Stephanie woke in a sweat, her hair mussed about her head. She had had another nightmare about Elliot in the throne room. She rubbed her eyes to shake off the memories, and stifled a yawn, squeaking quietly. She sat up in the tavern bed, tangled in plaid sheets and a sleeping woman. She slid off the covers carefully so not to wake her companion. The lady beside the princess was beautiful, young and slender with small breasts and freckles on her shoulders. Her hair was tawny and hung from her head in messy curls. Her lips pouted as she slept, and the princess couldn't help but kiss them quickly before getting dressed. She strode to the window, taking in the sunrise. She stretched her bare arms towards the sky and let out a great sigh. Still naked, she searched the wood floor for her undergarments. She found her white brassiere atop the lamp in the corner, and her panties hanging from one of the hat rack's hooks. Chuckling softly, she gathered her things and proceeded to put them on. She stared at the beauty in her bed, and smiled. Stephanie had forgotten her name already, but that was to be expected, seeing as she was rather inebriated the night before. She'd have to burn all those calories from the liquor today if she'd want to stay "Albion's Most Beautiful Princess".
She kissed the sleeping woman one last time, gently so not to rouse her from her slumber, and teleported in a flash of light to the Sanctuary. Jasper was waiting by the circular map table, as always, and greeted Stephanie cheerfully. "Welcome, Madam!" His ivory hair bobbed slightly as he bowed. He dusted off his blue suit, and escorted the princess to the dressing room. Stephanie followed her butler, and oldest friend. She sighed, still recovering from the nightmare.
"Jasper, how long has it been since…?" She trailed off, not wanting to remember that fateful day. Jasper tapped his chin with a gloved hand and closed his eyes for a moment before replying, "About a month, Madam." Stephanie stared at the floor, regretting the decision she made that day. But what was she to do? Those innocent people would've been killed, and Elliot would've blamed himself and her for the rest of his life. At least she had done what he wanted. She remembered Walter telling her she needed to gain followers and to revolt against her brother. This was understandable; he was a horrible king. She had already gained the allegiance of Sabine and his Dweller Camp, Saker and his mercenaries, and even the village of Brightwall. Sure, she had to make a few promises, but this was such a small price to pay for the crown.
"Madam, it seems you and Sir Walter are going to take the Mistpeak Monorail this afternoon. Shall I suggest an appropriate outfit for the occasion?" Jasper inquired and the princess resumed living in the present. Jasper pointed towards a mannequin sporting a beautiful gown of light blue fabric with ivory trimmings, cerulean laces and a white corset studded with pearls. The dress was gorgeous, simply wonderful, but Stephanie had grown tired of dresses and always looking her best. For the past few weeks, she had been doing everything she wasn't allowed to in the castle. She slept with whomever she desired, drank to her heart's content, wore trousers and low cut blouses and cursed as though it were nothing. She was experiencing life, as she wanted to.
"Jasper, I'd prefer the brown trousers, black buckled boots, white pirate shirt and brown leather vest. The one with the gold fastenings, if you'd be so kind." Stephanie replied. Jasper bowed and set off to retrieve the clothing from her wardrobes. The princess stared at the walls of the Sanctuary's dressing room. There were portraits of her mother everywhere. She smiled to herself thinking about how much the people loved her mother. Then Stephanie's eyes closed, blocking tears from dripping down her face. She hadn't known her mother, and was jealous of her subjects for having anytime with her at all.
"Here you are, Madam. Now, now, no more sadness today! You are off to the station, and will have the time of your life riding the monorail." Jasper put a hand on the princess' shoulder, easing her pain. She opened her eyes, smiling at her butler, and gently took the clothing from his arms. As she went behind a partition to change, Jasper continued to try raising Stephanie's morale. "The monorail, I've heard, is a great deal of fun. It's also a great way to bypass all the filthy creatures in the Mistpeak Caverns, though I'm sure if need be, you could easily vanquish the vermin, Madam. You are a strong and lovely young woman, and are growing up to be an even stronger woman, just like your mother."
Stephanie strapped on her boots and pulled them over her trousers. She paused and smiled to herself. She'd love to be like her mother, the great Hero Queen of Albion. She was kind and gentle to her people, but strong and bold against any enemy that arose. She ruled the land with a mother's touch and a warrior's heart. The princess stepped out from behind the partition and Jasper smiled. "You look just like her, Madam. She would be so proud of the woman you are turning into, if I may be so bold." Stephanie strode over to Jasper and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you." And with that, she faded into the light, leaving Jasper alone in the Sanctuary. Stephanie opened her eyes to find herself back in the tavern, but her bed was empty, save for a note on the pillow.
"I hope we do that again sometime, Steph! You're a great lover. Love always, Linda." The princess pocketed the note, chuckling to herself. 'So that's her name…'
"Stephanie!" called a familiar voice from downstairs near the bar. Stephanie poked her head out of the room and peered down the balcony. She saw Walter standing, a satchel on his back and an adventurous look in his eyes. "I'll go on ahead to the station! Meet me there by nightfall!" Stephanie waved in agreement and Walter exited the tavern.
"Oh, there you are!" the princess spun around. There was Linda, wearing a barmaid's dress and her tawny hair had been pulled back into a bun. Linda closed the distant between them and kissed Stephanie's lips aggressively. "I have a little time before my shift." She eyed the princess' apparel and winked. "Want to go for round two?"
Stephanie wrapped her arms around the woman's hips and stared into her bright green eyes. "You don't have to ask me twice!" She growled eagerly. She pressed her mouth the barmaid's neck, causing Linda's breath to hitch in her throat. They stumbled backwards into the room, never letting go of eachother, and fell onto the bed. And from the bar, patrons could hear cries of ecstasy from the open door upstairs.
