Free A Tale of Two Princesses by V. Ashenden

of wood, with patches of lumber to fix the broken siding. A sign identified it as The Drunken Donkey Inn and Tavern. And underneath that, Discount Manure for Sale . "It's a dump!"
         "Nonsense! It's a hole in the wall. There's a difference. Still, there ought to be enough room for all of us."
         "Oh, sir, the king would be disheartened to learn his son is occupying such a filthy place."
         "Do tell me, Wellington," Court said. "How is this so much worse than camping on the road, hmm?"
         "Camping on the road is a necessity. Staying here is not. Pray let us go to the castle and be welcomed!"
         "No, no, no! If I must meet this girl and, ugh, wed her, at least allow me to do it in my own timing. I will stay here and court her as a proper man should court any woman. If I find her adequate, perhaps I will propose. For now, this will do. Come, the decision's been made!"
         Court kneaded his horse, riding him up to the tavern. He and his men dismounted and headed inside. It was nearly empty, just a few patrons at the bar, the first an old man, the second a man with black teeth, and the third a slumped over baker. A chubby, thick man stood behind the bar, as well as a middle-aged woman, both dumbstruck as Court and his knights filled the small tavern.
         "Uh, welcome."
         "Hello, good sir," Court said. "I am Prince Court Cross from the Cross Kingdom over yonder."
         "Oh, bless me! I, I'm Banyan. This is Mrs. Crockery."
         Banyan bowed at the waist. Mrs. Crockery was right behind him.
         "Oh! What chance has struck us!" she said. "We are honored to be graced by your presence, your highness."
         "Two royals in less than a week," Banyan said. "Interesting times."
         "Two royals, did you say?" Court said.
         "Aye, sir," Banyan said, keeping his head down. "Princess Celeste came through herself not two days ago."
         "The princess!" Court said, looking at their downcast heads. "Oh, please, raise your heads. You do me too much honor. After all, I am not the prince of your kingdom, not yet, anyway. Do tell me, what was the princess doing here?"
         "Having a drink, near as I can say," Banyan said, standing up straight.
         "Indeed?" Court said with a laugh. "I think I rather like that. Wellington, did you hear? The princess was drinking in a common tavern!"
         "I did, sir, and I am in shock!"
         "Wellington, I am positively encouraged!" he said, looking back at Banyan. "Now, my good sir, your references are impeccable after such a story and I am in need of lodging."
         "Lodging?" Mrs. Crockery spoke up. "Are you looking for directions to the castle?"
         "No, madam. Right here, this establishment will do just as well as any castle. Do you have rooms for me, my valet, and ten honorable knights?"
         "We have but eight rooms," Banyan said. "Aye, and one is occupied by this baker, wife what threw him out, but he'll be back home by tomorrow."
         "Caught me with the flour girl again!" the baker volunteered.
         "Right," Court said. "Well, as I see it, perhaps we only need seven rooms anyway. Men, you don't mind sharing a room each, do you?"
         "No, sir!" they shouted in unison; the cheer was so loud it startled everyone in the room.
         "There it is," Court said. "So, what say you? Will you have us for the night and the coming days?"
         Mrs. Crockery and Banyan exchanged looks. "The fee, your highness," Banyan said, "may be a bit...steep for your party."
         "Come now, I'm a prince. Whatever it is, Wellington will pay. You'll also see to our horses, won't you? Now, if you would please, I have had a long journey and I could do with a proper rest."
         "Abigail, show his highness to our finest room, number one."
         "Yes, of course," Mrs. Crockery said. She took Court upstairs, opening room number one. "Here it is, sir."
         "Thank you, madam,"