James, The Crown Prince

by Daniel B. Harris

“About nine years ago I came here from a fishing village called ‘Gore’. The town was attacked and burned out by a dragon. I lost my father in that attack and joined the group of refugees.”

  I was fascinated because I’d only heard stories of dragons, and told her so.

  She nodded, “The dragon was powerful but it was no match for the wizards that were protecting the convoy.” That really got my attention because this was starting to have the ring of familiarity to it.

  She stared at the ceiling while she was remembering, “When the dragon had attacked us; the wizards put shields over us to protect us and then smashed the monster with multiple spells at once. It was nothing but a smoking pile when they were done.”

  I smiled; amused that some of the gold in my pocket could have come from that same dragon’s cave.

  She laughed while remembering, “When I was in wizard training there was a funny girl named Alba. I still feel bad because I let her down.”

  I sat up straight in my seat when I heard that! I didn’t think that I’d ever been told this part of the story but nodded interestedly, keeping our mugs full and the barkeep happy.

  Her mood changed as her memories continued, “Me and three other girls had snuck out of camp and went to the city when we weren’t supposed to. When I had said that I wanted to stay I broke my promise to stick with her training until she was done. As punishment, the master stripped me of my abilities. I was angry for a while but found a job here and have let it pass.”

  “Do you know what that wizard’s name was?”

  “Of course! He was a very sweet man and I’ll never forget him. His name was David.”

  Dad can have a hard side when pressed! I would have never guessed that he would remove a wizard’s power!

  During her story we’d gone through a lot of ale. I yawned, “I’d better get a room and might as well make it for the week. I don’t think that I’m going to feel like an early bird in the morning.”

  Lynna asked slyly, “Would you like me to join you?

  I was enjoying her conversation and learning of my father’s past, so I agreed. She helped me fight my stagger a bit and I made it to the counter. I told the barkeep that I thought I might stay a week and he held out his hand with a smirk and said three gold coins. I pulled a handful of coins out of my pocket and counted out three gold coins and handed it to him. His tune changed abruptly and he handed Lynna the key to his nicest room.

  Before I put the money in my pocket Lynna whispered in my ear, “For one gold I’ll stay the week too.” I handed her a coin and hoped that she didn’t plan on talking all night because I hoped to be at the docks tomorrow. With a bit of help from Lynna, I navigated the steps and the hall to my room. She opened the door, adjusted the lamps and then locked the door behind her. I guess she needs a place to sleep, too. I don’t mind and the bed looks plenty big. I don’t see her carrying a nightgown, though.

  Lynna loosened the laces at the top of her dress, pulled it over her shoulders and let it drop to the floor. She stood there naked, watching me. Then crossing the short gap between us, she put her arms around my neck and kissed me. My head had been swimming before, but now it was on a wild ocean ride! My breathing started racing and an erection began to fight with my trousers. I slid off my pack and dropped it under my pillow. Lynna pulled my tunic over my head and started working on the laces of my trousers as I kicked off my shoes and helped with the laces. I pulled her back onto the bed as I wiggled myself free of my stubborn clothing. Suddenly I had flashes of the images that Aunt Alba had bombarded me with earlier in the day. She’d told me that a man who was good in bed would do those things and I didn’t want to be a slouch. I had my father’s reputation to live up to, after all. I kissed her neck and slid down to her breasts. I gently sucked and nibbled each one as per my mental instruction manual. Lynna’s breathing was becoming loud and ragged as I slid down, kissing her belly. I was surprised to find hair located below her waist, because I’d often heard the consorts mention being bald down below. I figured maybe she’d not been prepared for this situation or perhaps just had forgotten. I checked and she seemed to be significantly distracted and probably wouldn’t notice if I used a bit of magic. With a simple pass of my hand, I fixed her oversight. Now I had to rely on Alba’s images, because I was in completely unknown territory. I separated her lips with my tongue, causing her to gasp. I glanced up and asked if she was all right, and had my head pushed back to where it had been. Since I could take that as a yes, I slid my tongue up and found the hard spot I was looking for. I sucked it in between my lips and she raised her hips into me. Pressing firmly with my tongue and flicking it back and forth caused her breathing to become full-blown moans and her hips to begin bucking. As I released her and slid back up to kiss her, she reached down and positioned my erection just inside her. My body knew what to do from there. I pushed myself into her as she rose up onto me. I continued thrusting, feeling her body spasm and quake from time to time until I knew that I was there. My father had explained birth control and I used the spell now, following it with an eruption deep inside of her. We lay together for a few minutes before I rolled to the side.

