A Pack of Lies

"I have seen the prince, Sirs." Coraline said, her voice strong and clear. She didn't sound much like a maid anymore. "He was with two knights, headed to the library. There's a hidden passage behind the third row of shelves. It leads under the walls and out of the castle. He'll have horses waiting for him there." Cowering in the shadow of the older woman, Marcus gasped in shock. What was she saying? He was right here!

"Damn it!" The first soldier spat. "I'll round up the hunters and go after him. Castus, escort these two loyal citizens to the castle gates and protect them. Gaius said he didn't want any women dishonored during the ****. Keep an eye on the girl especially. The rougher lads won't be able to help themselves if they see such a pretty little thing dressed like that." What girl? Who was pretty? Marcus was so confused his head was spinning but he was way too scared to open his mouth and ask.

"Yes Sir!" The other man saluted, then sheathed his sword neatly in his belt. Marcus watched anxiously from behind his maid as the first soldier sprinted away, armored feet pounding on the stone. "Come with me. I'll keep both of you safe." The second soldier stepped forward. He was younger, with piercing brown eyes and a little stubble on his tanned cheeks. He was beckoning Coraline to follow him, but his gaze was fixed on Marcus instead. Rather low down too, around the prince's legs, which were bare and pale under his short shift.

"You have my thanks, kind Sir." Coraline curtsied again. She reached back and grabbed Marcus firmly by the wrist, her fingers digging into his skin. The young prince squealed shrilly, but she just yanked him to her, pulling him against her side and holding him there. "Shut your mouth, idiot child!" She hissed in his ear, her voice a hot whisper. Marcus froze, his trembling lips snapping closed just like his maid wanted, even though her grip was still hurting him. Then she raised her head and glanced at the soldier, who was staring at them in shock. "Please, forgive my daughter." The maid continued. "She's skittish at the best of times and this attack has her so very frightened."

"I can only imagine how scary it must be for a young woman here." The soldier nodded. "Don't worry, girl." He turned to Marcus and stepped forward, holding his hand out the way he might have approached a skittish horse. "My name is Sergeant Castus, you're safe with me, I promise you that." The young prince stared anxiously back, held tight under his maid's arm. It took a moment for the soldier's words to filter through his head. Hold on, this guy thought he was a girl! He opened his mouth to correct the man.

"Men frighten her, Sir." Coraline spoke before Marcus could, and at the same time yanked him even closer to her. The young prince gasped in shock as his face was squashed against the front of her dress, right into her pillowy boobs. He blushed furiously, trying to squirm away, but she just held him even tighter. "She's so delicate. If I don't hold her like this, she'll go to pieces. Please, help me get her home."

"Of course!" Sergeant Castus boomed, suddenly sounding even prouder and more determined. "This way, stay close to me." He stepped down the corridor and Coraline followed, dragging Marcus with her still pressed into her chest. The young prince couldn't even wriggle out of her grip. Since when was she so strong!