Chat-Error/slightly-more-clean-ln · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Rishe stood up, brandishing the bowl of bright green medicine. Boiling would make the antidote more potent, but this works in a pinch.
That was when she noticed the astonished stares. Unsure of what social faux paus shed perpetrated, she looked away. Oliver was completely stunned. Arnold looked thoughtful. It was imperative the knights were treated as soon as possible, but to Rishes dismay, no one was moving.
Do they not trust me? That makes sense. Anyone would be reluctant to use medicine concocted by a complete stranger. But the longer we wait, the harder the poison will become to cure.
She needed to dispel their doubts. Rolling up her sleeve, Rishe approached Arnold and drew his sword from its scabbard. I need to borrow this for a moment, Your Highness.
What are you
She pushed the blade against the soft skin of her inner arm. Blood welled up, along with the sharp sting of pain. Nothing compared to her injuries sustained during her life as a knight, though.
Arnold did not share her nonchalance. What do you think youre doing?!
He grabbed for her arm. She stepped out of his grasp. Was blood truly so shocking? She didnt have the time to worry about it. Clutching the overfull bowl, Rishe hurried back to the knights.
Dont worry. This isnt poison, Rishe said. She demonstrated as much by drizzling it with a spoon over her own fresh wound. It stung. That meant the ingredients were working.
This is crushed liquori grass, luqua flowers, and carilya nuts. Ill swallow some if thats what it takes to prove its safe. It was horribly bitter; she hoped it wouldnt come to that. The paralysis will last for days. Please make up your mind quickly.
Make up our mind?
Will you allow me to cure the poison? Or would you rather drag paralyzed soldiers all the way to Galkhein? I suppose you could waste His Highnesss time searching for a hunters settlement to use their antidote. She smiled serenely. It makes no difference to us. Right, Your Highness?
In the end, Rishe applied the antidote.
The recovery took a few hours. While they waited, Rishe picked herbs in the same meadow shed been gazing at with yearning from the carriage. A fortuitous turn of events. She found anti-inflammatory herbs and flowers to ease sour bellies, ingredients for curing headaches, and mushrooms for inducing slumber. She wrapped them all up in a handkerchief.
In the meantime, Arnold dispatched a messenger to this regions lord, making arrangements to deliver the apprehended bandits. After coordinating with Oliver, he drifted over to Rishe.
I see your interest in flowers is mercenary, rather than ornamental, he said, surveying the heaps of herbs gathered on the bank of the pond. He sat down beside her.
When he didnt say anything more, Rishe went back to work plucking leaves from plants with valuable stems. The leaves had no medicinal effects, but they did make a decent broth. Slumber mushroom spores were a nuisance unless dried; they were spread out beside her in the sun.
I wonder, would he be annoyed if I attached herbs to the roof of the coach? That would be unusual adornment for a crown princes retinue, but it wouldnt hurt to ask.
She realized, quite suddenly, that Arnold was looking at her. At her hands, specifically. He sat cross-legged with his chin propped on his fist, staring absently, like a kid watching a column of ants march by.
What is so fascinating about herbs?
Their eyes met. Am I bothering you? he asked.
Rishe shook her head slowly. Not at all. I was just curious what caught your eye.
Nothing specific. I was just thinking how very unusual you are. He was smiling again. Im looking forward to how youll surprise me next.
Like Im some sort of rare pet he bought to entertain him. She didnt like that. Nothing shed done was at all remarkablenormal tasks performed by a normal person.
I didnt make that antidote for your amusement.
I realize that. The instigating smile faded from his lips. You know, those knights you coerced into taking your home-brewed medicine were all born in the slums.
Coerced? Thats hardly the word Id use.
Galkhein claims to value merit above all else, but in the end, people are judged by where they came from. Despite this, those men fought their way up from nothing.
Rishe paused in plucking the seeds from a flower and looked up at Arnold.
The men with the worst cases of the paralysis were all newly assigned. Theyve spent weeks training to ensure this mission was a success. That older knightthe one who bowed to yousustained an injury protecting the rookies. He cares deeply about his men.
You seem to care about them too, Rishe commented.
I handpicked them for my retinue. Arnold clambered to his feet, only to fall into a bow. And you kept them safe. You have my deepest gratitude.
