Chapter 26

Erin had had enough of the festivities as well. She quietly slipped out of the Great Hall and into the courtyard. Though a handful of folk moved about in the rapidly darkening twilight, most seemed intent on errands of their own, and paid little heed to Erin. As she looked more closely, it seemed that an awful lot of couples were strolling the grounds as well. Erin sighed to herself and wondered, not for the first time, when she would find love. She felt, more than heard, a presence nearby. Turning slowly, she saw that Jenny and Anna had followed her out, and now stood loosely around her, giving her space, but not letting her out of their sight.

“Jenny?” Erin said, and Jenny stepped closer.

“Yes, Your Highness?” Jenny said with a slight bow and a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

“Stop that, or you’ll regret it!” Erin said with a grin.

“Will Your Highness punish us if we are bad? Perhaps a spanking?” and Jenny laughed at the look on Erin’s face. “Erin, we are here as friends, not keepers. No one has specifically asked us to keep an eye on you. It is, however, part of our job as your ladies in waiting to keep track of you. We are now part of your personal household and the King, and especially the Queen, will expect us to know both where you are and what you may be up to. Within reason, of course...” Jenny grinned and then chuckled as Erin’s face betrayed her thoughts.