Chapter four: The Break
"Thank you," Tairy says as Derrick helps her out of the carriage.
"My pleasure," and they step out of the way for Bella and Devon.
"Now we're just going to take a quick stroll, I promise we'll be back in just a few minutes. Don't worry," Bella says as she and Tairy turn to leave.
As they walk, they take the time to look around. The gardens are extensive, with every type of flower and plant imaginable. Everything was coordinated to perfection. And the smells are wonderful! There's even a small waist high labyrinth to help collect the thoughts. It's obviously not an option though, seeing as it's in full view of everyone arriving here.
They stroll along the side of the palace to where the stables are. They figure this would be a good place to hide for now, after all nobody would be staying here besides the prince. His sister, the Duchess Iriana, and her family, who normally live there, were out of town visiting her parents, namely the king and queen, up in Paris and wouldn't back for a month. And since the prince was staying alone (relatively), it would be unseemly for anyone to be staying with this single man. So there would be little to no (hopefully none) guards watching the stables, they would all be helping with the other horses and carriages.
They slowly steal into the stables and look around. It's not exactly large, about 20 stalls, ten on each side. Not half full of horses. They glance around the building, hoping for inspiration. On the same side of the wall as the door, a little farther down, there are a couple of pegs with clothing on them. They walk to them and search.
"Look Tairy, a cloak. Hmmm. I think it's too small to hide your whole outfit." She hands it to Tairy and resumes searching. Tairy looks around, making sure no ones coming.
"Ah ha, I think this tunic should fit, and maybe even these leggings. Oh, there's an undershirt. Huh, they carry a little of everything in here." Bella holds the tunic up to Tairy for inspection. She looks wary, and then takes it and the shirt.
When Bella hold up the leggings Tairy gasps horrified. "Those are certainly too indecent for me to wear. It's disgusting. I would surely be caught for immodesty."
"Well, with the cloak over you, hiding your face, no one will suspect that you're female, so why would you be indecent?" She hands over the leggings and cloak. She then grabs a horses blanket and gives it too to Tairy. "Wrap your dress in this."
Tairy is at a complete loss. Bella walks up and hugs her.
"Now go change and be on you way. I must leave; Devon will no doubt come searching soon. Don't forget, Leaha's house is the one directly before our own. I will be there for you in the morning." She gives her one last squeeze and walks out.
Tairy glances around, arms and eyes full; with clothes and tears respectfully. There are few lights; maybe three lanterns. She goes to one at the far end and notices that the stall next to it is without a horse, so she goes in.
She changes as quickly as possible, going from upper-class Lady, to stable-boy. She knew instantly she didn't look the part of boy. Both leggings and tunic are too tight. At least her hips are partially hid by the tunic; thank goodness it goes to mid-thigh. Thought she doesn't have an extensive chest, it does show. The tunic was definitely made for a tall skinny male. Her shoes…ahh her shoes! They were green with beading; there was nothing she could do about them. It was dark, maybe no one would notice. She prayed no one would notice her at all.
After the cloaks on, she wraps her dress in the blanket and opens the door. Walking out she runs into another door. She could've sworn they were all closed… Wait…She looks up. It was a man!
Tairy stares up stupidly. If it had not been such a face, she might've kept her wits about her, but was it!
Clean shaven, shoulder length, wavy, dark brown hair, a strong jaw, perfect cheekbones, and luminescent blue eyes. He was a sight to behold, being a little taller than average, and every so slightly built. The corner of his mouth started turning upwards, and in that moment, Tairy remembered herself.
"Excuse me, milord," her voice cracking believably. She clears it and gives a half curtsy bow. "I am so very sorry. I was not paying attention to where I was going."
"Oh no, do not worry boy," he pauses as she comes fully upright. "But, may I ask just what you are doing here at this time of the night?"
"Ummm…" she scans her brain quickly. "Well sir… I have been out of town, and just returned. And…well I borrowed something from the stables and I am here to bring it back, sir."
"Understandable, and why particularly in this stall?"
Tairy was at a loss. She had absolutely no idea what to do. She's about to break down and tell her whole story when he speaks again.
"So by what means did you travel here? I saw no other horse or carriage near here."
"I, uh, walked, sir."
"How far?"
"To my home from here?" he nods. "I am not sure about the distance sir, but I know it is an hour and a half horse ride."
"And you walked this whole way?"
"I, well…yes, I did. So if you will excuse me sir, I have quite a ways to walk, and I must be leaving." She moves to go around him. He steps back into her way.
"No, I will not excuse you, you will follow me please."
Tairy is stricken; maybe she should have told him something else. Of course she couldn't have walked even an hour's horse ride. Oh no, what is she going to do?
He stops suddenly in front of two stalls; there are horses on either side. He points to the one on the right, "this is Lady Beth," the one on the left, "Lord Wallace. They are my personal horses."
Tairy stands in shock; Lady Beth was a painted horse. She had never seen one before; they are beautiful. At least Lady Beth is. Lord Wallace is a pure black horse.
He opens the door to Lady Beth's stall. Tairy's eyes grow. He speaks. "Ride Lady Beth home, you'll get home much sooner than if you walk. Stay here, I'll be right back," and he leaves.
Tairy walks over to Lady Beth and puts out her hand. She smells it and rubs her nose as if to be petted; Tairy does. He comes back carrying all that is needed to saddle a horse, and then accomplishes just that.
Tairy gets up, she's never ridden astride before, and she finds it's much easier to stay on; actually it's quite comfortable.
"I am truly thankful to you my lord. How can I make it up to you?"
"There is no need. I am more than happy to help a fellow brother in trouble. Someday another may be in need of assistance, and you will be there, ready to help." He reached up and grasped Tairy's forearm. "All I ask its that you bring her back to me when next you can." And she trots out of the stable and into the night.
Many, many, many, many, many thanks to my reviewers. Yay, this was kind of a fun part, but no worries, more bad stuff will happen, mwhahahahahahaha!