Chapter Six
Several days had passed since the big reveal of the engagement and the pregnancy. The younger Trolls were extremely happy about the news and even offered a round of cheers at the party after the revelation. The older Trolls, however, were in two minds. While they felt joyous, as par their nature, they also felt sceptical. It made them question Poppy's leadership and professionality. The Royals had a rather extensive set of rules which must always be followed, one of which was marriage before children. It was an ancient rule, but one that some Trolls still held onto dearly.
"I always found the rule rather odd," Poppy's father muttered away while pouring a cup of tea, "Who are we to judge whether someone is in love or not based off a marriage," Her father carried on, shaking his head in disapproval while plopping two cubes of sugar into his hot beverage.
"It might be outdated, dad, but I still broke them, and they obviously aren't pleased!" Poppy stressed for what felt like the millionth time. She wanted to do right by her people and please all of them best she could. She worried though that this was something that she wouldn't be able to resurrect. Afterall, people's opinion cannot be manipulated.
"Poppy, dear, that rule was put in place to help displace those Trolls who were not as honest regarding their intentions with the Royal Troll in question,"
"Branch has all the right intentions though," Poppy sighed, leaning back in her chair as she held her warm cup closer, bathing in the little bit of heat on what felt like a freezing cold day.
"They know, dear, I am sure of that. I think this may have more to do with Branch than the baby," Her father carried on, sitting across the table from her. She eyed him cautiously, wondering what could possibly be going off in his head.
"What do you mean?" She asked worriedly, dreading the answer on the inside.
"Well, Branch hasn't exactly bonded with the Village in the past. I know he has made more effort over the last few weeks, but I think maybe some more publicity is in order. They need to form a trust in him, a knowledge that while you are with your new born child someone is able to take good care of them,"
"So, they aren't disappointed in me?" Poppy looked at her father with mixed emotions. She felt a mixture of relief, sadness and confusion.
"No, dear. A baby is a wonderous thing, especially a new Royal one. While the older ones may not like the way the world is changing, they will soon warm to it. Focus on the now and on the positive," her father smiled lightly at her. She offered a smile back, but her brain was in overdrive. She understood the elder's apprehension. Afterall, a reliable King who has spent years building his bond with his people is more desirable than the socially awkward Troll she chose. Maybe her father was right. Maybe they just needed to see that Branch was capable of being a good King, father and husband. He needed to prove himself to them.
Elsewhere in the Village Branch was busy in his underground bunker, sifting through his huge library to find a book. This particular book was on babies and pregnancy. He wanted to be organised and prepared for the new arrival. He wanted to do everything he could for his child, which was more than he ever had. With losing his parents and grandma at such a young age, Branch knew what it felt like to be alone and have no one to help or care for you. The thought alone caused stabbing in his heart. He wanted his child to experience life more like Poppy. With lots of love and admiration, all the support they could dream of. He desperately wanted to be a good father.
His thoughts, though, were interrupted by Poppy entering the room with that sparkle in her eyes Branch had come to love and admire. It was the look of determination. It was a look he had found himself rather fond of.
"Poppy, I'm glad yo-"
"Enough chit chat," Poppy held her hand up at him as she flew to be in front of him. He eyed her strangely, no longer finding that look as attractive as before. He sighed, trying hard to stifle a groan as he realised that she was here with a mission for him.
"What is it?" He grunted, folding his arms in defiance. He swore if it was more social activities, he would blow his lid.
"I want you to spend more time with the Villagers, in particular, the elder Trolls," Poppy told him very nonchalantly. He muffled his objections, not wanting to upset his hormonal and pregnant fiancé.
"Why?" Branch asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I think they're worried about how well you'd cope after the baby is here. I mean, you'd have to take over my duties of care and my work for a couple of months after having our child. Do you think you could handle it?" In that moment Branch stopped and thought about it hard. He had been able to do most of Poppy's workload already, and while he hated being social with the Trolls, he knew it was something he needed to do. However, the idea of having to do it daily for months on end did seem a bit more than just a challenge. Not to mention he wasn't exactly fond of the elder Trolls. They were very judgmental.
Poppy examined my facial expressions before sighing slightly. She knew what my answer was.
"See, Branch? Even you know it's going to be hard. Maybe just go see them, talk to them, see if they will confide in you and prove to them you can do this job and help maintain the lives they know," Branch groaned slightly but he knew it was the right thing to do not just for Poppy but for everyone in their village.
"Okay, I'll go," Branch gave her a half grin before kissing her gently on her cheek. He was going to have to suck it up and be prepared for months of…social activity. He almost gagged at the idea…
XoXoXoXoXoX
Branch stood at the door to the community centre where the room was filled with elder Trolls. They were all coughing and spluttering, they looked wrinkled, grey and fed up. The room was nearly silent. He imagined them to be livelier.
"What are you doing here?" One challenged while standing up with his hand firmly placed on his back for support. Branch wasn't sure whether to be impressed with his attempt to be dominant or pity him over the fact he felt he had to try exerting it.
"Just here for a chat," Branch held his hands up almost as though he was surrendering. The male in question grunted but took his seat, almost grateful to be back in its supportive embrace. Branch decided that he was the best Troll to start with, so in turn Branch made his way over and sat across from him. A chess board sat between them, Branch was the white side and the elder Troll across from him was the black. The Troll eyed him with suspicion before knowing his pawn piece forward two spaces.
"What you after?" The male challenged, clearly not trusting Branch's intentions.
"Well, what's your name?" Branch asked, remaining mutual. He needed to build a solid relationship with these Trolls. For the sake of Poppy and his child.
"Rusty," The Troll grunted, watching as Branch moved his horse piece into play, "Unusual move to start with,"
"I like to be different,"
"Oh, we all know that," Rusty laughed before breaking out into a cough.
"I know in the past I've been a little…distant,"
"And grouchy," Rusty cackled.
"But I want to spend some time with you and your friends. I know that the future royal baby was a bit of a shock to you all, and I know that you guys haven't been too fond of me. I want to change that," Branch reached out, being honest with the male Troll in front of him. Rusty nodded, almost as if he was considering Branch's words as he moved another pawn piece.
"The baby was a shock, yeah. She wasn't exactly following Royal protocol. We are from a generation where marriage came before children. We understand times are changing," Rusty spoked honestly as Branch moved another piece on the chess board, "But it is hard to adjust. We don't doubt Poppy's leadership. We love her. We do worry what a new child will do though. They require a lot of attention and love, we fear her leadership will suffer and the Trolls could be led astray," Branch was very appreciative of Rusty's honesty, and it made him thinking about things more from their point of view. Time have changed, and they have moved very swiftly. It must be shock from what they were brought up with.
"I will be assisting Poppy and I'll be doing everything I can to help her… I mean… our people," Rusty leant back in his chair then, crossing his arms as he looked around the room at his fellow friends. Branch also observed the room to see everyone had stopped to stare at them. It was clearly a hot topic.
Rusty tutted, licking his lips before leaning forward and catching Branch's gaze.
"Then we had better put you to the test,"