The Curse of Thir

Princess Naveen entered her room and shut the door behind her. She looked ashamed that she had been made to promise such awful things, but Xylee took no note and shrunk deeper into the red velvet of the chair.

“Francis, would you please stop cowering in the corner. She will not harm you, will you Xylee?”

Xylee shook her head fervently, she intended on keeping the princess as happy as possible. She never wanted to hear that word again, deciding then and there perhaps it would be best to treat the Princess in the same manner as the Dreag, monotone, flat with no emotion that could anger her.

“But my Princess, you have a creature in your room. It is unsafe for me.”

“Francis, her name is Xylee, and it’s perfectly safe for you here.”

“Where shall she sleep then this evening, Princess?”

“She shall sleep in my room, I intend on asking for an extra down bed when the chocolate arrives.”

Francis mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

“But... but... Princess! You cannot let it sleep in here with you! Who knows what evil she’ll do at night when you, in all your innocence, sleep?”

“Would you prefer her to sleep in your bed with you then?”

“No! Please no... I’d prefer if she had stayed in the dungeon and you did not visit her, at all. Princess.” All the while they spoke Lady Francis had moved deeper into corner forming a sort of clay blob attempting to cover a crack.

“Ugh... Francis, you are infuriating. Stay there as long as you wish then.” Naveen threw herself down into the chair by the dresser; she sighed and turned to look at Xylee.

“Are you alright?” She frowned, scrutinizing Xylees appearance and manner. She seemed calm, unjustly so. Her hair held a piece of straw and her yellow eyes remained fixed on the furry bear mat. Xylee did not answer so Naveen continued.

“I’m sorry about my Father, he isn’t actually cruel at all. At least from how I know him. He is extremely protective over me, over everything really. I’m sorry.”

Xylee did still not answer, so Naveen thought it best to change the topic. Maybe that would help settle her nerves, that and the chocolate.

“Have you ever had chocolate?”

“....shoco late?” Xylee repeated, what sort of food was this shoco-late that it would calm a being down?

“No. Its cho-co-late, and I shall take that as a no. It’s delicious and I am sure you’ll love it. Well that is if you like sweet things. Do you like sweet things?”

It was trivial talk but Naveen could see a different expression upon Xylees face that was no longer indifference to her situation.

Xylee nodded with as much enthusiasm as she dared. Her thoughts where clear when it came to the memory of the taste of toffee.

Naveen smiled, she had something in common with the strange girl that sat before her. It was pleasant to think that even such physical differences mattered little when it came to sweet treats.

There was a tentative tap at the door.

“Enter.” The Princess stood up as she called out. The door swung open and in stepped a nimble young female servant. She glanced from side to side viewing the room with caution, and then she saw Xylee and began to tremble. Information spread through the castle quickly. The Princess had a demon for a pet.

The Jug that contained the milk jiggled as she stepped into the room.

“Please just place the tray on the dresser.” Naveen stood in a regal manner, in stark contrast to the manner in which she had addressed Xylee. The woman placed the tray down onto the dresser. It contained three cups and a plate of hard brown blocks; it didn’t look very appetizing to Xylee. The servant women bowed and asked if that was all.

“Please could you organise a spare mattress for my room.” The frightened women bobbed quickly and made a mad dash for the door, forgetting to close it. Naveen made her way to the door and was about to close it when an arm reached in and pulled it closed.

“I see Gelnane put his guardsmen to work already.” She turned back to the dresser and began pouring milk.

“Francis would you care for some milk and chocolate?” Francis didn’t even hesitate and arrived at a surprising speed next to the dresser.

“Thank you Princess. You are too good to me.” She took her milk and grabbed the two largest blocks and manoeuvred back to her corner. Naveen had finished pouring the milk and handed a cup to Xylee, then taking the plate she held it out in front of her. Xylee sniffed the air and found a hint of something bitter but sweet. It seemed safe as the hand maid had scoffed her first block down her mouth and made delighted noises.

Taking one, she carefully turned it about, it still didn’t look that great but it seemed the Princess expected her to eat it. So she did. Gnawing on the corner she found the taste shocking. It melted immediately in her mouth and enveloped her tongue with strange sweetened bitterness. Taking another bite she found the flavour more exciting and exotic. Her puzzled face made the princess laugh.

“Do you like the taste then?” She placed the plate back on the tray and took her own milk. Sitting down she viewed Xylees obvious surprise at the taste, even with her attempt to hide it.

“... I don’t know.... Princess. It’s very... strange.”

“It’s not something you could find easily at any market, it gets imported from Ashail. They grow something called a coco bean, that’s where the bitter taste comes from.”

Xylee nodded and took another bite. It wasn’t bad, but it was a taste she would have to get use too. Sipping the milk helped lessen the bitter taste and added to its flavour.

“As you have noticed Lady Francis enjoys this chocolate very much.” She nodded to the corner where Francis could be seen licking her fingers.

“I found the taste strange at first too, but after a time I truly started to enjoy it. It’s quite, addictive in a way, and I feel slightly more energetic after I’ve had a block or two.” She took a piece for herself and bit off a large corner which instead of chewing she allowed to dissolve slowly. There was silence as the three vastly different individuals ate their chocolate at varying paces. The room was quiet except for the wind that whipped past the glassed panned windows occasionally. It was well lit and bright, matching the feeling most of the castle seemed to embody. The princesses four post bed took up the majority of the room yet there was enough room to swing a Dreag. Not that you could... or wanted to. A large ornate closet stood near the corner Francis occupied, and across from that was another door most likely leading to Lady Francis sleeping quarters. Xylee noted that there were no torches to be lit, but those funny glass cylinders in iron cages; did the princess also believe these useless things would ward off evil? She buried her curiosity to explore the room and its collection of books which sat upon the bookcase she had spotted near the door leading to the passage, believing the princess would not appreciate a snoop or her things being browsed.

“Would you like another piece Xylee?” Naveen held the plate for Xylee again, she hadn’t even noticed that she had finished her chocolate. Her fingers had small brown smudges from where the chocolate had melted. Licking her fingers she then shook her head.

“No thank you Princess.” She sighed. The chocolate seemed to fill her stomach up, or perhaps it was the milk, which was now empty.

“Naveen. Please just call me Naveen.”

“PRINCESS! That’s highly improper way of addressing you. By no means should that demon or any other for that manner, be allowed to address you like that.”

Naveen gave Francis a steely look. Lady Francis took a gulp of milk and remained quiet.

“You only need to address me as princess in front of others, aside from Francis here.”

Again Xylee nodded.

“Do you feel a bit calmer now?”

“Oh... yes.... I feel better, thank you... Naveen... Princess.”

“I’m so glad. Perhaps we could get you in a bath and into cleaner, better fitting clothes?”

Looking down at her clothing, Xylee realised she was truly under dressed to be in the company of a princess. Maybe her appearance offended the Princess.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to offend you. I have nothing else.”

“Well, maybe it’s about time you get used to something new. Francis, could you please ready a bath for my friend then fetch her some clothes.”