A moment’s reprieve The Soldier and Her Queen chapter 6 by TinyLesbo

It had been a few days since Alice had become the Princess’ Official Companion, or whatever fancy title she’d been assigned.  For what it was worth, she mostly just kept Garnet company, usually in some state of undress. 

Sure, she was more of a plaything than a guard or companion, but she didn’t mind the ‘play’ side of it, and it was definitely a better use of her time than separating drunks at the pub.

 

And then there was the pay. When Garnet said royally, Alice naturally assumed she was exaggerating. She might’ve only been young, but she knew when she was being fed a lie.

 

Until she didn’t. Her payment rolled in, and in her first week she’d already eclipsed what a month of shifts at the Royal Guard would bring in. 

 

So what was a working class lass to do with her first real money?

 

”I’m home!” Alice trilled, her arms bulging with shopping.

 

”Bit early, aren’t-“ her mother Matilda - Tilly -  started, turning back to face her daughter with a smile. But her eyes grew as large as saucers, and she dropped the clean one in her hands.

 

It shattered into the flagstones, as did her mother’s perspective. “…where did you get all this, darling?!”

 

”Oh I um, from the shops.” Alice tilted her head over one shoulder. Her groceries crunched down onto the kitchen counter, and she took a moment to catch her breath. “I’ve got a new job, so you shouldn’t have to work so hard any more.”

 

”Oh!” Tilly gasped, dragging Alice into a hug. “Your father’d be so proud of you…!”

 

”No no, it’s just what you do, isn’t it?” Alice forced her gaze skywards, where the cobwebs kept her secrets. “We could all do with a good meal or two.”

 

”Or five I’d say,” Tilly eyed up the heaving sacks of food. “Just how much did that set you back?”

 

”Never you mind,” Alice smiled, and dragged a half dozen carrots from the nearest sack. “Stew for dinner tonight? I’ve got rabbit and mutton in there. They’ll need salting if we’re to-“

 

”So!” Tilly interrupted. Clearly dinner was a mundane task when there was gossip. “Tell us all about this new job then.”

 

”Well, uh,” Alice’s gaze slipped away into the corner. Exactly what could she say? That the Princess had gotten lonely, and was using her as a drawing board for her whims and desires?

 

”I’m… guarding the Princess.”

”The Princess?!” Tilly stuttered. “Oh, my darling! I’m not being rude, but how did you fall into a job like that?”

 

”Luck of the draw, if I’m brutally honest,” Alice smiled. The not-rudeness could be filed away for later. “Apparently she asked General Beatrix for Private… Protection, and my skillset fit her requirements. I dunno exactly, maybe the general was busy…”

 

“Well you’ve landed on your feet, haven’t you love?” Tilly beamed, “Here, you put them up. I’ll get some water from the well.”

 

”You’ll do no such thing, mother!” Alice was suddenly stern. “You’ve been on those feet all day, and you’ve not been walking right since the winter. What’s the point in me working hard if you won’t rest?”

 

”But I…” Tilly simpered. “I can’t just sit and do nothing, love. Goes against everything I know.”

 

”You can if I’ve got anything to say about it,” Alice thrust a wooden spoon in her direction. “I’m sure Edie will fetch the water in your place.”

“She’s not long back from work,” Tilly said. 

“I’m sure I can convince her,” Alice smiled. Her vegetables weren’t going anywhere, so it was time for a quick trip upstairs. Stopping for a moment to give her mother an appreciative squeeze, Alice ascended the threadbare stairs, and turned a corner past the linen cupboard on the left, where her bedroom door was ajar on the right. 

She could already see her little sister, laid down on her bed with a vacant look in her eyes. 

“Hey there, Edie. Fancy drawing some water from the well for me?” Alice sat down next to her.

 

”Isn’t that mother’s job?” Edie glowered up at her. “Also, why’re you dressed so fancy?”

 

“Just… new job perks, I suppose.” Alice said. “Comes with more money and less hours, so I can annoy you more.”

 

”Oh yay. I love when you do that.”  Edie rolled her eyes.

 

”You know you do,” Alice spidered a hand along her sister’s chest. “But anyway. Water? There’s a Pumpkin Bomb with your name on it if you do?”

 

”Ugh, fine. Gimme a few minutes,” Edie sighed. “Hey, if you’re earning more money, does that mean I can quit my job?”

 

”I uh… let’s see how far the money goes first, hm?” Alice said. “I can afford groceries now, but let’s not go crazy immediately.”

 

”…I don’t like that.” Edie muttered. 

“Sorry E. I know you work hard, and I know you hate your job…” Alice planted an upside down kiss on her sister’s forehead. 

“You’re telling me. You wanna know how bad it is cleaning up after rich people?” Edie said. “They’re soooo messy!”

 

”Trust me E, I know what you mean.” Alice smiled. Grabbing Edie by the hand, she dragged her little sister from bed, and set about making a nice dinner.