Roberto couldn't sleep. Not a new discovery. He snuck along the passage, slowly, holding nothing but a book, a pack of cookies and a tiny penlight for directions. He'd thought about sneaking into Wil and Josh's room but the thought of their sleepy cranky faces was pretty unappealing. There'd probably also be a butler or two inside that'd dob him into Alberto.
Nope. That wouldn't do.
It naturally left Phia. He grinned as her face filled his brain, particularly the face she'd made when they'd played their little name game, something Roberto was enjoying quite a bit. What else could he call her? Phee Phy Pho Phum...? He'd have to try that if she walked past and see if she caught onto what he was doing.
He cracked the door open slowly and checked. She seemed to be asleep already. Roberto sighed, disappointed, and …
A pair of eyes glared at him.
Reflecting the light.
Roberto jumped in fright as Claude raised himself up out of a chair next to the bed. Neither of them spoke for a few seconds. They just stared at each other as Claude's brows knitted further and further together with obvious displeasure. One of his hands raised to shoo Roberto.
If he was Claude-a-pathic he'd probably be hearing 'Get out... get out... get out...' in a creepy Claude monotone voice right about now.
Roberto whispered, "What are you doing in here, Claude?"
A voice hissed, "Prince Roberto, this is not your room..."
"It's not yours either, Claude!" Roberto whispered back loudly. When Phia moaned softly in her sleep and stirred, Claude started towards the door, and Roberto was shocked as he was literally walked backwards out of the room. Not shoved- Claude was much too classy for that- but being walked at left very little alternatives when standing in a doorway.
Claude shut the door firmly and crossed his arms, standing in front of the door like some kind of guard, asking, "Is there something Alberto cannot help you with that I can?"
Roberto shook his head. Alberto was downstairs, wide awake, keeping watch for unwanted visitors. Roberto had ducked around him in an attempt to get another pack of cookies to share with Phia. His treasure was concealed in his hand now from Claude... just in case the other Butler would work with his own Al. He'd come here to make sure she was sleeping... and if she couldn't sleep, he'd found a book to read. It wasn't the book he'd usually use... but it seemed cute enough. Roberto missed his mother's book. He'd left it at home. The plan had been to fly back the same night the meeting had been over...
Still, he had hoped that by reading with Phia tonight, it'd be enough to wind down and sleep. He was exhausted but he couldn't get myself to fall asleep alone.
"Can I take over watching over her?" Roberto tried.
"No." Claude was clearly not going to argue the point. "I repeat- did you need my assistance?"
"Nope. You're sleeping near her tonight?"
"Mistress Sophia is under my care tonight." Claude responded. "Prince Wilifred has asked me to ensure she recovers from her wound."
"Did he?" Roberto always knew Wils was a closet-nice guy. But Claude actually being that dedicated? He tended to be dedicated to Wilifred alone like an adoring ...aunty. It was surprising to see him away from his Prince. "Who's with Wilifred?"
"He is sleeping in the same room as Prince Joshua and Jan. I trust Jan to know in the unlikely event that he wakes and requires assistance."
"Uh huh."
"So if you please-" Claude bowed, edging towards the door, "-I have someone's care to provide until morning."
"Why are you being so nice and friendly? You don't normally do this for a strange person." Even Wilifred. Everyone knew about how harsh Claude could be when he thought Wilifred was being reckless. The 'sweet' side was unnatural ... as was Claude's dislike of most women. Roberto had even pondered about whether Claude was secretly in love with Willy-boy. Roberto was puzzled and a little taken back by Claude's dedicated care towards the woman.
"Prince Wilifred has asked that I am involved in her care while he rests. Given her background I agree it is a high priority."
"Wils did? Why?"
"I assume it is because of her position in the near future as the heir of her father's estates."
"Huh?" Roberto's voice raised. He had to admit... he hadn't thought of that at all. Or assumed Wils would be so interested. "The traitor?"
"From a respectable family of old money. Her father's own mother was a descendant of a daughter born from Prince Glenn's great-grandfather, making her a distant relative to the Prince Glenn, and therefore of enough good blood to redeem itself should she inherit his estates. Which she is likely to do." Claude spoke, calm, continuing, "Despite her undesirable common blood from her own late mother, she's got the potential to become someone of reasonable wealth and influence, should we regain Prince Glenn's throne back."
