Here I am, a Procrastinator at heart. This idea, like most, just popped into my head while I was trying valiantly to do homework and not daydreaming. So I tried to be somewhat productive and wrote it down instead of it letting drift off. I present to you, the only person brave enough to stand up to the Queen of Attolia. Takes place about a few months after the end of Conspiracy of Kings.
I suspect that it is my niece to blame for stirring in my wife, a long-forgotten maternal desire…
Just weeks before the marriage of Eddis and Sounis, the majority of my family came to Attolia for the wedding. The wedding between Eddis and Sounis was to take place in Attolia to signify both countries yielding their sovereignty over to Attolia. To me.
My favorite niece, Rosaline or Rosie as I fondly call her, stirred up my court in a way that made my heart swell with pride. Rosie is a precocious little girl of 10 years and dreams of being the next Thief of Eddis. She was one of the few comforts I had while I sulked in my room after returning from Attolia the first time. She was one of the few that I allowed to feed and take care of me while my hand healed. She loved to listen to me tell stories of my adventures with my grandfather. I taught her to read and corrected her when she would read aloud from the books that made up my prison of a room.
Rosie takes her looks from my late mother, with long light brown hair, a small round face and a mischievous smile with sparkling brown eyes to match. Perhaps that is why we are so fond of each other.
My family was being received in the grand throne room in the presence of my entire court. My siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews all filed into the room while Irene and I received them. As well behaved as my sister was growing up, and even though she has installed all those manners and grace in all her children, Rosie inherited our mother's spirit for rebellion. This is the first time, when Irene met, the ball of energy that is Rosie.
"Uncle Gen!" Rosie yelled at the top of her lungs as she ran under my sister's legs and past my cousins' outstretched arms. She jumped over the back of my guards who tried to catch her and sidestepped Father, in a very neat spiral that I had taught her years ago when I came back from Attolia the first time. Finally, in front of all my barons, attendants, staff, guards and my wife, Rosie launched herself at me.
"Oof" Rosie landed head first into my stomach laughing while I waved away Costis who looked scandalized at the thought of someone, even a child, tackling his King.
Rosie made herself comfortable on my lap while I hid my amusement from the scandalized looks my court was giving to her. I could see my family shaking their heads, no doubt grumbling how my niece takes after me more than anyone else in the family. I darted my eyes to Irene who could hide her amusement better than I could but still I saw the laughter her eye held. I could also see my father walking quickly to my throne with my sister right behind him. I decided to intervene before a shouting match occurred.
"Rosie, you've been practicing I see! Wonderful to know that someone can keep my guards on their toes. They've been getting lazy ever since the Medes left. Perhaps you could teach Teleus some tips." I could almost smell the outrage coming off Father at seeing me indulge Rosie for her "misbehavior." I could hear Costis' sigh in aggravation at my poking fun at his captain. Costis always believe me to be too soft when giving out punishment. No doubt, my court thought the same from the looks of embarrassment they gave to my family.
"Oh yes Uncle! I've been practicing with Achilles and the new Spears! None of them can catch me even though they are way older! I want to be the next Thief remembers! But Grandfather says that I can't be the next Thief of Eddis because you're still the Thief so I came up with an idea! Do you want to it hear Uncle Gen?" Rosie likes to talk quickly and I can already see the eye rolls from my cousins.
"Of course I want to hear your idea Rosie. I think you might have better ideas then Ornon but don't tell him that ok?" I love to poke fun at Ornon since he just loves to see me suffer through my kingly duties. I feel the glare than Ornon and Father send my way.
"Ok! I want to be the first ever Thief of Attolia!" I did not expect to hear that and neither did anyone else in the room. The silence is the room is deafening but Rosie is oblivious to it. Thankfully, my other young nieces and nephews are oblivious as well and know how to get rid of this uncomfortable silence neatly.
"That's dumb Rosie!"
"You're a girrrrrl and girls can be a Thief"
"That's not fair that Rosie gets to be the Thief"
"But Rosie is a big BABY. And babies can't be a Theif!"
"Grandfather tell Rosie she can't 'cause she's from Eddis and can't be an Attolian Thief."
Then of course, the veins on my father's forehead are nearly bursting with his rage. My father had always hoped the title of Thief would die with my grandfather and then again when I became King of Attolia. He never suspected his own grandchild, daughter of his own darling well-behaved daughter, would want the title he so despised.
I on the other hand was delighted with the prospect. My own Thief, that I could mold and guide like my grandfather had done with me… The possibilities were already forming in my mind.
"Ahem." Just like that, my wife can regain control of the room with a simple word. I fall that much more in love with her when she sends that secret smile with her eyes but keeps her face neutral.
Already my nieces and nephews are retreating to their parents' legs while my court shrinks in what they think is her anger. Father looks pleased that she is finally gaining back control and sends me a smug smile and I respond with my own eye roll.
But Rosie does not cower, shrink or bow down upon hearing Irene's voice. Oh no, Rosie is not fond of my Queen as much as she is fond of me. While it took my family some time, my father longer, to forgive Irene for cutting off my hand, Rosie has not yet forgiven the Queen of Attolia.
Rosie glares a little girl's glare at my Queen, complete with the furrowed brows and pouting lips that makes me think fondly of my days growing up with Helen when she would stand up for me. The glint in her eyes did not yet send shivers down anyone's back but still, her stare could stop anyone in their tracks. Anyone, who isn't my wife of course.
"I wasn't asking you. I was asking the King of Attolia." Rosie said this as she puffed up her chest in an attempt to look superior but only served to underline her youth. Every single person in the room gasps at Rosie's blatant disrespect and the silence that follows is dangerous. Even I cannot save Rosie and I look to my Queen, waiting but knowing what will happen next.
Growing up, Irene had brothers but not sisters. Irene grew up in a suffocating lifestyle, envying Helen of her freedom and independence but mostly envying the friendships that Helen was able to make when Irene only ever had alliances or servants, never friends or companions. I could see the shock on Irene's face for but a second before it was replaced quickly with the neutral look that always graces her face. I winced but kept my hand from moving, lest someone believe that I rule instead of the Queen.
Not a sound could be heard in that large room, no one shifted in his or her seats, my guards did not change their footings, and I don't think my sister was breathing properly as everyone was waiting to hear my Queen's reply.
- I'm wondering what POV to do the next chapter. Whether to do Attolia's POV, Rosie or keep with Gen. Anyone have any ideas? I'm leaning toward Attolia but I don't mind suggestions.