Prisioners

Brinn waited until long after everyone was asleep to leave Mairwen's suite. Unwilling to let Renat return to his room in the infirmary, the elf had given him one of the sitting rooms to use for a bedroom.

If she could return him to the real princess, Brinn promised herself that she would. In the meantime, she would keep him close.

The ladies-in-waiting had been returned to their rooms as well. The girls chatted nervously, afraid of the short men who had taken over the palace. Brinn, disguised as Mairwen, tried to settle their nerves. "It will be fine," the elf assured them. "Mind your own business and stay here as much as possible. We will figure something out."

"Your Highness," a girl with long blonde locks said. "Are you alright? You sound different."

Brinn gave her a princess's scowl. "This is my assertive voice. Get used to it or I will release you from your duty!"

"Yes ma'am," the lady responded humbly and curtsied.

'Whew,' Brinn gave a silent sigh of relief until another one of