Prince\'s Pet

Part 7

The next morning, I rose an hour before the sun showed above the horizon. I dressed swiftly in a fresh uniform, and, remembering Peaz, went to wake her. My Prince wouldn't be up until the sun was, so I had some time to do so.

I half-walked, half-ran in a graceful gait that got me to the 5^th wing faster than usual. As I entered the room, I was greeted with cheerful "Good Mornings" from around the hall. I grinned, returning them as I continued on towards Peaz.

"Morning, Prince's Pet." The silky, falsely sweet voice made me pause.

"Good morning, Artichak," I returned, somewhat woodenly. I hadn't realized I'd put Peaz right next to King Vejita's most recently dropped type-5. Why did I have to put Peaz here, of all places?

 Artichak is one of the few who use my nickname as an insult. Most call me 'Prince's Pet' in jest, or as a job description of sorts, but not her. On her lips the words are derogatory, much closer to "favored, pampered, for no good reason at all," "teacher's pet," and "Mama's boy." She's bitter because his Majesty picked her up a year after his Highness chose me, and the King dropped her last year, yet I'm still here.

I wouldn't be surprised if she'd planted thoughts in Peaz's mind of trying for real to take my place, where before I'd only feared her doing so unintentionally. Perhaps with words of being pushed aside by me, or twisted stories of Potati and Zukini. I hoped I was wrong.

I walked past Artichak and knocked on Peaz's "cage" door. "Good morning, Peaz," I said, trying to regain my earlier cheerfulness. "Let's get your regular bed set up while we wait for his Highness to awaken," I suggested as she emerged and followed me back to my Prince's chambers.

"Alright."

I frowned.

Peaz's tone was as wooden as a tree.