Yes, but Castus is rather persistent.

Coraline pulled poor Marcus through what felt like the whole castle, without the young prince managing to say another word to her. Every time he tried to ask what was going on she'd hush him so sharply he got too scared to even squeak. He'd realized finally that she was trying to protect him somehow, but why did that involve letting this soldier think he was a girl? The way Castus get glancing back every now and then, giving his legs and chest these long looks, the young man fully believed the lie. It made Marcus wish he was wearing a lot more clothes.

They passed other soldiers too, men in the same black armor and scarlet capes as Castus. More of Gaius' men. Whenever one got close Coraline would pull him so tight against her chest he could hardly breathe. Her boobs were really big and soft, he'd somehow never noticed that before with the baggy maid dresses she usually wore, but when he got his face shoved in them every few seconds it was hard not to. It made him blush a lot, and it got quite hard to think about anything else.

"How's she doing?" Castus asked suddenly from up ahead, sounding genuinely concerned.

"Still terrified." Coraline sighed. "I'm doing what I can, but she needs her bed. A good night's rest and she'll be her usual perky self again, I hope."

"That's good." The young soldier replied. He paused for a moment, then when he spoke again he sounded rather unsure. "I...if she...if either of you need any help, please send word to me here at the castle. I'm just a sergeant, but Gaius is generous to his men. I can make sure you're protected, or get you food and other supplies."

"That's very kind of you, Sir." Coraline sounded like she really meant it. "I'm sure my daughter will appreciate your generosity once she's herself again." Out the corner of his eye, Marcus saw the sergeant smile like he'd just heard the best news of his life. The man's steps were suddenly a good deal stronger too, like he wanted to jump for joy.

"I hope I'm not imposing, ma'am." The soldier said. "Could...I have her name? And yours as well, of course."

"Of course, Sir." The maid replied without hesitation. "My name is Coraline, And this is my dear Marcia." She hugged Marcus closer as she spoke. The young prince felt himself blush hot. Now he had a girl's name too! And since when was he Coraline's daughter? These lies were going way too far! If only his maid would just let him speak, or stop yanking him around so he could think. He still had no idea what was happening, why his Uncle had attacked the castle, or where his parents even were. It all made his head spin, and he was way too scared now to try and ask anyone.

"The gates are here." Castus said suddenly. Marcus shivered as he felt a cold wind whistle past his almost bare body. Sure enough, they stood in front of the huge pair of double doors that led out of the keep and through the castle walls. There were a lot of soldiers here, rushing about and shouting and waving torches. Coraline was stiff against him, and he could hear her heart beat pounding in her chest. "I'll walk you two the rest of the way home." The sergeant added suddenly.

"Oh, Sir, that isn't necessary." Coraline shook her head, but she sounded unsure. Why? Didn't they want to get rid of this guy as soon as possible?

"I couldn't leave two women to wander the streets at night, especially in a newly-conquered city. There may not have been that much fighting, but it's still far too dangerous" Castus pressed. "You'll get no trouble from the other soldiers if they see you're with me. And your daughter...she's hardly dressed, here take my cloak at least and wrap her in it." He shrugged off his scarlet cape, holding it out in a pile. Coraline reached out to take the garment in one hand, while holding Marcus so tight he could hardly breathe with the other. The young prince shivered as the cape was draped over his slender shoulders and tied round his neck. It smelled funny, all spicy and manly, but it was warm at least. "Please, I couldn't live with myself if I heard something happened." The sergeant continued. "Just to your door, that's all I'm asking. I'll leave you two there, you have my word."