Page 31 of Her Royal Houseguest

Anna bristled. She wasn’t accustomed to gentlemen interrupting her. Certainly not with a two-word command. But he was a prince and he was offering to help. The least she could do is demonstrate.

‘The first problem is getting the bath tub up to the attic,’ she said coolly. ‘The stairs are too narrow.’

‘There is a large basin there already,’ he said.

Yes, she knew. Not the size of a full tub but large enough for a sponge bath. She often used it after her morning exercise.

‘If they can use that, then accommodations can be made. The water will not be heated but towels can be provided.’ She would not mention that her female-ness had already tainted the tub. Her father would have a fit if she spent money on a second, new tub for the monks’ use alone.

‘That will be adequate.’

‘Very well. I will make sure that there is water in it for tomorrow—’

‘Today.’

She winced at his implacable tone.

‘There isn’t enough filtered water after cooking breakfast and the water porters have already come for the morning.’

‘I will help.’

Three simple words but she couldn’t believe them. What royalty offered to help carry and filter water?

‘Show me,’ he repeated. ‘I will help.’

Very well, she would see if he was as good as his word. They had a couple of yokes for use at home. He didn’t even flinch when she showed him how to set the wood across his shoulders. Indeed, he managed the swinging buckets with ease.

Not so herself. She was not as strong or broad as he but she still did it while her housekeeper looked on in shock.

‘You are carrying the buckets as well?’ Prince Deva asked.

‘Who would I send?’ He had walked through the controlled chaos of their kitchen. ‘Besides, a royal prince cannot haul water alone.’

He snorted. ‘You would be surprised what is required of some royal princes.’

Yes, she supposed she would. Unfortunately, they couldn’t walk side by side, so that ended the discussion. She led the way. Thankfully, this was an exclusive neighbourhood with a stream nearby that fed, eventually, into the Thames. They waited their turn, pointedly ignoring the stares of the regular porters, then filled their buckets.

He carried two full buckets without complaint. That was more than she could do. She spilled water everywhere as she hurried to keep up with his lengthened stride.

‘You should adjust the servants’ schedules,’ he said. ‘More water will be needed while we are here.’

No kidding. She could already hear her father’s tirade at an increased water allowance. She’d have to juggle the money. Sometimes he didn’t look closely at the accounts if the monthly total remained the same.

‘I will make sure you don’t have to do this again.’ She huffed as she spoke. She was strong for a woman, especially a noble one, but water was heavy. Didn’t he look at ease with his broad shoulders and muscled arms? ‘You look like you have done this a thousand times.’

‘Done what?’

‘Balanced water as you carry it. You lifted the buckets smoothly while I spilled half.’

‘Ah. Not a thousand times,’ he said with a smile. ‘Maybe a hundred or more. It is the youngest monks who bring water for the older ones. After our servants disappeared, I was the one to do this task for my brother and the abbot.’

She frowned. ‘Disappeared? What happened?’

He shrugged which somehow still didn’t spill the water. ‘There was a sickness that took some. The others decided they had enough of royal service. They left while we slept.’

‘They left you? As in ran away?’

‘Yes.’ His voice was curt but she was too curious to let it be.