"Influence..."
"Yes. Her father and his sons are involved in a crime that will place them in prison and render their claim to that inheritance and legacy void." Claude nodded, arms crossing lightly, and continued, "Naturally it will pass to her."
"So... you're taking care of her in case she helps out Wils..."
"Of course." Claude agreed, nodding, glancing back towards the room. "And because she has insight into her Father's actions which will be invaluable. It was her own birthday that unlocked the security systems to the house."
Roberto ignored the last little fact as he stared at Claude. Set it aside for now. Was this why Josh had gone back as well? Josh didn't think of marriage as 'love' either. Had everyone thought about her ...potential influence... and agreed someone should back because of that? He wouldn't have been surprised by that, Joshua was pretty uninterested in love and attraction, but Wils? It didn't fit.
"She's... a pawn." Something about this bothered Roberto a great deal. This wasn't such an unusual thing in the world of the rich, famous or noble blooded. Women and men tended to pair together to increase power. Many equalled power to love and enjoyed increasing it. Together. This woman wasn't like a lot of women who'd tried to leech onto Roberto for his crown. It took a moment or two for him to understand what he felt was an odd sort of protectiveness over his new friend. "That's a little sad. You've all been nice to her for her Father's position?"
"You need not sound so disgusted." Claude seemed completely unmoved by the annoyance in Roberto's voice. "It is natural to treat her for the position she'll naturally inherit. The minor flaw of her mother's bloodline is not a problem so long as she remains on our side."
"Is it?" Roberto really disliked what he was hearing. Really disliked it. It was important to remain friends with the other Princes to ensure peace. Still... he'd not thought of Wils as being that shallow. Did he have other reasons for wanting to help her? "You better not let her hear you talking like that, Claude, she'll feel used."
"Will she? I only wish for her safety and good health." Claude bowed. "Which I am tasked to ensure overnight. Please have a good rest, Prince Roberto."
Because he thought Wils wanted her for some weird inflance later on. Roberto wasn't convinced. He watched the butler vanish back into the room, arms crossing, his mind and chest tight with some unsettled emotion he couldn't explain. He headed for Wil's room.
Claude was quick to block him. Like a ninja he was suddenly there, blocking Roberto from the room Wils was asleep in, and with a neat bow he gestured neatly to another room. "Please discuss this with him another time. You've got a room alone."
"I know." All alone. Roberto pouted as he found himself herded back into his own room. It was like no one wanted to hang out with him tonight. He turned and watched Claude return to Phia's room, that unease still in his chest and head, the book and cookies still in one hand. Poor girl. People always seemed to have agendas in his world. It just made him more determined to ensure that he was a friend. That was it. A friend who didn't want or expect anything. Cooking with her had been pretty fun. What more did anyone need but fun?
Except, maybe, bed time stories.
Roberto shut his own door and returned to his bed. He flopped down on his back and stared up at the ceiling. It was all unknown. He'd have to find out more first.
I'd heard it all. I lay there, half awake, feeling my heart sink at the exchange outside the door. They were loud enough to hear over the storm that'd woken me up with 'FLASH FLASH'.
I supposed it made some sense. Of course it did. It was true that all of Father's family, myself included, had been 'involved' in this whole over through thing. He didn't have any living parents now. No aunts or uncles. I'd assumed he had no living relatives so to hear that Prince Glenn was a distant relative was a shock.
It wasn't as much of a shock as the 'She'll inherit it all' thing. The 'We're nice to her cause she'll probably be very useful to our Princes' thing. That made more sense than I liked.
The thought 'I wish I was related to Richy Rich' drifted past my brain as my chest hurt with the reality of it all. I could only see Mr. and Mrs. Rich singing their song, with their vault full of all kinds of sweet family memories, as if that was how rich people really could be. A sweet family who cared for each other above all their riches and power. That was kind of how I'd seen Father at first. I mean... he did appear to care for his sons. He gave me whatever I'd wanted. I still felt ungrateful for not being happy with that. For having everything money could buy.
