Chapter 2
"Good morning your majesty," King Rupert of Araldom said bowing generously, a kind smile on his face, "and to the rest of your family."
"As to you my dear friend, come let's not stand on ceremony. I want to show you the new layout of the castle; there have been a few changes to the castle since the last time you visited,"
"I would like that very much," replied King Rupert, "It's lovely to see you again my dear Lilia, and you look more beautiful every time I see you. Harry! My you have grown, taller than your father now! How old are you now, 18?"
"No sir, I am 19 now. Would you like an archery competition later, I think I could beat you know, I've had more practice!" replied Claire's brother. Last time the royal family visited there had been a great archery competition and King Rupert had won outstandingly. Harry had tried to compete but could not wield a man's bow. It is true, he has grown, he's still growing, she reflected. He was currently 6 ft tall whilst she was a petite 5ft 3inches at contrasts to each other. Both looked very different, Harry had inherited his father's jet black hair and blue eyes whilst Claire had chestnut hair and emerald green eyes. Despite their outer appearances' differing they both shared similar personalities and traits, both shared a very stubborn streak and shared a similar sense of humour.
Turning to Claire the King appraised her, "Ah, and you dear must be the beautiful and radiant Claire, I remember you when you were just knee high. I wonder are you still as stubborn as you were then?"
Before she could answer her father stepped in, "and just as cheeky!" he guffawed.
She turned to him and gave him a look that clashed with her natural angelic features, it combined annoyance with loathing, shock and disgust, "Father please, at least I haven't fallen asleep in my dinner this week, or last week for the matter either!"
"No but then again I haven't been wandering around in a dress as you are always in breeches and climbing out of my bedroom window, staying out in the gardens so late that I miss breakfast because I haven't woken up in time!" he retorted a grin pulling his face, giving it an impish look.
"Ah.. but... what!" she replied as her mouth dropped, she thought she had been discreet enough for nobody to know. She finally managed to splutter, "How did you know?"
"The maids know everything," he replied solemnly.
"I'll remember that," she said crossing her arms and looking annoyed. Her secret was up, that ruined half the fun of leaving her room at night. Frustrated she almost stamped her foot.
Queen Lilia interceded quickly, "Come Hannah lets have some tea and let the boys go for their tour," she said looking pointedly at the two Kings. Looking directly at Claire she said, "And you two can show James and Florence around. Let them get to know you."
She tried not to grimace as they walked out of the room talking loudly. Turning to her brother she said, "I'm going to change out of this dratted thing," looking at her dress, "I will be back soon." She walked off before anyone could stop her.
As she walked through the servant's corridors she faintly heard a muffled, "Mother won't be happy," from Harry. She smiled grimly, she might not be happy but at least I'll be able to breathe, she thought to herself.
Quickly changing into her usual breeches and shirt she ran lightly back down the stairs, once again failing to do so silently and back into the throne room. Harry looked like he was getting on well with both of the royals, laughing and joking as if they were best friends. Suddenly spotting her at the door he said, "There you are sis, come on! We're going into the gardens." Quickly they approached the door, Harry escorting Florence. Florence was very beautiful, she had golden blonde hair which curled and waved as if it had been freshly brushed and had not just faced a six hour ride in a carriage, deep blue eyes and a slim figure. She was also nearly as tall as Harry and was wearing a sky blue dress that Claire knew would have stains on it within half an hour of going in the gardens. Nevertheless, I have to make some sort of effort, she thought, even if I completely detest James.
James fell into step with her and turned to talk to her, "I see you still enjoy dressing as a boy. Tell me; is your aim still as bad? Last time you were such a rubbish aim that I ended up with next to no jelly on me whilst you looked like a frosted cake?"
"Now why do I remember the differently? I'm sorry Prince James, I remember you being covered in jelly. Besides I was wearing a hideous dress Mother made me wear and I was happy to get it ruined. How were your shoes, you didn't want to get those dirty did you, have you cried about a pair of shoes since?" Claire replied, immediately turning away from him in the gardens and walking away to a small reclusive spot that very few people could find. Sitting down on the bench, she sighed. He really was as obnoxious as I remembered she thought.
"Claire, Claire! Where are you! We're going into the maze! We're having a race to the middle, are you joining us?" a shout came from further down the path.
She got up and walked back to where they were waiting for her expectantly, "No, I'm going to see Jack, I promised I would go today," she said thinking, a little white lie won't hurt anybody.
Harry looked a little annoyed and said, "Well at least there are three of us, besides she knows the route of by heart, I still haven't been able to work it out."
"I'm sorry; I won't be joining you either. I am a little tired after the long coach ride. I could get no sleep; Florence was snoring the entire way. I shall go and have a rest and see you later, enjoy yourself." Prince James said smiling as he walked into the castle.
Florence turned to Harry with a pout on her face, "I do not snore. Anyway, shall we have this race?"