Rishe found herself at a loss for words. Was this Arnold putting on a mask to hide the monster within? Or was this the real him? She remembered the way hed looked when he held his blade to the bandits throat, like a child poised to break a toy he had grown bored of.
Dont mention it, Rishe said, uncomfortable. I knew how to do it, so I did.
Arnold laughed softly. Be that as it may, Id still count a noblewoman who can brew remedies from wildflowers by the side of the road a rare find.
Earlier, when you grabbed my wrist Rishe steered the subject away from her incongruous knowledge. You broke your promise. You said you wouldnt touch me.
That was reflex, Arnold protested. I thought you were going to hurt yourself.
Such a simple conversation, so casual. It had Rishe feeling positively peculiar.
Why are your knights so wary around me? she asked.
Wary? Oh, they were all at the palace when you broke your first engagement. Theyre most likely concerned Im bringing home a villainous jilt who will lead to my ruin. Something silly like that.
I see. Apparently, being dumped by a prince called into question ones herbalist abilities.
Im glad you mentioned it, Arnold went on, because there may be people in Galkhein who will oppose our union. I will do everything in my power to protect you, but you must bring any insults or threats to me right away.
Are there likely to be many?
In theory, the crown prince may choose his own wife, but the done thing is, of course, to marry a princess. I assume a dukes daughter would have at least some ties to the royal family?
He assumed correctly. She was in the family tree, if a rather distant branch.
My father has ordered me to choose a bride from a different kingdom rather than a woman of my own land because
One never knows when a hostage will come in handy, Rishe finished for him.
Galkhein was an expansionist empire. Currently, peace reignedbut peace was precarious. If Galkhein demanded any of the countries to hand over a princess bride, then none were in a position to refuse. With his daughter in the hands of a foreign power, no king would dare oppose a war that power cared to wage.
I sent a message to my father telling him I happened upon a close relation of Hermitys kinga dukes daughter who had been recently tossed aside by her fiance, Arnold said. I also may have implied I was the reason for your falling outyours and the princes. Why, when I saw a woman so powerful and connected and beloved, I couldnt help but plunder you.
Plunder me? Thats certainly one way to describe it. Dietrich had kicked up an almighty fuss, despite being the one who broke the engagement.
My father approves of you because he sees you as a bargaining chip. There will be others who arent prepared to accept you so willingly.
Is that so? Rishe said steadily.
Never fear, Arnold responded. Theyll eat their words, every one of them. They will receive you as their crown princess if they value their
No, being a hostage is perfect.
Arnold stared at her. Hm?
As a hostage, Ill have no official duties, will I? We can pretend Im here only under great duress, and there will be no need for my comment on governmental or diplomatic affairs.
Arnold hesitated. I suppose not.
Excellent! Then I can live my dream of being utterly useless. Rishe trembled with delight. The thought of acting as an ambassador had really been weighing on her mind. Being a princess was nonstop work. Having been groomed for the position from an early age, Rishe knew members of the royal family barely even had time to sleep.
But prisoners didnt have places in government.
This is such a weight off my mind, Rishe admitted. Thank you so much for keeping your promise, Your Highness.
Er, of course.
But dont worry, I wont shirk my duties as wedding planner. Nearly ready to collapse with relief, Rishe returned to her herbs.
***
After the bandit incident, Rishe felt the knights begin to ease a bit in her presence.
Despite their initial reluctance to accept her help, they continued to report the injured mens progress and bring any concerns directly to her. In return, they took over gathering herbs from the surrounding countryside on their rest stops.
She hadnt done it for gratitude, but she was nonetheless touched. Gathering medicinal herbs had been second nature ever since her life as an apothecary, and it was foolish to ever turn down loyalty.
Several days after the altercation with the bandits, the coach train finally arrived in the imperial capital of Galkhein.
Oh my, Rishe murmured as they passed through the gates.
White stone buildings stood in straight rows, lining clean, orderly streets. The first stories all appeared to be shops, while the second-floor windows were festooned with flowers. Everywhere she looked were smiling faces, citizens turned out to witness their princes return over the smooth brick roads. Overlooking it all was the towering magnificence of the imperial palace.