But it had been Mum who'd given me everything money couldn't buy. I'd experienced both. She wasn't exactly rich. She had enough to pay for what we needed, food, rent, school, sometimes outings, but I didn't get everything I wanted. Second hand clothes were her preferred idea of 'a new outfit'. We cooked. We repaired our own stuff... or we paid a neighbour to do it for less. Vacations, rather than Father's idea of going to his Villa in another country, were getting a tent, some camping gear, and spending a week beside the beach and living off food cooked in tins on the camp fire.
Mum may have hid a lot from me about her life with him but … but she'd also always been so stubborn that I learnt to enjoy life without money. Was it because of Father that she'd been so tough on me about that? I used to resent that she didn't buy me everything I wanted. One Christmas when I was eight I had been so mad that she hadn't bought me that toy I'd wanted that I'd spent all day sulking.
Kind of silly. It was just a doll with a few changes of clothing. Nothing special.
I would have twisted over but movement wasn't fun now that the pain killer stuff injected in wasn't working so well so I twisted my head towards the window, flinching with every flash of the approaching storm, with a beautiful view of the stormy ocean out there. The moonlight was gone now. It was dark outside, clouds covering the sky, rain coming and going in squalls that hinted at what was coming.
Every flash sent my heart into crazy rhythms but it also showed the ocean, all white capped and high on the beach, showed an amazing low cloud approaching us that was darker than the one skimming across the sky right now, and occasionally I'd see the lighting bolts outside strike the ocean or fork across the clouds above in a stunning display of nature.
The rain suddenly beat down again, cutting off the last part of Roberto and Claude's conversation, but I'd heard enough. More than enough. I wasn't sure if I was angry or sad about the reality of their behaviour. Maybe a little of both.
So the test hadn't just been about whether I'd turn them into Father. It must have also been about whether they'd press charges against me as a co-conspirator. What would they charge him and my half-brothers with? Treason? That kind of charge usually brought on hardcore punishments. Life in prison or ...well, death. I wasn't sure what kind of system Oriens had.
Father wasn't a nice person. My brothers... I wasn't sure. They'd always viewed me as a kind of threat to their inheritance so I'd rarely gotten more than a cold and polite exchange of words at formal occasions. It didn't change that I had mixed feelings about it.
When Claude returned I lay there, pretending to sleep, but I couldn't sleep for a long time. The flashes bothered me and my turmoil drove me nuts. As soon as I was sure he was asleep... it felt closer to being guarded now than being cared for... I stood up, leaning on the wall near the edge of the bed, and slid my way outside.
I nearly walked into Roberto who was sneaking out of a room close by. We blinked at each other before he grinned, holding out a hand, and whispered, "You must have smelt the cookies."
"Huh?"
"You were hungry before, right? I was going to sneak these into your room..." He held up a pack of cookies and then he added, his smile fading somewhat, "You all right?"
"I don't like flashes." I muttered. "I was ..."
What was I doing? Going to sleep in the pantry? It was windowless.
"Come on. I'll read you a bedtime story."
It was probably the best offer I was going to get but some part of me suspected his friendly behaviour now. Was this because of my 'influence' as well? I wanted to ask but … the words just stuck in my throat.
Using the wall for a prop I followed him slowly, carefully, Roberto's hand grasping my hand. He was patient and when I flopped down onto the bed on my side, which seemed still unmade, Roberto offered me a pillow and threw a light blanket over me. He went to slide the curtains shut tight before crawling on top of the sheets alongside me.
"Hey..." I felt uncomfortable about that. Bit too close. "You can't sleep here."
"I know you're wounded. I'll go sleep with Claude if you feel better." Roberto responded. "You can tell him the storm was scaring you. This room isn't near the ocean." Roberto sat up, tugging a pillow out, and carefully slid it under my injured leg. When I winced he cringed. "That bad? It hurting already?"
"Yeah but... it's kind of nice to have it there." I sighed. It was comfortable, the storm was somewhat shut out, Claude wasn't there guarding me from... I didn't know, bleeding out before I could benefit his Prince... and moving wasn't a choice for me. This room was nicer too. Small. Cosy. The double bed was against the wall.