  She gasped, “I feel like I should be the one paying you!”

  Finally understanding, I laughed, “So that is why you came up! I thought you just liked me and were being friendly! Thank you for the birthday present, even if I did pay for it. I hope that my next experience with a woman is as good as my first was!”

  Her breathing was finally slowing to normal. “Happy birthday, but you have to be kidding about the first time thing.”

  I grinned as I shook my head. “No, this was the first time I’ve been with a woman, and I hope you’ll forgive my clumsiness and ignorance. Next time I will know better what I’m doing.”

  “My stars, James, I’ve been with men who brag about their prowess in bed but couldn’t hold a candle to what you did to me tonight. You’ve paid me for a week and I’ll be here; but after that, should you ever just want me for free, just let me know!”

  The next morning when I woke, Lynna was still sleeping peacefully. I felt like I’d been hit by a wagon. I knew that my head was thumping due to the ale, but the rest of my body ached, too. I finally decided that my physically weak, magical body didn’t care for manual labor that much. I sent healing magic through me, and just because I care, did the same for Lynna. She’d wake without the throbbing head or anything else that might be ailing her. She might be surprised if she looked for scars, since they would be taken care of, too.

  I reminded myself that I wasn’t following my own rules and would need to be more careful. One day out and I’d used magic four times already. The healing I could justify, the birth control was just responsible, but the hair removal, well that was just sexy.

  Chapter Three

  I dressed, slung on my pack and walked to the door. I managed to drag my teenage libido out of the room with the reassurance that she would be here tonight. I made my way back to the docks and watched the boats coming and going. Travelers stopped by and would sometimes ask me for directions to the inn. Since that was about all I knew of the town, I could be somewhat helpful. Finally I heard a familiar voice call, “You, Boy!”

  Jumping up, I ran to the fishing boat that was pulling in; they tossed me ropes and I figured out where they went. The captain walked past and barked, “Same deal, same pay.”

  I grinned, nodded and started popping the hold doors open. Then there was nothing but fish after fish after fish, until the mate and I had reached the bottom. I helped with the wipe down and then returned to my log, watching people come and go. When the captain returned, he gave the mate a questioning look. The mate just grinned and shrugged. The captain stalked to me and probed, “Boy, this is twice you’ve unloaded my boat. Neither time did you come looking for your pay. Both times we were unloaded an hour faster than usual. You have a story?”

  “No sir,” I responded. “No story, but I do enjoy working. I didn’t think you would leave withou
t paying me and I assumed you’d catch more fish if the boat was unloaded quickly.”

  He grinned like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “If only more young men were like you! I hope you plan on being here for a while. I’ll keep a lookout for you.”

