A sympathetic ear

Syndra Beileth had been a ranger in her prince's service for the past hundred years. In that time she had heard many things that she wasn't supposed to. Things she kept close to her heart. In all those years of dutiful service, she had done everything for her prince. Yet he had never seen her as anything more than a ranger. A silent stalker, skilled with her bow and sword. Both of which had drawn their fair share of orcish blood on missions out into the Wastes. When the orcs had first turned up in the kingdom she had thought they would need to do so again but gradually she had come to respect the warriors and their leader Broden.

Her first and only loyalty, however, was to her prince. When he had approached her one night and asked her to his bed her heart had soared. It had been everything she imagined as well. His fingers alone had been magical but she was nearly incoherent from orgasm after he brought his tongue into play. When he'd finally claimed her body he did so in a way that none of her past partners could even think to compare with. Her loyalty and heart had been his for a long time but from then on so was her soul. So much so that she hadn't hesitated to agree to his latest task.

The queen stormed out of the room, followed quickly by her bodyguard. For a moment Syndra feared she would be seen but there was obviously something on the orc's mind and his eyes passed her hiding spot without a second look. A short while later the other sister. Mitri left the room. Syndra decided to move in. There was no longer any need for stealth and she simply walked right up to the door and knocked.

"Go away!" The voice inside sounded nothing like the poise and grace she'd expected from a princess. She didn't heed the request and simply opened the door and walked in. While entering a princesses' chambers unannounced was a serious violation of protocol she felt that she could gain the girl's forgiveness.

Lethila heard the door open despite her demand. She figured it must be Mitri coming back for something she'd forgotten but when she turned to look... someone who looked a lot like her was closing the door. It didn't take long for her to figure out who her mystery guest was. Her curiosity managing to override her anger.

"What are you doing here?" The princess asked the ranger.

"My apologies for coming unannounced your highness but I was told secrecy was of the utmost importance for our roles." She said, giving a bow, not the full one due to the queen or her prince but a respectful one. "I had hoped that we might speak so that I could more effectively portray you in my duties."

"I- suppose that would be wise." The princess replied, finally regaining her own composure.

"I must admit, I admire your courage, your highness. While I shall have a full contingent protecting me you shall have only a skeleton guard should our ruse be discovered." The ranger plied, speaking exactly as her prince had bidden her. Her lord had been studying the girl as long as he had been courting the queen and he had known that she would respond poorly to this coddling.

"I wish I were in your shoes. To face off against the humans is a far more honorable endeavor than hiding in the woods."

"Truly your highness? I had thought that you were-"

"A dove? One to be held in a tower and kept safe? My mother seems to think so."

"I am sure the queen loves you-"

"That's the problem! She loves me too much to let me live! No elf truly lives forever and someday I might have to be the queen. How can I do that if she is always coddling me!" Lethila didn't know where the outburst came from, or why she was ranting to the woman she had met only minutes ago, she guessed it was because it was almost like shouting at a mirror.

Syndra hadn't expected that outburst. She had thought she would have to work much harder to get the princess to this point. Obviously, this was something that had been on the young royal's mind for a while.

"Would you then decide, if it were possible for us to be in each other's place? While I long to grapple with this bane of our forests your words ring true." The ranger asked

"I would. But it is not possible. The orcs would know us apart even if none others would." The princess was grateful for the ranger's attempt but she knew it would be futile.

"Then we both go. I as you and you as one of the scouts. They would never suspect that. The scouts would rarely mingle with the bodyguard. Believe me, your highness. I have long discovered that people only see what they wish to. None wish to see the princess among them so they will see you as one of the party."

"What of the guards who are to take me to the cabin? Will they not wonder at my absence?"

"Easily handled your highness. Orders change all the time. Sometimes reports meant to make their way to the queen's desk get lost on the way. Only to appear unexpectedly."

Lethila was tempted. Very tempted. But could she really deceive her mother like this? If she found out her mother would be furious. This was still the only chance that she would ever get to see the front line. She could fight. And as a side mission, she was sure some of the female prisoners would be willing to talk about fashion. With all this in mind, she made her decision.