When he first took over for his Father, Clopin had roles set out for his twin siblings.
Saphir would take over after him if he died before having children or just chose not to have any, and Esme would be his advisor, possibly choosing to marry someone from another 'royal family'.
Now that they were less than three years away from becoming teens, the roles were less clear.
Saphir showed no real leadership skills, often preferring to let his sister take the lead.
Clopin had been surprised when his brother had shown an interest in reading. Even as he was causing mischief with his sister, Clopin knew there was a book in his small satchel that he brought along with him.
To be honest, he didn't care if they decided to switch roles.
They both had big hearts and that was all that mattered.
…
His first true test as a King, in his opinion, came when Esmerelda turned thirteen, and she came running into his bed in the dead of night, her voice more panicked than he had heard from her in a long time.
"There's… what?" He asked, desperately hoping that he hadn't heard what he'd just heard.
"Blood! On my sheets!"
He hoped this day would never come.
His little sister was only thirteen!
"Right." He fought not to panic.
Several of the women had been giving him mystery 'supplies' over the last few months, and now he knew what it was for.
"Ummm, here!" He shoved the bag into her arms, "Just have a wash and use… put in your- " he made a vague gesture, "I'll… we can talk about it in the morning! Put those night clothes in to be washed."
She looked confused, and still a little panicked, but she did as she was told, leaving Clopin to panic silently for a moment or two more, before he was rushing to the tent she shared with her brother (which was now something he was going to have to change) and grabbing her sheets.
"Clopin?"
His eyes darted over to his brother, who was blinking wearily at him, eyes only just open as he yawned.
"W'at's going on?" He slurred.
"…. Nothing. Go back to sleep."
"Mmm, okay."
Clopin watched in amazement as the teen just rolled over and did exactly that. When he was sure that Saphir wasn't going to wake up again, he continued with a shrug.
At least that meant he didn't have to deal with Saphir panicking as well.
Thankful that there were some clean sheets in a bag by Esme's bed, Clopin changed them, pulling the stained ones out of the tent.
"I-I'm sorry."
He resisted the urge to yelp, spinning around to see Esme standing there, looking so much like the little girl he remembered her to be.
She definitely wasn't a little girl anymore.
"I didn't- "
"- It's okay." Clopin reassured her, "They can be washed."
She refused to look him in the eyes.
"Esme, look at me." He waited until she did, before continuing, "You have nothing to be embarrassed about…. It's normal, there is nothing wrong here, okay?"
"But- "
"- No buts." Clopin sighed, "It just… means that you're growing up. You and Saphir both, and I need to get used to that." He gave her a reassuring smile, "There are some clean sheets on your bed already."
"Does-does Saphir know?"
"Frollo's guards could storm in here, and your brother wouldn't wake up." Clopin sighed, "No, he doesn't know, but you are both probably going to have separate tents soon, so he might ask questions then."
"Or he'll realise he can read at night without me shouting for him to blow the candle out."
"Or that." Clopin conceded with a chuckle, before clearing his throat nervously, "I'll… I'll ask some of the woman to talk to you tomorrow. I'm afraid my knowledge is… limited in this. They'll help more."
Esme gave him a thankful smile, green eyes glimmering slightly in the light. "I love you." She whispered, reaching out and pulling him into a hug, "Thank you for- you know."
"What are big brothers for."
"… Saphir says you're testing pranks out on."
"… Oh I'll show him prank."