Earning the Love of a Princess-Chapter 46: Similarities

William slid his cloak off his shoulders and pushed his wet hair back from his face, as he stepped out of the steady rain and through a timber doorway. He felt soaked through from the ride to the brothel Tom had recommended. Tom lead them through the main entry and down a poorly lit corridor to the tavern, where all visitors gathered to drink.

The tavern itself was crowded but as soon as they stepped through the doors, William noticed the razor sharp gaze of the older woman standing next to the bar, appraising them. She quickly took in their fine clothing, damp as it was and stepped forward with a bow, always glad to have a group of noblemen as customers.

"What can I offer you fine gentlemen?"

All it took was Richard waving a silver coin to the woman, for the group of men to be quickly ushered to a clean table at the quieter end of the room. A young maid quickly scurried forward to take their wet cloaks.

Another maid brought over a tray laden with mugs and set them down on the table. William took a gulp from one and tried to stop his face from twisting. He tasted the tang of cheap ale but at least it was passable.

The small group of friends exchanged few words as they drank, observing the movement of the crowd. When the red haired serving maid returned to refill their mugs, Richard quickly leaned over to wrap his arm around her waist wand pull her to his side. "What is your name, miss?"

"Lilia," she replied in a quiet voice, doing her best to wriggle away. That only made Richard laugh.

"Come on, Lilia. Why are you playing coy? Surely you would be happy to service a rich, powerful nobleman tonight?"

William noticed the alarm on Lilia’s face as stared at Richard. She was only a young looking girl.

"I only carry the drinks, sir. I don’t service the customers. But if you speak to Madame Deborah behind the bar, she’ll be glad to find you a lady of your choice."

"But I want you, Lilia." A hard, petulant edge had crept into Richard’s voice as he tightened his grip on the girl’s waist.

William exchanged knowing looks with Tom and Robin. Sometimes the work required to stop Richard from causing chaos, made their nights out more trouble than they were worth.

"Let her be, Rich." Tom rumbled after swallowing a gulp of ale. "You heard the girl. I’m sure the madame will find you a suitable girl soon enough, one who’s actually willing." Turning to Lilia, Tom said, "Send the Madame to our table. I want a word with her."

Richard scowled and let go of Lilia, roughly shoving her to one side a little. Nodding with obvious relief, the girl scampered away towards the bar. A moment later, Madame Deborah stood before them, eyes bright with anticipation.

Tom downed the last of the ale in his mug then quickly wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "We want a selection of your best girls, so that we can choose." He placed a silver coin on the table. Robin and Richard did the same.

William felt everyone’s eyes on him, waiting for him to follow suit. With a sigh, he pulled out a coin and set it on the table next to the rest.

The madame greedily scooped up the coins to inspect their weight and quality. Satisfied, she bowed and gestured to the men to follow her. "This way, my lords."

They were lead through a door at the back of the tavern and down a narrow corridor. Finally, they reached a quiet anteroom. The rest of the men took seats but William remained standing, one shoulder leaning against the wall. He felt anxious, like he was committing some grave error.

The madame disappeared through another door but returned a few minutes later. A dozen girls followed her into the anteroom and took their places along the wall, obviously well rehearsed. They stood quietly in a row before the men, awaiting inspection.

Out of deference for their rank, it was an unspoken rule amongst the friends that Tom and William be allowed to choose first. Wliiam however, scanned the faces of the girls with little interest. Then his eye was drawn to a pretty girl at the end of the row. She had long dark braids and fine features.

Robin gestured towards William and asked the madame cheerfully, "Do you have any more fair haired ladies to choose from? This one has a weakness for blondes."

William shook his head. "It’s alright, I’ve already chosen. Her." He pointed to the brunette at the end of the row.

The other three men raised their brows. "Are you sure, Will? I mean, it’s not a bad choice. But shouldn’t you at least see what other fair haired women the madame may have on offer?"

"I said I’ll take the dark haired girl, goddamn it! I’ll be the one to decide what I do or don’t want!" William snarled through clenched teeth.

Robin backed away in a hurry, hands raised defensively. "As you wish, Will."

With a click of her tongue, Madame Deborah gestured the chosen girl forward. The girl bowed, her gaze quickly scanning the prince. Her eyes were wide with interest and William could tell from her small smile that she was happy to have been chosen by him. Most women were, he mused.

Except one.

William resolutely put she’d all thoughts of the untouchable Moraigthian princess from his mind as the dark haired doxy gestured for him to follow her down yet another narrow corridor.

"What is your name?" he finally asked.

"Helen, my lord." The girl turned to smile at him over her shoulder as she continued to lead the way. Her braids swung around gently as she turned her head to face ahead of her.

William was suddenly struck by a fierce hatred for those braids.