The Princess in the Armory

"As ginger seasons sauce, so doth jesting quicken colloquy." Princess Theresa's best friend is her cousin Mark. Both are studious and quiet. When Mark returns from University, however, she finds him changed. His friend, Prince Lateef, no doubt, has led him astray. Lateef is too handsome and charming to be trustworthy. (Short story, 10,370 words)
Excerpt:
"Each day you shall walk out with me and...relate to me one precept that shall further the right governance of my State...Only one," entreated the Prince....
"I consent," she said at last.
"Ah, that is good," said the Prince. "But on second thought, 'tis not a just exchange. I shall be too much in thy debt. For my 'not doing' is thy only gain."
"'Tis no matter," said Theresa.
"Nay, I cannot be easy about it....Methinks I shall tutor thee, as well, in courtly graces. For thou hast been pleased to tell me I am gifted with charm."
"'Tis a matter of fine dress and suchlike. I care not for such matters."
The porter held open the great iron door, and Lateef followed Theresa into the palace. "'Tis clear I have much to teach thee," he murmured, as the door clanged shut behind them.