Jealous

Elswyth could not believe she was actually jealous of a snake. A snake!

But when she had seen Heron kiss the head of his familiar she had wished that she could receive that kind of treatment. And it was a ridiculous thought and she knew it.

Heron might blush when suddenly put into a compromising position with her but it was more just the reaction of a pure man who had never had anything like that happen before. It had nothing to do with her.

She felt a bit guilty that she had messed with him, trying to get a reaction from him. Purposefully falling on him so that he had to notice her was a bit much. Especially considering he was only sixteen.

A bit young really. She should be more considerate of his age.

There was plenty of time to get his attention. As long as she kept near him, she was sure that feelings could be fostered. Based on how little thought he gave towards his own love life she figured it might take a while.

Elswyth frowned. Why was she thinking like she was actually planning on really pursuing him? Did she actually want to even go down that path? He was, after all, still a prince.

A really nice prince. Who she wanted to spend time with and tease and joke with. One who she found herself wanting to kiss and cuddle. Who wouldn't want to cuddle this adorable teen?

Serendiah suddenly entered, startling Elswyth out of her thoughts. The young ruler stopped upon seeing Kimp and raised an eyebrow probably surprised at the sight of the prince of Amriel having a snake as what she probably assumed was a pet. She would probably be even more astounded to learn it was his familiar.

"How are you feeling, Your Highness?" She stepped up to the bed and looked down at him.

Heron responded with a smile, not his more adorable one but a polite one, "Pretty good. I feel up to walking but Elswyth wanted me to rest some more."

"Good to hear." Serendiah looked at Elswyth and gave her a nod of approval, "I'll have the doctor come and look to make sure everything looks fine and then you can get up. But make sure you have someone with you at all times just in case."

"Fine." He shrugged.

Elswyth smiled, "I can keep at his side. Got nothing better to do."

"That would be appreciated. Thank you." Serendiah smiled politely and Elswyth reflected that for royalty the woman wasn't too bad. Not as good as Heron but she did seem better than some nobility at the very least.

Heron also smiled at her and she felt much more thanked just by that than anything the queen could have said.

She hated to admit but she seemed to have it quite bad for this young innocent man. As the queen left she busied herself looking at the walls and trying to avoid her friend's eyes. Those soulful eyes made her feel a bit funny and she wasn't used to these feelings.

After a bit the doctor came in and checked him and pronounced him good and also left the advice that he should probably have someone around – just in case. She assured him she would stick to him like glue and he left.

Heron happily stood up and stretched, seeming to be rather happy with being up and about again. He turned to her with a smile, "Walk with me? You did say you would stick with me. I want to see the place."

As she nodded her assent he grasped her hand and pulled her away. Honestly, she was too focused on the feel of his hand holding hers to pay any attention to where they were going.