The capital is the seat of power in Galkhein, Arnold explained. Several key trade routes converge here.
Rishe nodded, suddenly anxious to be out of the coach. More and more people were gathering to watch their progress, some carrying shopping bags in both arms or holding hands with children. Many of them waved, as if greeting someone dear to them.
Happy citizens and clean, orderly streets meant wealth. Galkhein was well-off. Rishe couldnt help but grin at an adorable little girl watching them roll by with sparkling eyes. When she saw Rishes smile, she blushed and leapt up in the air, laughing with delight.
The coach made its way through the city before passing through the castle gates. Lines of disciplined knights flanked the road, ready to greet the crown prince and his fiance.
Arnold stepped out of the coach, holding out his hand to Rishe. She took it reflexively as she alighted. A prince would be expected to help any lady out of carriage, never mind his own consort, yet for some reason the knights looked a bit disturbed.
Rishe shot them back of look of innocent confusion.
Our long journey is at last at its end, Your Highness, Lady Rishe. Oliver emerged from the ranks of the knights, bowing. He shot Arnold a curious glance. How novel to see you taking the hand of your fiance.
Ah! Rishe realized that she herself had willingly broken the condition that she had imposed. Arnold had offered his hand, but she was the one who accepted.
Arnold gave a little laugh of triumph. Rishe felt a rush of frustration at being tricked.
Oliver stared at them before leaning in to whisper in Arnolds ear. Arnold let out a breath of annoyance.
Is something the matter? Rishe asked.
I sent orders ahead to have a detached wing of the palace prepared for us, but it seems the preparations are behind schedule. Im sorry, but youll need to stay in a guest room in the main palace for a few days.
Oh, I dont mind if the wing isnt ready, Rishe said. We can head over there now.
It hasnt been used in quite a while. Itll be covered in dust.
I said that I didnt mind if it was a mess, remember? But theres no need for you to put yourself out. By all means, stay in the main palace for as long as you need. Rishe had spent a life as a maiddust didnt scare her. Besides, Im a hostage, after all.
You could at least attempt to sound distressed, Arnold said with the slightest trace of petulance.
Rishe, who had a huge grin spreading over her face and her chest puffed out with pride, didnt respond.
***
The detached wing turned out to be just a separate palace in the distant corner of the groundsa scant four stories tall and, as advertised, absolutely swimming in dust.
Not so bad, though. Rishe had pictured decay and clutter, but it was mostly just bare. Bare and musty, but not rotten or falling apart.
You can do whatever you want with this place. Ill be occupied over the next few days, but feel free to use the guest apartments in the main palace if you get tired of choking to death, Arnold said before he left.
According to Oliver, work had piled up while the prince was away, and it wasnt just a few things that could be dispensed with over a few days working around the clock.
Emperor Arnold Hein Hes just a crown prince right now, but I still wish I knew whats going on in his head. For now, Ill just focus on what I can do. Like make this place livable.
She changed into her plainest dress and rolled up her sleeves. The knights whod remained to serve as her guard kept watch over her as she went from window to window, throwing them all open.
In a stroke of luck, the weather was good, and the detached wing was well placed to soak up the sun. The lack of any creature comforts made it look ascetic and drab, but once it was furnished, Rishe had no doubt it would be lovely.
Leaving the top floors to air out, Rishe found the stairs to the basement. She pushed the heavy wooden doors open, and mice skittered over her feet. The knights yelped as Rishe descended into the darkness.
L-Lady Rishe, why are you going down here?
Cleaning supplies are usually kept in the basement. See?
The knights followed her gaze to a duster, broom, dustpan, and pile of fresh cloths. She filled a bucket with water and went to work, rolling up a handkerchief to cover her mouth as she swept dust down from high on the walls. Then she swept up all the dust on the floor.
Its always satisfying to tackle a place this filthy.
She corralled the dust bunnies until they were piled up like snow in the center of the hall, and then she swept them out the open door. Once the floors were free of debris, she attacked them with the cloth.

