17th Century
Texas had started at the letter for several solid minutes to try to process what it said. His brother was finally coming home and he would finally get to meet him. His mind flitted back to his mother telling him about how strong and noble his brother was. He had always been told that his brother was strong and good and his responsibility. Texas had to meet him and protect him, he had been told that since he was a young boy, and now he finally had the chance.
He folded up the letter and placed it inside his jacket, directly next to his heart. His mind drifted back to all the days he had spent imagining his brother, the prince he had always been told about.
He stood up and started walking around the room, seeing every bit of mess. He couldn't have anything out of place or it might reflect badly on him. He straightened the books on the shelf and the papers on his desk. But that was not enough. He needed the entire house to be perfect. There was not a moment to spare, so he threw open the door and charged out.
In the next room he found Guatemala who had a thick book on the floor in front of him. He was copying the maps out of it with careful precision. There was a smudge of ink on his forehead.
Texas spoke as soon as he entered the room, "Mateo, our brother is coming. We need to get ready for him." The younger smiled but said, "Can it wait until I am done? I am almost finished."
Texas shook his head. He could not wait to make all the preparation. He could not be any more excited, but that also came with a terrible anticipation. His brother would have high standards after being in the court, and they needed to impress him. He tried to sound commanding when he said, "I need you to go South and bring your brothers back. Our brother will want to meet all of his family."
Guatemala closed his book and ran one hand through his hair, leaving another black smudge on his forehead. He replied, "I will do that. I wonder what he will be like." Texas replied immediately with the image of a man that had developed in his mind, "He is going to take care of all of us, like the head of a family should be. He going to be smart and kind. My mother always said he was a sweet prince who would be good to us if we supported him."
The other nodded, though he did not look entirely convinced. Texas did not expect him to be. He hadn't been told so many times about his brother. Guatemala only said, "I hope you are right." Then he picked up the book and left the room.
Texas did not spare much thought on it. Instead, he turned and walked back into the hall. He had rooms to clean and he did not have time to waste. He thought about possibly buying new decorations, but that would be expensive and unnecessary. His heart swelled at the thought that somewhere on the ocean between him and Madrid, there was a ship carrying his big brother back to him. He smiled to himself; it was going to be beautiful to have a family again.