"I like to sleep on my side too. Or my stomach." Roberto rolled onto his stomach and dropped the cookies between us. Tugging the pack open, he opened the book, and then asked, "You want another blanket or pillow?"
"It's okay." He reminded me suddenly of a puppy. A cute adorable 'I want to please you!' puppy. "You're so nice."
"You're my friend."
"Why?"
It was probably the only way I could bring myself to ask him about … about whether he was using me for that influence. World's worst word.
"Cause... I want a friend. Cause you don't want anything from me." Roberto smiled and it seemed genuine enough. "That's all."
"Really?"
He studied my face a moment and then leaned up a little higher on his arms. "You worried I like you cause of your dad, don't you?"
"Well... um..." Yeah. I reached for a cookie and ate, slowly, trying to relax. It was hard when he was so close. Puppy. Snuggly puppy. He'd said he'd wanted me as a friend because I didn't want anything from him. I... supposed that was true. The other Princes always had me a little awestruck but this guy? "Yeah. You don't seem like a Prince to me, I guess..."
"Good. We'll pretend, when we're alone, that I'm not a Prince and you're not his daughter. We're friends. That's it. We can pretend we've known each other since we were children." Roberto flopped back down. "Phia and Robbie, the duo all adults feared for their pranking ability."
"Uh huh. What's the book?"
"Found it downstairs in one of the closets." Roberto didn't seem to realised that he'd admitted to snooping... or he didn't care as he lifted it up so that the candle, which burnt safely in a container, illuminated the title for me. "The very hungry caterpillar. I usually read a different book every night but... I left it at home."
"You could tell me the story if you read it every night. You don't need the book." I lifted my head to gaze down at the book. Why did Father have this in his house? Maybe he used to bring my half-brothers here.
"But I like the pictures." Roberto pouted and opened the children's book.
"So draw them?"
"Oh. That's a good idea." He smiled,brightening, then frowned. "But Al's downstairs. He'll catch me. We'll use this one tonight and tomorrow we can work on creating the book."
"Sounds like a plan." I yawned again, resting my head on the pillow once again, finding my body relaxing. I wasn't sure I totally trusted his motives yet... but there was something kind of touching about his innocence and his trusting nature. It was hard to fight it.
As Roberto talked, I fell asleep slowly, finding that even the pain in my calf or the sounds of the storm couldn't dull the sense of peace there. If he was a friend... a genuine friend with no expectations... it was nice to meet him.
I woke to breakfast and to Claude, the sounds of winds, rain, and every other sound drowned out by the storm. He sat there, in that tiny room, looking slightly displeased as he bowed a small bow in my direction. I groaned softly. Someone beside me muttered something.
I blinked, sleepy, at the sight of Roberto passed out cold with his face plastered on a half turned page. He must have fallen asleep reading. Claude ignored him completely.
"Did you sleep well?"
"I gue-" My words were cut off as I tried to stretch. Instantly a horrible shock of pain rocked through my entire leg, shooting up and down the bone, and I hissed as I froze. Worse than leg cramps... and it … wasn't stopping. Oh my god. Was this why Jan had drugged my leg up? "Drugs!"
"I'm afraid we're limiting them now." Claude seemed only slightly apologetic. I wanted to swear at him. "We have the basic painkillers for your limited use-"
I saw them, over the counter stuff, sitting on a tray beside some of the curry and rice in a bowl and a cup of steaming tea. I wasn't hungry. The pain was so bad that I just felt like throwing up. All over sleeping Roberto.
It was then that I saw Alberto, exhausted as if he'd been up all night, bowing low to me. "I apologies for my Prince's ungentlemanly like behaviour last night..."
"Um... it's okay."
"No. It's not." Alberto grasped Roberto's collar, suddenly, and yanked the sleeping man off the bed.
Roberto flailed as he fell onto the ground at Claude and Alberto's feet. "Hey!"
He was more or less dragged out of the room as Claude set the tray of food on the bedside table and sat on the bed to gently uncover my leg. I felt gross. I'd been in these clothes for at least two days now and I was sure I stank... so I tried to shuffle backwards. With no luck.
"I smell." I muttered.
"I can get you a bath but you'll require help getting in and out..."
"You're not helping me."