Rishe stood up, brandishing the bowl of bright green medicine. Boiling would make the antidote more potent, but this works in a pinch.

That was when she noticed the astonished stares. Unsure of what social faux paus shed perpetrated, she looked away. Oliver was completely stunned. Arnold looked thoughtful. It was imperative the knights were treated as soon as possible, but to Rishes dismay, no one was moving.

Do they not trust me? That makes sense. Anyone would be reluctant to use medicine concocted by a complete stranger. But the longer we wait, the harder the poison will become to cure.

She needed to dispel their doubts. Rolling up her sleeve, Rishe approached Arnold and drew his sword from its scabbard. I need to borrow this for a moment, Your Highness.

What are you

She pushed the blade against the soft skin of her inner arm. Blood welled up, along with the sharp sting of pain. Nothing compared to her injuries sustained during her life as a knight, though.

Arnold did not share her nonchalance. What do you think youre doing?!

He grabbed for her arm. She stepped out of his grasp. Was blood truly so shocking? She didnt have the time to worry about it. Clutching the overfull bowl, Rishe hurried back to the knights.

Dont worry. This isnt poison, Rishe said. She demonstrated as much by drizzling it with a spoon over her own fresh wound. It stung. That meant the ingredients were working.

This is crushed liquori grass, luqua flowers, and carilya nuts. Ill swallow some if thats what it takes to prove its safe. It was horribly bitter; she hoped it wouldnt come to that. The paralysis will last for days. Please make up your mind quickly.

Make up our mind?

Will you allow me to cure the poison? Or would you rather drag paralyzed soldiers all the way to Galkhein? I suppose you could waste His Highnesss time searching for a hunters settlement to use their antidote. She smiled serenely. It makes no difference to us. Right, Your Highness?

In the end, Rishe applied the antidote.

The recovery took a few hours. While they waited, Rishe picked herbs in the same meadow shed been gazing at with yearning from the carriage. A fortuitous turn of events. She found anti-inflammatory herbs and flowers to ease sour bellies, ingredients for curing headaches, and mushrooms for inducing slumber. She wrapped them all up in a handkerchief.

In the meantime, Arnold dispatched a messenger to this regions lord, making arrangements to deliver the apprehended bandits. After coordinating with Oliver, he drifted over to Rishe.

I see your interest in flowers is mercenary, rather than ornamental, he said, surveying the heaps of herbs gathered on the bank of the pond. He sat down beside her.

When he didnt say anything more, Rishe went back to work plucking leaves from plants with valuable stems. The leaves had no medicinal effects, but they did make a decent broth. Slumber mushroom spores were a nuisance unless dried; they were spread out beside her in the sun.

I wonder, would he be annoyed if I attached herbs to the roof of the coach? That would be unusual adornment for a crown princes retinue, but it wouldnt hurt to ask.

She realized, quite suddenly, that Arnold was looking at her. At her hands, specifically. He sat cross-legged with his chin propped on his fist, staring absently, like a kid watching a column of ants march by.

What is so fascinating about herbs?

Their eyes met. Am I bothering you? he asked.

Rishe shook her head slowly. Not at all. I was just curious what caught your eye.

Nothing specific. I was just thinking how very unusual you are. He was smiling again. Im looking forward to how youll surprise me next.

Like Im some sort of rare pet he bought to entertain him. She didnt like that. Nothing shed done was at all remarkablenormal tasks performed by a normal person.

I didnt make that antidote for your amusement.

I realize that. The instigating smile faded from his lips. You know, those knights you coerced into taking your home-brewed medicine were all born in the slums.

Coerced? Thats hardly the word Id use.

Galkhein claims to value merit above all else, but in the end, people are judged by where they came from. Despite this, those men fought their way up from nothing.

Rishe paused in plucking the seeds from a flower and looked up at Arnold.

The men with the worst cases of the paralysis were all newly assigned. Theyve spent weeks training to ensure this mission was a success. That older knightthe one who bowed to yousustained an injury protecting the rookies. He cares deeply about his men.

You seem to care about them too, Rishe commented.

