Hellen, Eric's Angel

Or maybe there was something that could dampen the spirit of her last night with her prince after all.

She didn't have any idea that it had been Eric's (for that was his name,) intention to ask her to become his wife. He had been hoping to ask her after they had returned from the dance. He had purchased a ring on the same day that he had bought the brooch. But now that she was so set on leaving, he hadn't had a chance to ask. He had planned to take her up to their room and ask her to marry him. But things changed when they arrived to find the maid waiting for them outside. When Eric got out of the carriage, the maid was sure to ask him for a moment alone. He consented, being sure that she didn't need assistance. She assured him she would be fine, and would go sit in the garden one last time.

She felt sad as she left the garden fifteen minutes later. She walked back into the house feeling uplifted slightly by her last sight of the roses. Unfortunately, it was short lived as she passed the dining room walking back to her room. They dining room door was closed, but she still heard voices on the other side. Angry voices. She was hearing an animated conversation.

"She's been here for two weeks!" This shriek was obviously the voice of the maid.

"Yes. And if she wanted to, she could have stayed as long as it pleased her." Her prince said in a calm voice.

"So she's leaving?"

"Yes. In the morning, much good and happiness may it bring you." He answered quietly. Then he asked her,

"Why is this of interest to you so suddenly?"

"I'm only thinking of your well-being, Sir. Your father and mother would be turning in their graves if they knew you were spending so much time and money on a common whore."

She blinked back tears that pricked in her eyes. She had always known that her prince's maid disliked her, but she didn't know the maid held so much dislike. Eric continued by saying,

"My mother and father, God rest their souls; are dead and gone."

"But it does not excuse the fact that this woman is a whore." After taking a short break the maid continued. "I saw what she wore the morning after you brought her here."

"She had nothing else to wear!" Eric burst in outrage.

"Nothing else but other dresses befitting a whore." The maid remarked.

After another short break,

"Why did you let her stay here in the beginning?"

"That is none of your concern, nor will it ever be." Eric stated coldly.

"Have you done it out of the kindness of your heart, or have you enjoyed her services so much, you decided to bring them home with you?" she asked snidely.

She couldn't listen to the conversation anymore. She ran to her room, not having the chance to hear Eric tell the maid,

"You seem to have forgotten the condition she was in when I brought her here. If I hear one more word about this woman's situation, I will have to replace you." He said quietly.

"Yes, Sir." Replied the maid in a whisper.

The tears flowed from her eyes freely as she tore off the blue dress. She was, however, careful to put the beautiful brooch back in its box. This and her memories would be the only things she could bring back with her to the tavern. She rummaged through the closet to find her nightgown. She found it. she slipped it over her head then and there, and by chance her eyes fell on the black and red dress. She hadn't thought of it for the past two weeks.