CHAPTER 12

ACT 56

The next day...

In the late morning, Prince Tefon and 2 of his bodyguards were strolling through the village.

Prince Tefon - Ahh. Finally just peace and fresh air.

He passed the market place and came along the main road leading to the edge of the village. He saw a boy and a girl beating up somebody. He went to check what was going on.

Prince Tefon - What is going on here? Stop it!

The boy and girl greeted the Prince immediately.

Boy - We are sorry my Prince. We didn't see you.

Tefon looked behind them and saw a girl. She was beautiful but dirty, injured and fragile looking. She looked terrified.

Prince Tefon - What has she done? Why are you beating her?

Girl - My Prince, this girl is a thief. She stole money from the market square but we saw her and wanted to teach her a lesson. We were about to report her to one of the palace guards.

Tefon looked at the girl. She looked like she was about to pass out.

Prince Tefon - What is your name and what do you have to say for yourself?

Girl - My Prince. My name is Yabiny. I took some money but it was only two coins so that I could get some fruits to eat. I haven't eaten for 2 days. I don't have anyone. I am from Navyyn Blue Village. My family was killed by Red Men. I didn't mean to steal. Please I'm sorry.

Yabiny was just a 10 years old girl. Prince Tefon felt pity for her.

Prince Tefon - Do you know the punishment for stealing?

Yabiny - Yes my Prince.

Prince Tefon - What is it?

Yabiny - 100 lashes of Cane at the market square.

Prince Tefon - That is your punishment... but I will pardon you.

Yabiny - Thank you my Prince.

Prince Tefon - Give them back the money and follow me. You two return the money back to the owner.

Boy and girl - Yes my Prince.

They collected the money and left. Yabiny followed the Prince to the palace.

Prince Tefon - Don't worry you are safe now. No one will harm you as long as you are under my protection.

Yabiny - Thank you my Prince.

They soon reached the palace grounds. He called for the head maid. The middle aged woman arrived.

Head Maid - Yes my Prince.

Prince Tefon - Take this girl and clean her up. Give her food and water and when you are done. Bring her to me.

Head Maid - Of course my Prince. As you wish. Young Lady please follow me.

ACT 57

Later that afternoon...

Tefon was relaxing under the tree in the Royal compound. The head maid and Yabiny meet him.

Head maid - Here she is your Prince.

Yabiny was clean, had her hair done and was wearing the maid uniform. Tefon couldn't take his eyes off her.

Prince Tefon - You look nice.

Yabiny - Thank you my Prince.

Prince Tefon - Now you work for me. You will be one of my maids. And you will clothed and feed. Keep up the good work and I'll make you my second in command. Don't disappoint me.

Yabiny knelt down.

Yabiny - (Or so you think.) Thank you my Prince. The goddess bless you.

Prince Tefon - Let it be so. Now first you go and clean my chambers.

Yabiny - Of course.

ACT 58

That night...

Yabiny came out of the servants sleeping chambers. She looked around and tiptoed to the exit. She saw the two guards were laughing and drinking palm wine. She sneaked past them and headed to the Dark forest. She walked quickly and looked around making sure nobody was following her. She entered into the Dark forest. Immediately she entered someone dropped from a tree in front of her.

Yabiny bowed.

Yabiny - Good evening my Prince.

Prince Lebid - Any news?

Yabiny - I've infiltrated the palace as a maid. Prince Tefon fell for the bait.

Prince Lebid - The foolish boy can't resist any pretty girl he sees. Good. Remember the plan?

Yabiny - Yes. Gather information. Know what they are planning. Report back here every 2 days. Anything else my Prince?

Prince Lebid - Don't get caught. Understood? You will be killed if you get caught, understood?

Yabiny - Yes my Prince.

Prince Lebid - Now go before anyone becomes suspicious.

Yabiny - Yes my Prince.

She quickly hurried back to the palace. She was about to reach her room when a voice called her.

It was Prince Kydin.

Prince Kydin - You! Maid! What are you doing?

She turned around and bowed.

Yabiny - My Prince, I'm very sorry! I was thirsty and I went for a drink and I didn't want to wake anyone up.

Prince Kydin - Then why are you looking tense?

Yabiny - I didn't expect to be called, your highness. I'm sorry for waking you up.

Prince Kydin - You can go.

Yabiny - Yes my Prince.

She hurriedly left. Kydin looked at her and felt something was off about her.

ACT 59

2 days later...

Yabiny was washing the Princes' clothes.

Yabiny - (Well so far I haven't gotten anything to report. I have till tomorrow to report back. I have to learn something. Well I'll just ask the other servants.)

She packed the clothes back to the palace and dried them. She heard some servants gossiping as she spread her clothes.

Maid 1 - Haven't you heard? The Princes will go hunting in two days time and the Grand Queen ordered a Grand feast to celebrate their catch. She must be inviting other Blue Royals. And probably to introduce other Princesses to the Princes.

Maid 2 - Wow. I'm sure Prince Kydin will get all the catch. Prince Tefon will just boast about it to other Royal Princesses in attendance.

Yabiny - (Finally something to report but I have to confirm from a reliable source.)

A third maid passed by holding a basket of potatoes.

Maid 3 - Will you two stop gossiping and come and help. It's almost time for the Royal lunch. I hope you two don't get in trouble one day.

Maid 1 - Be going we are coming. Amebo (Busybody.)

Yabiny - (See pots calling kettle black.)

ACT 60

Yabiny brought Prince Tefon his food in front of his chambers. She began to massage his back as he was about to eat. Kydin came over to where Tefon was eating.

Prince Kydin - Tefon I hope you are prepared for the hunt tomorrow. We are expected to bring as much catch as possible. I don't want to disappoint Grandmother.

Prince Tefon - I remember. Please let me be. In fact you have spoilt my mood. I'm not hungry again.

Prince Kydin - That's your business.

Kydin left.

Yabiny - Please my Prince let me feed you. I promise you will enjoy the food.

Tefon looked at her. She began to feed him and he enjoyed it.

Prince Tefon - Oh my Yabiny you know how to make me feel better. I'm glad I have you.

Yabiny - I'm happy to serve you my Prince.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Please, I would really appreciate reviews and criticism.