I handpicked them for my retinue. Arnold clambered to his feet, only to fall into a bow. And you kept them safe. You have my deepest gratitude.

Rishe found herself at a loss for words. Was this Arnold putting on a mask to hide the monster within? Or was this the real him? She remembered the way hed looked when he held his blade to the bandits throat, like a child poised to break a toy he had grown bored of.

Dont mention it, Rishe said, uncomfortable. I knew how to do it, so I did.

Arnold laughed softly. Be that as it may, Id still count a noblewoman who can brew remedies from wildflowers by the side of the road a rare find.

Earlier, when you grabbed my wrist Rishe steered the subject away from her incongruous knowledge. You broke your promise. You said you wouldnt touch me.

That was reflex, Arnold protested. I thought you were going to hurt yourself.

Such a simple conversation, so casual. It had Rishe feeling positively peculiar.

Why are your knights so wary around me? she asked.

Wary? Oh, they were all at the palace when you broke your first engagement. Theyre most likely concerned Im bringing home a villainous jilt who will lead to my ruin. Something silly like that.

I see. Apparently, being dumped by a prince called into question ones herbalist abilities.

Im glad you mentioned it, Arnold went on, because there may be people in Galkhein who will oppose our union. I will do everything in my power to protect you, but you must bring any insults or threats to me right away.

Are there likely to be many?

In theory, the crown prince may choose his own wife, but the done thing is, of course, to marry a princess. I assume a dukes daughter would have at least some ties to the royal family?

He assumed correctly. She was in the family tree, if a rather distant branch.

My father has ordered me to choose a bride from a different kingdom rather than a woman of my own land because

One never knows when a hostage will come in handy, Rishe finished for him.

Galkhein was an expansionist empire. Currently, peace reignedbut peace was precarious. If Galkhein demanded any of the countries to hand over a princess bride, then none were in a position to refuse. With his daughter in the hands of a foreign power, no king would dare oppose a war that power cared to wage.

I sent a message to my father telling him I happened upon a close relation of Hermitys kinga dukes daughter who had been recently tossed aside by her fiance, Arnold said. I also may have implied I was the reason for your falling outyours and the princes. Why, when I saw a woman so powerful and connected and beloved, I couldnt help but plunder you.

Plunder me? Thats certainly one way to describe it. Dietrich had kicked up an almighty fuss, despite being the one who broke the engagement.

My father approves of you because he sees you as a bargaining chip. There will be others who arent prepared to accept you so willingly.

Is that so? Rishe said steadily.

Never fear, Arnold responded. Theyll eat their words, every one of them. They will receive you as their crown princess if they value their

No, being a hostage is perfect.

Arnold stared at her. Hm?

As a hostage, Ill have no official duties, will I? We can pretend Im here only under great duress, and there will be no need for my comment on governmental or diplomatic affairs.

Arnold hesitated. I suppose not.

Excellent! Then I can live my dream of being utterly useless. Rishe trembled with delight. The thought of acting as an ambassador had really been weighing on her mind. Being a princess was nonstop work. Having been groomed for the position from an early age, Rishe knew members of the royal family barely even had time to sleep.

But prisoners didnt have places in government.

This is such a weight off my mind, Rishe admitted. Thank you so much for keeping your promise, Your Highness.

Er, of course.

But dont worry, I wont shirk my duties as wedding planner. Nearly ready to collapse with relief, Rishe returned to her herbs.

***

After the bandit incident, Rishe felt the knights begin to ease a bit in her presence.

Despite their initial reluctance to accept her help, they continued to report the injured mens progress and bring any concerns directly to her. In return, they took over gathering herbs from the surrounding countryside on their rest stops.

She hadnt done it for gratitude, but she was nonetheless touched. Gathering medicinal herbs had been second nature ever since her life as an apothecary, and it was foolish to ever turn down loyalty.

Several days after the altercation with the bandits, the coach train finally arrived in the imperial capital of Galkhein.

Oh my, Rishe murmured as they passed through the gates.

White stone buildings stood in straight rows, lining clean, orderly streets. The first stories all appeared to be shops, while the second-floor windows were festooned with flowers. Everywhere she looked were smiling faces, citizens turned out to witness their princes return over the smooth brick roads. Overlooking it all was the towering magnificence of the imperial palace.

