Eugenie hadn't expected someone to be right there as she rounded the corner. "Oh!" She exclaimed, almost whacking right into them. She dropped the basket of linens she was carrying, and they spilled across the floor.
"I'm sorry!" The boy exclaimed, grabbing her arms to keep her from falling. "That was my fault, I'm sorry."
"No." She replied instinctively. "It was my fault. I-" she stopped, looking up at his face. She had seen him before, though she couldn't place where...or what his name was. But he was beautiful to look at. Black, unruly curls, fair skin, a straight nose, and big brown eyes that were staring almost into her soul. "It's both of our faults." She said, a hint of a smile on her lips.
"So, it is." He said, staring at her a moment longer before he took a step back. Eugenie found her arms felt cold now where his hands had been. "I'm Percy...er, Percival."
That's where she knew him from. "You're Arlise's Percy!" She exclaimed louder than she meant to.
Percy grinned at her then, and she felt her heart flutter. "I am." His smile was infectious, as she felt her own grow.
"I'm Eugenie." She said quickly, holding out her hand.
Recognition dawned in Percy's eyes. He must have been trying to place her as well. "Ah. The famous Eugenie." He took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips, ever so gently. Eugenie felt her whole body shiver. What was this boy doing to her. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." He said, still holding onto her hand.
"Likewise." She said, feeling her face blush. "Arli talks about you all the time."
Percy raised an eyebrow, and she felt a stab of fear for a moment. Then, his expression turned to amusement. "Does she? All good things, I hope?"
"Oh, yes!" She said, trying to reassure him. "She makes you sound wonderful!" Why had she said that? Her face grew hot then, and she looked for an escape. She was embarrassing herself in front of the first cute boy she talked to. She looked down at the linens spilled all over the floor. "I should clean this up." She said abruptly, pulling her hand out of his and dropping to the floor.
"Let me help." He dropped down across from her and righted her basket. Why did Arli have to be right about him and his unfailing kindness?
"Please, Ser Percival, it's quite alright-"
He reached over and put his hand over hers. "Eugenie." He said softly, steadying her. She liked the sound of her name on his tongue. She just stared into his eyes for a moment. A girl could get lost in those eyes. They contained a breadth of emotion she couldn't even hope to begin to describe. After what seemed like both an eternity and an instant, Percy turned and began gathering the linens off the floor. "She talks about you too, you know?" He said.
"Does she?" Eugenie hadn't thought she was much worth mentioning.
"All the time. She's so delighted to have found you again." He put the last piece of fabric in the basket and looked at her. "Now, where are we taking this?" He asked, grabbing the basket and rising to his feet.
"Oh, I can't ask you to do that!" She started to rise as Percy held out a hand to her. She couldn't help it; she wanted to hold his hand again. So, she took it and let him help her up.
"You're not asking. I'm volunteering." He said once she was upright again.
She decided not to argue. "I'm heading to Arli's rooms." She said, almost with a sigh.
"I should have guessed." Percy gestured for her to lead the way and fell in step beside her. They walked silently for several minutes before Percy spoke up again. "So, is Arli what everyone in your village called her?" He asked, glancing at her.
"It's...it's what her sisters called her...and me, by extension."
"She never told me that." He said softly. He looked as if he were deep in thought. They walked quietly for several more minutes.
"We're practicing embroidery today." Eugenie blurted out, wanting to break the silence. Percy looked at her. "Hence, all the linens." She said, gesturing to the basket he was carrying.
"Leezy does needlework?" Percy asked, confusion spreading across his face. Leezy...what an interesting nickname.
"Well...no." Eugenie said, looking down at the ground. "Not yet, anyway. That's why we're practicing." She glanced back up at him. "Queen Susan said it was something she could try to help bond with the other ladies here...she suggested a sewing circle."
"Well, make sure you invite my sister if you do a sewing circle." Eugenie thought she saw a smirk on his face.
"Does she like to sew?" Eugenie hadn't spent much time with Philippa Hart. They didn't have much in common.
"Not at all. She hates it." He laughed.
Why had he said to invite her to something she hated? That didn't make sense..."Oh." She said flatly. "You're teasing."
Percy looked down at her. "My sister? Yes. You? Never." He playfully bumped her arm with his. She couldn't help but smile again. He really was good at making someone feel better. They reached the doors to Arlise's rooms. Percy nodded to the guard, who had to know both of them by now. Eugenie tried to reach for the door handle, but Percy darted around her to reach it first. She shot him a look which he returned with a definite smirk. A mischievous smirk, yet Eugenie couldn't help but think he still looked adorable.
She strode into the room and dropped into a polite curtsy towards Arlise. "Your Highness," she said, standing back up. "I seem to have collected a stray." She motioned towards Percy, who she noted did not show any sort of deference towards his princess. Interesting.
"Don't worry. I'm not staying." He said, plunking the basket down on a side table. He leaned over and kissed Arlise on the cheek. "Leezy." He said softly, before turning his attention back to her. "Lady Eugenie." He said, dropping into a bow as he grabbed her hand and lightly kissed it again. She felt her face flush. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." He rose and gave her a wink before turning and striding from the room.
Eugenie was sure her face was bright red by now, as she watched him go. Slowly, she turned back to look at Arlise again. "Is...is he like that with everyone?"
