Lesson 4
Change is not easy, but it is good.
He is thirteen, smart and agile. The investment he put in the slums is starting to pay off.
Those who used to be orphans are now starting to do their own side jobs. Some takes interest in trading, while others wish to be knights like their late fathers.
Joffrey takes the opportunity to train them for his knights, through a well-known ex-guard that used to work for the kingdom. Loyalty starts from the seed, his governess once said. If he form them well, he can guarantee theirs.
"My son," King Robert calls out on his way to the throne room. Joffrey is standing outside, eyes looking at the distance of his small territory his 'father' gave to him ages ago. Felt just like yesterday Governess Amethyst took him there. He regretted none of the moment that day. "How are you?"
"Excellent, Father," he replies politely with a smirk. Faking a smile seems to come to him naturally, after years of being trained by her. A good politician knows when to smile, she said.
The king pats his son's back, almost tumbling Joffrey by the strength. Again, he is thankful of all that stamina-building training she put him through. "I heard about your progress on the slums. Never been prouder."
"Change is not easy, but it is good," is his reply.
"Wise words for a son of mine. I guess I shall see you on the council meeting." His words lid the prince's eyes up.
"I'm attending the council meeting?" he asks, surprised.
"You are off age now. It's time to learn the inner working of this kingdom," the king simply says.
"I understand. It's just…. unexpected, the news," he replies.
After a few minutes of chatting up, Joffrey excuses himself.
"Pardon me, but I must speak with my governess," he gives a slight bow before leaving.
"Hold on," Joffrey turns back when he hears his father's voice raise. "About the governess," the king trails off.
"Yes?"
"Have you- have you ever seen he without a mask?"
Joffrey blinks upon hearing the question. Of course, he has wonder what she looks like under that mask of hers. But he knows that she has her own reasons, which is why he never asks about it.
"No, Father. Why, may I ask?"
"Nothing. Just curious, that is. Have you seen her nude?"
"Father!" Joffrey cannot believe that his father is talking about this. "Governess Amethyst is a very proper lady, if you must know. She has never appear in any way inappropriate and she always dress humbly. I would appreciate it if you do not talk about her this way, please."
"Sorry, that wasn't my intention. It is just that, I have been thinking. You're a man now. If you have interest in her, that's fine as well. I just want you to know that I don't mind it."
He does not need his approval, but it is nice to know.