  The rest of my day was uneventful, so I set off back to my room in the inn. Lynna was waiting and almost tackled me, as a few other working girls were starting towards me. She gave them a warning look as she led me to a table. I hope she doesn’t get too attached. When I get ready to leave, I’m leaving and can’t worry about someone else. Lynna asked if we would be having drinks and I dropped a gold coin on the table. She proceeded to the bar and brought back two ales and the change, laid the change on the table for later, and we talked. She admitted to me that she’d made a mistake by bragging about her night last night, and now any of the other girls would be happy to take me upstairs for free if I wanted. She advised me that there were much younger girls than she was available, because she was twenty-three, after all. I replied that I’d had a wonderful time with her last night and saw no reason to take someone else upstairs. I looked forward to her sharing my room again, but would understand if she didn’t want to. She looked at me as though I’d lost my mind and declared that she only hoped that I’d want her back. Now I remember Aunt Alba telling me that if I did those things, a woman would want to hang on to me. I don’t want to be hung on to right now, and a working relationship would probably be for the best. We had a few drinks, moved upstairs and I practiced some more of the flashes that Aunt Alba had given me as a birthday gift. She’d had ahold of me for a solid minute, and with mind to mind communication, a minute is forever!

  Three more days went by pretty much like the previous, except that I didn’t wake as sore anymore. My lazy prince muscles were finally getting used to tossing fish and my liver was getting used to the ale. I got to where I came back to the inn at around the same time every evening, because the younger working girls would try to abduct me if Lynna wasn’t right there. Even the barkeep would grin at me when I walked in now. I guess the walls here aren’t nearly as soundproof as those I’d grown up with.

  My fifth day on the docks, way before the usual time of my usual fishing boat, I heard, “Hey, Boy! Could you get these bags and show us to the inn?”

  I turned around, nodding, “Yes, Sir! I’d be happy to!” I have always thought that angels were myths and now I’m looking at one! She has the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen! I fumbled a bit while picking up bags for a merchant and the young lady with him. Subduing the wieldy bags, I tucked them under my arms and led the way. I waited until they checked in and assisted them up the stairs. Happily, and I don’t think it a coincidence, they were situated on the far side of the inn from my room. I carried the bags up and stowed them in the room, trying not to be obvious about staring at the young lady. However, she did notice and averted her eyes with a blush, as a couple copper coins were dropped into my hand by the gentleman. I heard the reprimand about ladies staying away from boys like that, as I walked away. I was sorely tempted to become Prince James Stephenson again, just to be able to spend time with an angel.

  Back at the dock, I asked around about the newcomers to town. The gossip was that the merchant and his daughter were traveling to Iador in the kingdom of Sabia. They had a layover and would be meeting the ship here day after tomorrow. Rumor had it that he was going to try to sell her to a lord there who collected consorts any way he could get them. I asked who I needed to talk to about booking passage, which caused them to laugh. They cautioned me that it would cost twenty gold coins for passage and that was a lot of unloaded fish. When I insisted, I was directed to the office for ship passage; I went there at once and purchased a ticket for Iador. Immediately after, I proceeded to the general goods shop and purchased a small pouch, slipping twenty-five platinum coins into it. Lynna was a wonderful young woman, and perhaps with this kind of money, she could get a jump start into another line of work. I went back to the docks and unloaded fish.

  The morning the ship was scheduled to embark, I woke Lynna. She stretched and pulled me to her; I kissed her and told her I was leaving, but would never forget her. She fought tears, because she wasn’t supposed to get emotionally involved in her line of work. I gave her the money and I thought she’d faint when she saw how much was there. It was many year’s-worth at the rate she made working here, and I told her that I hoped she would find other work. I promised that I would look for her someday to make sure she was doing well. I kissed her again, grabbed my pack and fled to the docks.

  Chapter Four

  The dock workers laughed when I showed up until they saw my passage ticket. They all wished me well and hoped the girl was worth the trouble. I heard, “Hey, Boy! Come assist us with this!”

  I turned and the merchant and the angel were coming my way. I ran to them and loaded up with bags, then carried them up the ramp. The crew tried to turn me around at the top, but I flashed my ticket and they allowed me on board. The merchant apologized for treating me like a porter when I was a passenger. I replied that I didn’t mind and that I believed work was good for the mind, body and spirit. He grinned and bowed slightly, commenting that he wished more young men felt that way.

