The Princess and The Slave

[EklectikChik]

(This thread is closed)

Carmen watched the excitement of the days festivities with less enthusiasm than anyone else around her. The courtyard was a flourish of different vendors, slave traders and those who ught to by. Among all the hub bub, her father and leader of their strong kingdom was spoiling his loyal followers with food, dance and assortment of other entertainment.

Wealthy and powerful allies came from all around for such a celebration and a few sought to capture her attention and her hand in marriage. At 18, Carmen was a beautiful girl, slender with long dark hair that fell around her waist, lush curves and pretty hazel eyes that complimented a bright smile. Still, no callers had held her interest for long. Most were brash, too eager and more than few had left her feeling somewhat disgusted as they pawed her body in failed attempts to seduce the young princess.

“Will you dance with us, Carmen?” One of her dearest friends asked, noting the particular sour look on her friends face as she let her gaze fall onto the slave traders.

Forcing on a smile, Carmen shook her head. “No, thank you Isa, but I believe I’ll just enjoy things from where I sit.”

Isa smiled knowingly and laughed, “You don’t look like you’re having much fun my friend. You should stop worrying your pretty little head about the slaves and what goes on and have a little fun! You’ll never meet a handsome man to marry if you sit around looking so sour.”

Carmen quirked a delicate brow and glared at her life long friend, her lips twitching with amusement. “Only you would speak to me this way Isa. One of these days…” She wagged a finger and laughed, “I don’t want a handsome young man to fawn over me and embarrass me as he slobbers all over my hand. And you make it sound as thought it is a crime that I care for the people my father ruins and then brings into the kingdom, forcing them to live lives they do not wish to have.” Sighing, she slumped in her plush seat and press her chin into the palm of her hand, gazing around the open space of the courtyard and letting the soft whimsical music of the musicians fill her mind.

“You’re too serious, Carmen!” Isa grouched good naturedly and let herself be captured by a young man who whirled her away.

Shaking her head, she smiled and watched her friend dance without much of a care and wished that she could be just as carefree. Over the tops of noble heads, her gaze strayed over to the musicians and her eyes fixed on a young man. He played with the others, but was noticeable a slave by the collar he wore around his neck and about his wrists.

 

[RedguyTx]

Corbin's Story

Corbin was glad to be playing his loved lute. It was the only joy in an otherwise tedious existence.

He looked forward to these festival days. It was gratifying to see people enjoying the lively music and dancing. This was so much better then when he played the light, boring music during court and dinners.

He hoped the sweet vendor would stay open late. Once the revelers tired and/or got too drunk to dance, the musicians were granted the rare opportunity to roam the bazaar. His mouth watered thinking of the delicate pastries he so enjoyed the once or twice a year he had saved up enough pennies to buy.

At 19, Corbin had been a slave for 12 years. He had been old enough to witness and remember the slaughter of his family, his village, and his whole world. The long journey in the back of the wagon was less vivid. But, the overwhelming sites he saw arriving here is his new home were now just so much eyewash.
Corbin had already been apprenticed to his village healer for 2 years when his life was stolen from him. He proved to be a complete failure at stable work, kitchen work, even gardening, here as the Conquerer's slave.
He overheard a conversation about him and what he was possibly good for besides a runner in the mines. In a brave moment, the little boy spoke up and announced that he could play the lute. They made hiim prove it and thus began his life as a musician. And a fly on the wall that no one saw as long as his music was soothing.

An sharp elbow in his ribs brought Corbin back to the present.

"You're a beat off, boy! Stop your daydreaming," from the minstrel next to him. Followed by a muttered, "Who thought a slave musician was a good idea . . . "

Corbin caught up to the rest of the band and refocused on the rhythms of the music filling his heart.

He glanced up and almost stopped breathing as he was looking into hazel eyes that reflected the glory of the sunset.

 

[EklectikChik]

Carmen lost herself in the slave’s gaze, unable to look away for what seemed like an eternity. Her breath caught every so slightly and shuddered out as he boldly gazed back, unblinking. Her pulse skittered out of control and warmth flooded her body just before she blinked and caught saw one of the minstrels and free men give him another nasty jab to the ribs.

Angered by such behavior - however common it was in her kingdom, Carmen stood. No one paid her any mind as she smoothed her slender hands over her skirts and made her way across the courtyard. Her intricately braided hair swished behind her, thumping gently against her back as she strode with purpose, all the while, the heat of the slaves gaze seemed completely focused on her.

Reaching the short platform on which the musicians performed on, she pointed to the man who had jabbed the young man so rudely and crooked her finger. He looked surprised to see her standing before her, chin lifted slightly as she gave him her best arrogant royal look.

Quickly the man moved and bowed before her. “Yes m’lady. How may I be of service to you today, Princess Carmen?”

“You, I need nothing from. I am confiscating your slave. It has come to my attention that there are many things I have yet to learn and learning an instrument would please me.”

The older man’s brows rose and he turned slightly and regarded the younger slave man who seemed clearly just as shocked. “Would you rather not have a freed tutor, Princess? Someone older and more skilled in the arts?”