He seemed to be expecting this. Claude nodded, and after a moment, offered, "I may be able to bring you hot water, soap, and a cloth for hand washing... you may sit alone for that in the bathroom. A robe will offer you modesty but undressing and dressing this leg may be difficult. There are several dresses I believe will fit you for the purpose-"
He was cut off as we heard something fall outside. Claude barely missed a beat. "-and I would recommend you wash before the storm is upon us so that we may all sit together."
"Isn't it now?" Seriously. I could barely hear him over the wind and rain ...and had that been a tree that'd just fallen over? I managed to think past the pain in my leg long enough to be worried. This house was a little away from the beach but still...
"I believe it was due to land around midday." Claude responded. "Would Miss Sophia like for me to prepare a bathroom for her use?"
"Yeah." I supposed that was good idea. I felt too gross to stay like this. I would have loved to burn these Pjs right now. "And return this shirt to whoever gave it to me."
"I believe Prince Wilifred is unconcerned about its return. There is no need to worry over that." Claude bowed once again. "I will return shortly."
Oh. Was that who it'd been? I fingered the shirt, still on me as well, the fading scent of the blonde Prince still lingering. Had he done it for 'influence?'
I really hated that word.
I cringed as I tried to move again, slowly, and my leg wouldn't move an inch. Reaching for the water and painkillers I prayed silently that they'd offer me enough relief to move like I'd managed to last night. Probably not.
Claude returned not long after that and he sat on the bed, arranging towels on either side of my leg, with a plastic something in his hands. "I will cover it with plastic to prevent it from getting wet. We're unsure as to how safe the rain will be."
"It's just rain."
"Still, a wet wound is not desirable, and it must remain covered." Claude didn't miss a beat. He looked so tired. How much had he slept? He couldn't have slept well in a chair.
"Do butlers sleep?"
"I will sleep after your wash." Claude responded. "Prince Wilifred has ordered it and I agree it is wise for a few more hours."
Uh huh. He must have been a robot.
I yawned, still tired myself, but ate the rice and curry. It was pretty amazing. Alberto must have spent ages making it really good. Claude seemed to sense when I was done, returning, and with his help I ended up in the bathroom.
"Cover yourself with this robe as I help-" He was already pulling my bottoms down and I went bright red. Claude seemed a little flustered himself. I grabbed for the robe and held it, aware that there was only a thin fabric between nude me and him, before he bowed and quickly backed off. "When you are done, just call. I can help you re-dress..."
"I'll try it alone first."
"Be gentle with your leg, Miss Sophia. Enjoy the bathing I have prepared for you."
With that he was gone.
It was an amazing relief to wash, hand washing while sitting or not, and I had to admit I took my time sitting in that shower sponging water over myself. Three buckets were there for me. I left one for the end, it was labelled neatly 'For Mistress's rinse', left one for the hair washing, and just enjoyed the sense of soapy cool water in the near-tropical heat of the storm. It felt amazing to be clean. Chocolate couldn't top it.
If I pretended my leg wasn't sweaty or on fire underneath that plastic bag... I felt amazing.
They'd even left me a clean women's razor in its packet. If I wasn't so busy enjoying being clean I might have been insulted... or wondered why Father had these in his house... but hey. There was something kind of nice about having soft hairless legs or armpits in the summer heat. So I didn't hold back with the shaving part either.
Hair washed, legs and armpits shaved, and every inch of me suddenly smelling like coconut shampoo and organic rose soap, I rinsed myself off with the last bucket labelled 'rinsing' and found myself covered from head to toe in a sweet musky rose scented water. Had Claude put an oil in there or something? I could only assume so. I found myself covered in red rose petals. Seriously. He must have found roses in the garden.
For some arrogant butler who judged worth based on family... he seemed to know what smelt good.
I moved from the damp chair to a dry one, covered in a towel, and sat there panting as the pain rocked all over my leg. Towelling was … interesting. Movement tended to provoke the wound. Movement was best avoided but impossible to avoid completely.
I'd half expected the dress to be too small, expected one part of this whole washing experience to let me down, and was stunned when not only was the maxi dress the right size... so was the bra. That... was a little creepy. So were the panties. Shorts? Why had he given me some baggy shorts?