The capital is the seat of power in Galkhein, Arnold explained. Several key trade routes converge here.

Rishe nodded, suddenly anxious to be out of the coach. More and more people were gathering to watch their progress, some carrying shopping bags in both arms or holding hands with children. Many of them waved, as if greeting someone dear to them.

Happy citizens and clean, orderly streets meant wealth. Galkhein was well-off. Rishe couldnt help but grin at an adorable little girl watching them roll by with sparkling eyes. When she saw Rishes smile, she blushed and leapt up in the air, laughing with delight.

The coach made its way through the city before passing through the castle gates. Lines of disciplined knights flanked the road, ready to greet the crown prince and his fiance.

Arnold stepped out of the coach, holding out his hand to Rishe. She took it reflexively as she alighted. A prince would be expected to help any lady out of carriage, never mind his own consort, yet for some reason the knights looked a bit disturbed.

Rishe shot them back of look of innocent confusion.

Our long journey is at last at its end, Your Highness, Lady Rishe. Oliver emerged from the ranks of the knights, bowing. He shot Arnold a curious glance. How novel to see you taking the hand of your fiance.

Ah! Rishe realized that she herself had willingly broken the condition that she had imposed. Arnold had offered his hand, but she was the one who accepted.

Arnold gave a little laugh of triumph. Rishe felt a rush of frustration at being tricked.

Oliver stared at them before leaning in to whisper in Arnolds ear. Arnold let out a breath of annoyance.

Is something the matter? Rishe asked.

I sent orders ahead to have a detached wing of the palace prepared for us, but it seems the preparations are behind schedule. Im sorry, but youll need to stay in a guest room in the main palace for a few days.

Oh, I dont mind if the wing isnt ready, Rishe said. We can head over there now.

It hasnt been used in quite a while. Itll be covered in dust.

I said that I didnt mind if it was a mess, remember? But theres no need for you to put yourself out. By all means, stay in the main palace for as long as you need. Rishe had spent a life as a maiddust didnt scare her. Besides, Im a hostage, after all.

You could at least attempt to sound distressed, Arnold said with the slightest trace of petulance.

Rishe, who had a huge grin spreading over her face and her chest puffed out with pride, didnt respond.

***

The detached wing turned out to be just a separate palace in the distant corner of the groundsa scant four stories tall and, as advertised, absolutely swimming in dust.

Not so bad, though. Rishe had pictured decay and clutter, but it was mostly just bare. Bare and musty, but not rotten or falling apart.

You can do whatever you want with this place. Ill be occupied over the next few days, but feel free to use the guest apartments in the main palace if you get tired of choking to death, Arnold said before he left.

According to Oliver, work had piled up while the prince was away, and it wasnt just a few things that could be dispensed with over a few days working around the clock.

Emperor Arnold Hein Hes just a crown prince right now, but I still wish I knew whats going on in his head. For now, Ill just focus on what I can do. Like make this place livable.

She changed into her plainest dress and rolled up her sleeves. The knights whod remained to serve as her guard kept watch over her as she went from window to window, throwing them all open.

In a stroke of luck, the weather was good, and the detached wing was well placed to soak up the sun. The lack of any creature comforts made it look ascetic and drab, but once it was furnished, Rishe had no doubt it would be lovely.

Leaving the top floors to air out, Rishe found the stairs to the basement. She pushed the heavy wooden doors open, and mice skittered over her feet. The knights yelped as Rishe descended into the darkness.

L-Lady Rishe, why are you going down here?

Cleaning supplies are usually kept in the basement. See?

The knights followed her gaze to a duster, broom, dustpan, and pile of fresh cloths. She filled a bucket with water and went to work, rolling up a handkerchief to cover her mouth as she swept dust down from high on the walls. Then she swept up all the dust on the floor.

Its always satisfying to tackle a place this filthy.

She corralled the dust bunnies until they were piled up like snow in the center of the hall, and then she swept them out the open door. Once the floors were free of debris, she attacked them with the cloth.