Early Sunday morning King Leon ventured out and greeted Brother Michael Goodman, who conducts services in the royal chapel. King Leon does not particularly favor Brother Goodman. He does not particularly favor any of the monks. Brother Michael used to care for a cat the queen used to have. At her request Brother Goodman was granted the honor. Thinking about it King Leon realized he really didn't care. Well if it was Brother Gargamel he would. Leon couldn't stand that Gargamel.
I swear if that fool Gargamel dares to come to the castle I'll throw him in the dungeon.
"Is there an urgent matter that brings you here on a Sunday morn?" King Lovejoy asked sternly. The response was most unexpected.
"You do not invite your knight and dame to the royal chapel?"
"You do not invite your knight and dame to the royal chapel?"
"Guards!" King Leon shouted. "You address me so and expect to chapel with me? You Sir shall spend the day in the royal dungeons!"
Before he knew it, Sir Samuel found himself face to face with a previous prisoner.
Elsewhere in the castle...
Princess Jean could see Lady Morse making her way slowly across the castle.
Look at her, great with child. What is it like? How does a baby come out exactly? Do they shrink? Should lady Morse even be here today? I forget myself.
Princess Jean walked quickly around.
"Lady Morse?"
How worn and tired she looks.
"Your Majesty," Lady Morse tried to lower herself into a curtsy.
"Please, rise. You needn't curtsy when your...in your condition. May I help you to the chapel?"
A grateful look crossed the noble woman's face.
"I would be honored Princess."
Princess Jean offered her arm. Lady Morse took it. They made their slow way outside to the chapel. When they arrived Jean carefully helped Lady Morse to the pew, then sat beside her.
Princess Jean noted others arriving, but soon turned her attention to the lady great with child beside her.
"You are so sweet to say so Brother Goodman."
"I am but thy humble servant," Brother Goodman said with a bow. He walked solemnly to the pulpit. He awaited for the little congregation to sit.
He launched right into the most boring sermon of his career.
Princess Jean could not concentrate on the boring sermon. Instead she thought about the Morse baby, and how it was to expel from her body.
"Lady Morse?" she whispered.
"How will your babe leave thy womb?"
As soon as she said the words, Princess Jean wanted to take it back. Princesses do not speak of wombs or babes leaving them. Princesses need not learn of such things until just before her wedding.
She blushed thinking of Francis. Princesses do not seek the attention of cute college boys. Princesses do not suffer there delicate hands to rest upon any man's backside. The blush deepened.
As if these thoughts were not punishment enough, Lady Morse was turning to reply.
"Princess, you should see for yourself. I am having but a few attend the birth of my first baby," she paused, rubbing her belly. "I would be honored to count you among them."
"Truly?"
"Yes, please do. It will answer your questions in ways words never can."
"Mother, My Queen," Princess Ann's voice drifted over the pew.
"Might I attend Lady Morse's birthing?"
"Ann! How could you ask such a thing?"
"Mother, My Queen, Princess Jean will be attending."
"A princess does not attend a birthing uninvited."
Princess Ann seemed to expect an invitation but she did not get one.
"Princess Ann," Queen Dagney continued sternly, "a woman only has attendants of her choosing."
Princess Jean worried. Why did Lady Morse not ask Ann as well? Princess Jean was not used to getting invitations without her elder sister.
If Jean knew her sister at all, Ann would be crushed.
Methinks Princess Jean needs some comprehensive Sex Ed. Seeing a birth without knowing what to expect has got to be a scarring experience. o_O
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