Carmen shook her head sniffed, “No. This one is good. Free him to me…unless you would like to take it up with my father?”

The man shook his head and quickly stepped aside, snatching Corbin by the arm and yanking him up. “You heard the Princess. Get a move on.”

Carmen regarded him, trying to remain cool and in control as he stepped off the platform. She nodded and indicated for him to follow, turning about and striding back to where she had come from.

 

[RedguyTx]

Corbin was stunned and didn't know what to say or do as he stood in front of the edge of the stage. A foot pushing firmly but not painfully in the middle of his back sent him in motion.

This Princess looked almost as enticing from behind as she did from in front. He followed, clutching his lute tightly to his chest, not sure what would happen next.

"I guess I won't be having any pastries today," went through his mind and the young slave almost burst out loud laughing at the absurdity of the thought.

The next absurd thought choked any feelings of mirth in Corbin's throat: The daughter of the man who had destroyed his world and stolen his life wanted him to teach her to play the lute.

Princess Carmen was used to being obeyed and would not take any backtalk or attitude from a lowly slave boy. Corbin ground his teeth as he followed her into a very uncertain future.

 

[EklectikChik]

Carmon’s long skirts swished around her legs and her heart beat madly in her chest. She hadn’t planned any of this. Hadn’t bothered to think things through. Just as she reached the sitting area, she decided to change things about and skirted around the seating and entered her large home.

The sounds from outside were now muted and slowly began to fade as she walked further in, glancing a couple of times behind to make sure that her ‘slave boy’ was following. She brought him into the large and spacious library, one of her favorite spots. It held many books, and comfortable furniture, decorated in rich warm colors.

Once inside and away from prying eyes, she slowed and turned to him. Her beautiful eyes rested on him, slowly moving over his face and glancing down at his color which seemed all too cold and hard to be around his neck. She ached for wanting to remove it. To free him from such cruel treatment, but knew that even for her, it would mean certain harsh punishment.

“I’m sorry…for what that fool did.” She told him softly, “What is your name?”

 

[RedguyTx]

Making sure to keep his eyes looking down, he opened his mouth to answer, but had to stop and clear his throat.

"I'm . . . I'm Corwin . . . Your Majesty."

He had never seen so many books in his life. He never thought he'd be surrounded by so much luxury, ornate wood, soft cushions, sweet smelling candles.

He knew better then to look the Princess in the eyes again, but that didn't keep his gaze from wandering to her delicate feet and wondering what else was waiting under her flowing skirts.

"Um, uh, he hardly ever hits me. My mind was wandering and it's important to not be off rhythm and to blend in with the band."

 

[EklectikChik]

She noticed his downcast gaze, something they were made to do, especially in the presence of royalty. Still, she had never cared for any of that - even from her own servants. Her father had chided her on several occasions for making friends with ‘the help’ and ‘lower class’. Carmen nodded and smiled, but continued to do as she wished. It had earned her a strapping a few times when she had been younger, but now her father was older and she and her servants had come to an agreement. When alone together, they were free to speak to her, look her in the eyes and speak their mind. Among the others, they were to act as they usually did. It made for a more peaceful living and she didn’t want anyone to be punished for her feelings.

“Well, I am glad that he didn’t harm you, much at least.” She drew in a long breath and stepped closer, gently touching the links around his wrists. He visibly flinched and she pulled away. “I’m sorry. Please, will you look at me? I will no punish you. I prefer for everyone to look at me when alone. I know my farther frowns upon this, so no one dares in front of him. But in privacy, I prefer it.”

She smiled and moved away, going to a nearby couch that was filled with comfortable pillows. “Come.” She told him, gently patting the seat next to her own. “I was serious about wanting to learn an instrument and you play beautifully.”

 

[RedguyTx]

"Thank you, Princess."

But, he still just stood there.

"Come sit here and show me the first song you learned," she added an undertone of command to her voice. Carmen wasn't sure if she had learned that from her father or it was something she was born with.

Corwin responded. He looked up shyly and her eyes captivated him again. And comforted him. As he moved to sit near her, he could feel with all his being that this was someone who cared what happened to him.

"Do you have a lute? You'll need one to learn on and practice with."

"I'll get one," Carmen was pleased he was talking. "For now, show me a basic tune and I can try with yours."

Corwin played.

It was a lullaby his mother used to sing him. It was the only memory he still had of her. He closed his eyes and a smile crept onto his face and a warmth filled him as he played the soothing tune.

 

[EklectikChik]

Carmen watched him play, the soft smile that played on his lips touched her heart. Everything about his handsome face softened a little and made her heart ache. The tune itself was simple, but beautiful and when he was through, she gazed at him in wonder.

“That was beautiful, Corwin.” She smiled, resisting the urge to ask where he had learned it. Something told her it had some personal sentiment behind it. When he handed her the instrument, she took it carefully and weighed it in her hands.

“So...how do I...?” She began, only to have him lean in closer, his fingers gently and carefully placing her fingers where they should go. His touch made her skin tingle with awareness and for a moment she forgot what to do and let him take control as he adjusted her hands. She giggled softly and grinned sheepishly. “Well, never said it would be overly easy for me. Not everything comes naturally.”