Who: Adam V and Paige W What: A short run in with a prince When: Thursday afternoon Where: The Market Rating: low
It was a beautiful day and she had no one to teach today so she was out in the market looking for a deal in what she would buy for some food dinner. She should have been more practical and just gone toward the food, but there were merchants from afar who had set up wares and she always enjoyed looking at the more exotic fabrics and items. There was one merchant who had set up several rows of fabrics that were draped in colours that Paige hadn’t imagined could be part of clothing when she thought she caught sight of someone. She ducked through a few drapes until she practically ran into Adam.
She almost yelped, but managed to put her hand over her mouth to muffle her surprise. She hadn’t seen Adam in a long while. It was rare to see him in the market among the commoners. “Adam?” She whispered.
–
After the incident at the bakery the other day, Adam found himself slipping out more often, intent on ensuring that Savannah was safe. He knew it was a risk, knew that the more he was out and the more people he interacted with, the higher the chance of his identity being revealed and decided that he didn’t care. If he could, he would give up all the trappings of the throne and allow his sister to take over rule so that he could live a simple life. Alas, that was not an option.
When a woman nearly ran into him, he automatically shot out his hand to steady her and was surprised to be greeted with his name in response. “Paige,” he replied with a small smile. She was one of his childhood best friends and yet another person that he was denied having a relationship with due to his station. “How are you, my friend?”
*
Adam might not be as concerned about it, but Paige had always perhaps been the more practical of the two of them. She immediately looked around to make sure no one was looking or especially gawking before bringing her attention back to him. He looked good. She hadn’t seen him in ages. Like then as now, she knew he wouldn’t have a hard time finding someone to be his wife as he was handsome and his heart matched his face.
“Surprised to see you, but otherwise alright. I’ve started teaching like my mom did when she was alive.” Like most people of her station, loss of family was more frequent, not that she begrudged those with more wealth than her. She managed to be happy with what she had. Paige did pause though, realizing. “She passed two years ago now.”
–
It was no surprise to Adam that Paige would follow in her mother’s footsteps. He had fond memories of Ruth teaching him as a boy. He frowned when she mentioned how long her mother was gone. “I don’t think I ever got the chance to express my condolences,” he said. Though he had argued he should be able to attend the services for his former teacher, he ultimately lost that fight.
“Are you looking to wed?” If she was, he could potentially arrange something with one of the lords or knights for her. Something that would allow them to have more interaction.
*
She appreciated the words about her mother. She offered him a soft, warm smile and nod in thanks. Losing her mother had been hard, but Paige was the sort of woman who was adaptable.
The question caught her by surprise. She blinked and probably gave away as much. “I - I suppose I haven’t ruled it out.” Paige worked a lot and studied after often so she rarely had a chance to meet someone. A lot of men didn’t like a woman who was so learned either.
Recovering from the momentary shock, Paige managed to find her ‘old self’ and gave Adam a playfully cautious look. “Why do you ask?”
–
“I may be able to introduce you to some of my single men,” Adam offered. “If you’re interested.” He knew that some men would be intimidated by Paige’s intelligence and independence and in his opinion, those men did not deserve her.
He offered an apologetic smile. “Unfortunately, I would not be able to make an offer myself.” The thought had crossed his mind a few times over the years, being married to his childhood friend would be far more pleasant than most of the ladies that were introduced to him. Alas, much like the baker’s daughter he fancied, a simple school teacher would not be considered a match for a prince.
*
Paige had no idea what she would even do if she were to marry a prince. She couldn’t fathom fitting in to all the high society events she had seen Adam whisked away to. Paige had only managed to see one or two parties briefly as a child before her mother caught her and ushered her away from the people in expensive gowns. She mostly had her imagination on how parties of the wealthy looked.
“I - well, as long as you think they’d accept someone like me… and it would not put you in a position to get in trouble.” She knew he had a tendency to do that from time to time. Adam occasionally needed to be reminded of self preservation.
She paused, then tilted her head a little. “Somehow I don’t think you ventured to the market to ask me of my future prospects.” This was her roundabout way of asking why her was here.
–
Adam frowned at her words. “They would be lucky to have someone like you,” he insisted. Paige was a good woman, as her mother had been, and once again, he hated the superficial rules of their society. There was no reason why Paige couldn’t marry a knight. Or he a baker’s daughter.
“Ah, no,” he confessed with a slight smile. “I like to get out and stretch my legs occasionally. It’s good for a prince to be among his people.” Never mind that he wasn’t dressed as a prince and didn’t announce himself as such.
*
One of the things she had always liked about Adam was that when he spoke to her, he always treated her like an equal. He didn’t come off as pandering or blowing hot air and it was nice. If he thought there was someone who might be interested in her, she’d trust him. Paige nodded.
At his words, she also found a small smile that was a little amused. “That may be so, but somehow I imagine the castle isn’t quite aware of your exercise.” Her expression silently asked ‘what is actually going on?’
–
It was no surprise to Adam that Paige saw through him. She was one of the people he was closest to growing up, probably even more than his sister. “I need to get away sometimes,” he said. “I can’t sit there and pretend I care about half the things they expect me to care about.”
Jessica would be a far better ruler than he would and once again, the ridiculous arbitrary rules of their society would prevent that from happening.
*
Paige smiled a little. One of the things her mother had always said about him was that Adam has convictions. Men with true convictions were rare. “You know, you’re not wrong about being among your people… it would help you learn what’s needed. Both the good and the bad. Sometimes…” She paused, remembering herself. Still, she looked at Adam and knew he’d appreciate her honesty. “Sometimes what the court thinks is important to care about only is important for a small few.” Meaning the court. The rich only cared for themselves.
–
“I’m well aware of that,” Adam said. He knew some of the things that were needed and tried his best to advocate for them, though his words often fell on deaf ears. “You should keep in touch. I miss you. Write to me occasionally.” Since he couldn’t get out of the castle as often as he’d like, it would be easier if they communicated through letters.
*
Paige had no idea what she’d write that could possibly keep Adam entertained, but she knew if she said her life was too simple for letters he’d tell her she was wrong. Besides, it would be nice to hear from him. Talking to him now made her realize how much she had enjoyed his company when she was younger. Maybe in another life they could have been closer friends.
She smiled. “I will write to you then.” Hopefully the letters actually got to him.
She realized she’d been talking to him longer than perhaps she should not just for her own errands, but speaking too much to him might drawn unwanted attention. Paige did not want to be the person who had Adam ‘found out’ so to speak. “I should continue on my way, but you have my word I’ll write to you within the week. Just promise me that you’ll protect yourself while out here. I’d rather a bored prince rather than a dead one.”
–
Adam smiled and gave her a slight bow. I’ll be fine,” he assured her. “And I look forward to hearing from you soon.” It really was nice to reconnect with her and he was glad that they ran into each other today.