the rest are for my friends.”

“I thought I was your friend.” He chuckled and added, “your best friend, thus shouldn’t it all be for me.”

“Well my human friends need comfort food, and you do not.” I push past him.

“But Nic, don’t you want to stay and play.” He jokes

“Elau,” I copy his whiny tone, “I will play with you another time.” I climb out of the grove and race to the Ambassador Chambers before anyone else sees me or notices the smell of food. I push through the double doors and into the courtyard where the other Ambassadors look at me like I am crazy.

“My god Nic, what took so long?” Benjamin asked, smelling the air, “what is that delicious smell?” I join them and begin unpacking the satchels. I pull out the sweet cream turnovers, roasted beef and potatoes, spicy kielbasa, dried meats, cheese and finally a large jug of human made barley beer.

“Where did you get all of this?” Amelia uttered.

“My house isn’t very far from her so I just ‘took a walk in the woods’ and came back with a couple more bags.” I explain

“We could get in trouble for this. The laws for bringing over food are not set yet.” Luke says uncertain.

“Well then we better get eating.” I respond, and they don’t need much persuasion. They all begin digging in and I am greeted with a chorus of hmmmms.

“Wow, I think this is the best food I have ever had, and I have eaten food made by almost all of the most famous chefs.” Maeve takes another bite and exerts a smile.
“I like to think my mom is the best chef.” I tell her

“I think she is, does she want a job in the palace? I would hire her in a heartbeat.” She exclaims.

“I’m sure she wouldn’t turn down the offer.” I chuckle and start digging in myself. We eat and then I clean up, making sure to hide the evidence. We work for another hour before I feel like my head is going to explode.

“I think it is time for bed.” I tell everyone, standing up and stretching out my arms. Amelia nodded in agreement. We say our goodnights and each head to our separate rooms. Although as I was shutting my door it looked as though Benjamin was coming back out. I shrug and mind my own business. I throw on my sleeping robe and climb into bed with my book of poems. I read for a bit and am caught off guard when my door swings open.

“Oh my god!” I exclaim jumping. I look over at my door and see Elauy shutting it back quietly. “Elau” I whisper, remembering that Amelia can hear me. “You scared me!” I whisper shout at him.

“I’m sorry!” He whispered back and walks over to my bed and sits at the end. “ I just wanted to say hi.” He smiles at me like a puppy dog.

“At 10:30 at night?” I question him

“I know but you were busy all day and I haven't had a chance to spend time with you recently.”

“You see me everyday.” I laugh at him

“I mean spend time alone. Not hiding our friendship from the world.” He turns away from me like he is embarrassed.

“I know, I’ve missed you too.” I tell him and he looks back at me again.

“So you are taking a little vacation with Maeve?” I tease him.

“Uh, yeah… not by choice, of course.” He stutters

“Hey it’s all good dude. You don’t have to explain anything to me. I’m just messing with you.” I pat the spot next to me, higher up on the bed and he slides up the bed.

“So it really doesn’t bother you if I spend time alone with Maeve.” He asks

“No, you’re the Prince. Escorting Princesses is your job.” I lock his arm with mine. “So tell me what your week has been like?” I ask him leaning my head on his shoulder.

“Well I’ve managed to piss off my parents.” He takes a deep sigh

“Why is that?” I look up at him.

“They want me to do something that I don’t want to do and they are leaving me no choice.” He leans his head atop mine. “Nic, sometimes I wish I wasn’t a Prince.”

“Then don’t be.” I tell him, “You should have the right to do as you want. Live your own life.”

“It’s not that simple. I am the only heir. If I abdicate, my parents lose their throne.” He leans up and looks at me, “What kind of son would I be letting my selfishness ruin them?”

“What kind of life are you living with no say in your own choices?” I take his hand, “you deserve to live a life you love as well. It’s okay to be selfish sometimes.”

“Can I be selfish right now?” He asks and I nod my head in response. He takes his hand and strokes my cheek.