A Prince's Sin - Chapter One

Gwendolynn brushed through her long red hair before she started to braid it. She was already running late for her shift at the Boar’s Head. She took an olive green ribbon that matched her gown and tied it in a bow at the end of her long braid.

She left the quiet house she shared with her mother and ran to the small stables that rested on the corner of their property. Inside she passed the well-bred Gypsy Vanner stallion that was all her dowry had to offer. Then her mother’s old grey Percheron mare. Finally in the third stall she came to her horse, a large black Shire gelding.

She led him out of the stall and climbed onto his back. She was running far too late to bother with a saddle.

She rode swiftly into town and settled him in the town’s stables before she entered the tavern.

She was greeted by the loud chatter of the drunken patrons and the smell of alcohol. Another day of harassment by drunken idiots. She sighed and got to work.

**********

Poins chuckled and nudged the tall slender man who sat next to him.

“ey Hal here comes thee favorite waitress.” He smirked.

Gwendolynn was attempting to make her way through the throng of drunken men without getting groped by their wandering hands.

“Good ‘morrow fair Gwendolynn.” Hal greeted her with a smile when she reached his and Poins table.

“Good ‘morrow my lord.” She said with a curtsy before she set down a large tankard of ale in front of Poins then moved to set the other one in front of Hal when Poins moved his foot out tripping her and she fell forward into Hal’s lap spilling ale all over both him and herself.

“My lord! I am sorry!” She exclaimed as she tried to get up.

“It’s quite alright, t’was an accident.” He said as he helped her up.

“I shall go fetch you another drink mi’lord” She went to walk away when she was stopped by Hal grabbing her arm.

“No need. Ned isn’t going to drink his.” He said with a slight smile as her took the tankard out of Poins’ hand just as he was about to take a swig.

“Have a drink. Thou seems to work so hard. Thou deserves a break pretty maid.” Hal said as he held out the tankard to Gwendolynn.

“Mi’lord I really shouldn’t.” Gwendolynn started.

“Thou wouldn’t deny thy Prince now would  thee?” He asked.

Alas Gwendolynn hated it when he played that card. She sighed and took a sip of the ale. Hal smiled as she did.

“Thou can have more if thee wish.” He said.

“T’is alright mi’lord I do not wish to drink all of thine ale.” She replied as she shook her head.

“I can always get more Mistress Gwendolynn. Prithee have a seat.” He instructed as he pulled out a chair for her. Gwendolyyn didn’t want to disobey the crowned Prince so she did as she was told.

Prince Hal sat in the chair next to her.

“Francis!” He barked at a passing servant. “Fetch me a tankard of ale.”

Francis scurried off to bring the Prince his ale.

“Thou art a comely maiden Mistress Gwendolynn.” Poins said with a slight smirk towards Hal.

“Ned do not be disrespectful to Mistress Gwendolynn!” Hal snapped.

“Does thou not agree mi’lord?” Poins asked.

“Verily, the maiden is as comely as a spring morn.” Hal muttered.

Gwendolynn a blushed a hue of red not far from Hal’s leather jacket. It was true that she found the Prince attractive, nearly all of the females in Wales did. But did the Prince truly find Gwendolynn attractive as well?

Gwendolynn’s head started to spin. In her nervousness she had managed to down her entire tankard of ale.

“Fair Gwendolynn is thou alright?” Prince Hal asked, his stunning blue eyes full of concern.

“I-I am f-fine” She slurred as she attempted to stand but failed.

“Do not get up.” The Prince ordered.

“I-I did not even drink that much” She whined.

“I know that ale was indeed very strong.” He helped her up. “I will get thee out into the fresh air”

“But mi’lord I have to work!” She tried to explain.

“I will tell Mistress Quickly that thou is coming with me. She will not argue.” Hal said simply to comfort her worries.

“In truth?” Gwendolynn asked.

“Aye.” He replied as he scooped her up into his arms.

“‘EY!” She exclaimed.

“Does thou wish to walk?” He asked sarcastically.

“N-nay.” She mumbled.

“That is what I thought.” He chuckled.

Oh that laugh. Gwendolynn had heard it many times. Each time it made her heart rate increase. It made her face flush. Oh how she loved his laugh.

Gwendolyn buried her face into his shoulder. His jacket smelled of leather, wine, ale, and him. The aroma was exhilarating.

“Does thou have a horse Gwendolynn?” He asked as he carried her out of the tavern.

“Aye. He is in the town’s stables.” She replied.

Hal carried her into the stables.

“Where is thy horse?” He questioned as he looked around.

Gwendolynn pointed to her large black steed. Hal carried her over and set her down in front of the stall. She leaned on the wall to keep her balance.

“He is certainly a beautiful horse.” Hal said as he led the gelding out of his stall. “No saddle?”

“I did not have the time this morning.” She mumbled.

“We shall have to make due.” The Prince sighed.

He hoisted her up onto the horse’s back and climbed on behind her.

“I am not going to take thee back to thy home. We shall go to the forest so thou can relax without the sounds of the village.” He explained.

“As thee will.” She sighed.