'Shush girl. D'not speak t'much'. He took the half empty jug, lengthening it with a bit more water. Then he pushed his hand gently under her back again, helping her sit back up and allowing her to drink some more, before letting her lay down again. He had seen her shaking, nightmares ravishing her dreams no doubt and after the second time he had given her some drink, he stroked her hair, which was still surprisingly soft, given the ordeal. He knew she should have a bath, for her to be able to bathe, but the stream was too cold and the nearest inn, across the border, three days away. He have to make do with what he had. And while he caressed her, he thought about her questions. Her brother was safe, although wounded and he had no idea how severe those wounds were. But he was in the caring hands of Miss Tillie. But the King and Queen? He had no idea about them.<br/><br/>'Y'er brother, the prince, is safe. He's at a friend in t'city. Wounded, yes, but safe'. His strong and big hand never left her hair, he tried to comfort her as much as he could, 'I's no word on t'King or Queen, girl. I fear t'worst, but I's no conf'rmation. Sorry, luv'. His stomach started rumbling a little, and he realised it had been too long since he had eaten. 'I'ma goin' make som'thing t'eat, girl. I'll be there, near t'stove'. He got up, allowing the princess to turn her head, and see a kettle over another fire-place. 'If y'need me, just drop t'jug on t'floor, girl. But, please, princess d'not speak or shout'. On a pure whim, he leant forward and gave her a small kiss on her forehead. He didn't really know why, he didn't have any experience with injured young girls, not injured in this fashion. Life on the underground was much harsher and harder and the girls living on or near the Thieves Highway were all ready to defend themselves, better than a princess would be.<br/><br/>He got up, lighting the fire under the kettle and filling the pot up with some water from the bucket. He started cooking a stew, enough for two hearty meals for the both of them, more for him as for her and every couple of seconds he turned around to look at the pretty girl in the bed. His mind started wandering, the more he looked at her, the more sexual his thoughts became. He genuinely hoped her horrible experience wouldn't stop her from striking relationships. He knew full well he could satisfy a girl like the princess, he'd done that so many times. Without her bruises, he knew the princess was a very hot girl, although he doubted the girl knew herself. He really wasn't sure if she knew anything about sexuality, other than the ordeal she had. And again, he was hoping he would find out from her. Maybe something was possible.