shed

her back to the rough bark of the tree she’d been trying to climb, broken dagger in front of her. “Come . . . one . . . step nearer, I’ll . . . kill you.” Her eyes were wild enough to suggest she really meant it.
Keilin was thoroughly irritated by the shattering of his illusions. He’d thought she’d be pleased to see someone, especially with dinner. But the fear in her voice drew sympathy from him too. “The bacon’s burning, you daft little girl. Stop being so stupid. I just saw you didn’t have any food, so I was cooking some for you. I’m going back to see if I can save that bacon.” He turned and walked back. Behind him resentment vied with fear and hunger. One should not call a princess, or possibly anyone, a “daft little girl” on first meeting. It never gets a relationship off to a good start.
The bacon was thoroughly burned. He turned it out, scraped the pan a bit, and sliced some fresh pieces. He was aware that he was being watched. When the rashers were beginning to curl, he tossed in a couple of duck eggs that a farmer he’d robbed a day back was still cursing about.
Without lifting his eyes from the pan, he asked, “Got a plate? I usually eat out of the pan myself, so I can’t offer you one.”
“Why don’t you go away, you horrible boy?” came the fierce voice from the trees.
“I’m going, once I’ve had supper. You can come and eat, or you can sit up a tree.”
“Go away. I’ve got my own food.” The words sounded weak against the smell of the frying bacon.
“No, you haven’t. I went through your kit while