  Lynna had heard that I was sailing out and came to the dock to wave. She assured me that she would definitely quit her job, but she’d stay close to Todan so I could find her as I’d promised. I blew her a kiss and turned away, because the wind was causing me to tear up. I moved to the bow of the ship as we started to pull away. The angel and her father came up to the bow, and we watched as the boat turned away from shore and headed for deeper water. The merchant introduced himself as Micah and his daughter as Star. Star, finally my angel has a name. He said they were on their way to Trotwell via Iador. I stated that I was just traveling for the sake of education, and asked if they would mind me accompanying them. I’d never been farther south than Todan and perhaps he could show me around. He glanced at his daughter, who seemed to be happier than she should about the new travel arrangements.

  As we hit the open water and the waves became rougher, Micah said that he was going to lie down for a bit, but warned that he would be back from time to time. Star and I stayed up on the bow for a short time and she began to take on a green hue. I asked if she was all right just as she leaned over the rail, vomiting violently. I went to her and held her beautiful, long curly hair back. I felt bad for noticing the texture of her hair in my hands when she was so obviously ill. I leaned close and revealed that I could help her if she would ask. She gasped, “Oh, please!”

  She asked for, unknowingly of course, and got healing magic from me. I watched as it coursed through her and chided myself when my eyes would quit their track to look elsewhere. She was standing straight up and was back to her natural rosy color in moments. I noticed I was still holding her hair and let go just before Micah popped his head up from the cabin hold. When he saw us just talking innocently, he took his green self back below.

  “How did you do that, James?” Star asked. I love it when she says my name! I don’t know what it is, but I’ve got it bad!

  I smiled innocently. “I put my fingers around your hair and pulled it away from your face to the back of your neck.”

  She gave me a pouty look and my heart was hers. “You know what I mean. You made me feel better when the waves had me ill.”

  “I know some places on the body that if you put pressure on them you’ll feel better,” I lied. I touched you on the neck when I was getting your hair and that’s what did it.”

  She asked, “Have you ever been around a Lord or Nobles?”

  With a confused look I replied, “Yes, why do you ask?”

  She sighed. “Do you think that a Lord would buy a consort who was only fifteen? I heard the crew of the last ship saying that my father has been offered five hundred gold coins for me when we get to Trotwell.” Like hell that will happen! If the bastard needs money that bad, I’ll give it to him, but he won�
��t give this girl away. She’s already stolen my heart. Stupid commoner selling his daughter!

  I responded, “Some Lords would buy consorts and I’ve heard of it before. I don’t think you should worry though, because I believe you should be with someone who truly cares for you. You are too nice and too beautiful to be sold as a consort!”

  She blushed to the roots of her blonde hair. “You really think I’m beautiful?”

  “I thought you were an angel when I first laid eyes on you. Forgive me for being so forward, but I can‘t seem to help myself. Do you believe in love at first sight?”

  Her blush never faded and she nodded, looking away. “You know my father would kill you for talking to me like that.”

  “Then I would die for being honest,” I countered.

  She glanced towards the hold, stepped forward and hugged me quickly. Quickly she stepped back and breathed, “We can’t be together, you know. You’re the nicest young man I’ve met, and I think I feel the same as you feel about me, that love at first sight thing. Father wouldn’t ever allow it if there is money to be made from selling me.”

  I shrugged. “Maybe we can convince him that we belong together. I’ve already talked him into taking me to Trotwell and maybe he’ll change his mind by then. If not, and you decide you really do love me and want to be with me, we could buy your freedom.”

  “A fishing dock worker and a fifteen year old girl coming up with five hundred gold coins? Even if you had it, I’m sure you could find something more important than me to spend that on!”

  I looked her in the eye and held her gaze. “I told you the way I feel. I don’t understand it either, but you are the most important thing in the world to me. If I have to come up with five hundred gold coins to have you with me, I will!”

  Her eyes glistened with withheld tears. “Thank you, James. I get a funny feeling in my chest when I look at you and fear that you’ll not be there some day.”