Clopin felt like he was going to collapse from exhaustion. It had been just under a year since his Father had died and the responsibility of being the King of the Gypsies fell to him. Ever since then, he had gone out for long hours, trying to make enough money to buy food and clothes for him and his siblings.

But it was getting harder every day.

The crackdown on the gypsies was getting worse, with almost a quarter of their community moving on as soon as they could, sneaking into caravans and coaches.

Working all day, and when it was all over, he had to go home and take care of the twins.

"Hey babies…" he greeted as soon as he entered the tent, nodding in thanks to the woman who had been willing to look after the one-year-olds all day, "… have you been good?"

Neither of them had quite moved onto speaking words yet, but they were clearly happy to see him as they crawled towards him, beaming grins on their faces. Slowly, Clopin went to his knees, wrapping one arm around each of them and pulling them close.

They didn't understand what was going on. They didn't understand that their Dad was dead and Clopin was now the new King.

Clopin was a little jealous.

"Any problems?" he asked Imelda, who was giving him a sympathetic smile, "Do you need me to get anything for them?"

She shook her head sadly, "No… and even if they did, I'm sure the rest of the community will happily donate something."

"I can't ask that of anyone."

"You don't have to ask sweetie." At Clopin's following silence, Imelda sighed and nodded wearily, "Alright… I'll leave you be. Remember what I said though."

"Oui… merci."

As soon she'd left the tent, Clopin practically deflated, slumping over as he rested against his own bed. Just before he could fall asleep, he felt tiny hands pat him on the cheeks, prompting him to open his eyes and stare down at his brother and sister.

"What?"

"Ah!" Saphir cooed, hand reaching up to grab at Clopin's hair, gently tugging at it.

"Cheer up? Is that what you're asking?"

"Ah!" This time, it was Esmerelda who cooed, almost seeming to agree with the statement.

"I'm sorry but… I don't think I can."

The twins glanced at one another, before Saphir hit Clopin a little harder on the cheek, shocking him for a brief moment.

"Hey, what was that for?"

The pair just pouted at him, identical frowns on their face.

Clopin stared at them for a few moments, before sighing wearily and forcing a smile onto his face, "How about this? Is this okay? Is this what you want?"

No matter how fake it was, it was clearly what the babies wanted to see.

"Alright, alright…" he whispered, pulling the pair into a hug, "… I'll try."

…..

Things needed to change, he knew that as much as anyone.

His Papa knew the benefits of spreading out tasks, delegating power…. He would never have let himself be run into the ground like this.

After getting a few hours sleep, his siblings curled up in his arms, he started to make a list. The majority of his Papa's loyal men still remained, and he knew that they were likely to still be loyal to him. He scribbled out the list as quickly as he could, naming all those he knew to be loyal and giving them the jobs that they were probably the best at.

"Come on you two." He gently woke the twins up, getting them fed and dressed as quickly as he could, "Things are going to change around here. No more working long hours, and more time with you two."

They didn't really know what he was saying, but they giggled and smiled anyway.

He wished they could stay that way. Innocent and unaware of the troubles they'd come up against in the future.

"Clopin?" Imelda slowly moved the tent flap to one side and entered, her eyes widening slightly, "I thought I heard you! You're still- "

"- here, yes I know." The teenager straightened up, "I was hoping that you could do a favour for me?"

"Anything."

Smiling at her eagerness, Clopin held out the longish list. "I was hoping you could be my second in command? You're right… I need help."

It took Imelda a few moments to respond, but when she did, it was with a big beaming grin on her face.

"Whatever you need Clopin, I'm here."

"Thank you…" Clopin glanced down at the twins, "… I think, I'll take the day off today."

"An excellent choice… your majesty."