Was it normal for butlers to do these creepy 'I know your clothes size' things?
I had to assume so.
The panties I got on, the shorts on after, but it took a lot of wriggling and swearing under my breath. But at least Claude didn't have to help. It had been bad enough that he'd gotten close while I'd been unwashed and helped me undress. How embarrassing.
"Okay. Clau-"
The door opened instantly. Claude was there waiting. He smiled faintly at the sight of me and carefully lifted me up from the chair, dress and all, saying softly, "You seem refreshed. Was it to your satisfaction?"
"It was ...really nice." I admitted. It had been. He bowed his head as he carried me and I found myself carried downstairs, Princess style, and set onto a soft armchair in the living room. There was tape across the windows in an X in the living room, some mattresses put against the windows, Yu moving backwards and forwards as he carefully prepared the living room for the storm that was going to hit. The other Princes were around, Prince Glenn pretty pale against the couch, propped up carefully, Roberto sitting at the window and watching the storm, Prince Joshua reading something. Prince Wilifred smiled faintly in my direction before his face returned to the more familiar calm and emotionless state. I noticed that they all seemed washed and shaved now.
Well, except for Roberto, who apparently still had that unshaven look happening. He'd clearly washed- his hair was wet- but for some reason he'd not shaved. Maybe he was trying to turn into a literal man sized snuggle puppy.
"Now, I'll be having a quick rest." Claude bowed again to the room before turning and moving for the stairs.
I sat down and tried to not stare at them, relaxing into a seat as best I could, amazed at how such a tiny thing- shaving!- could retrigger my own shock and awe at them. The honest truth was that before I'd come to Oriens these Princes had been some distant figure on TV. Occasionally in the news but unrelated to our country. I barely heard more than the occasional thing. As soon as I'd set foot in Oriens each of them had gone from 'a rarely spoken about person' to being on the news almost every night. If one burped at a temple I'd imagined it'd been front page news.
I became aware suddenly of ...guards. Standing in the background of the room, patient, arms at their sides. Butlers.
Creepy Butlers. Jan and Yu. Standing almost motionless. Waiting to be called upon. They both had this strange half smile on their face and as my eyes caught each of them, they nodded, which only added to the level of creepiness.
"Can I assist you?" Yu asked, softly, moving to me. He started to set a cup on a saucer before me and was pouring tea before I could answer him. The sweet smell of rosehip tea wafted up.
Come to think of it... I was thirsty. How had he figured this out before I'd noticed? Level of creepy Butler-ness only increased at that. "Uh. Thanks."
"Here too." Prince Joshua sat up straighter, folding his book carefully over his knee, and Jan gracefully stepped around the couch and to where Prince Joshua waited impatiently. What a contrast. Jan serving Prince Joshua, a gentle smile on his face, while Joshua scowled impatiently...
"Would you like assistance drying your hair?" Jan offered as soon as he ensured Prince Joshua was satisfied. I shook my head and his smile slipped away somewhat. "Are you not concerned you'll catch cold?"
"In the middle of summer?" In this tropical heat? Even if there was a storm approaching it probably wasn't going to get very cold. I kind of enjoyed having my hair wet. "It's fine. I won't get sick."
He looked like he wanted to say something but he didn't.
It was at this point that I noticed that each Prince was groomed perfectly. Wet hair or not. Oh. Was it because my hair was hanging around my head in slightly scraggly... wet tangles? I flushed and felt strangely subconscious all of a sudden. Makeup. Brush. Hair. Things I ...probably should have thought about in the bathroom. Things I usually only focused on if I thought I was going out.
"I could... if … a brush... maybe..."
"With wet hair?" Jan seemed uncertain once again and I caught his meaning. 'Shouldn't you dry it before you brush it' "I could bring a comb and assist you-"
"Relax." Roberto's voice drifted over from the window as he leaned back on his elbows to gaze at us. "Phia looks fine. Like she's at the beach. And we are at the beach so..."
"She can appear messy?" Prince Joshua's cold eyes went over me as if there was something wrong with that. He dismissed me with one cold look. "I see more of her mother's heritage than her fathers."
It made my temper rise all over again. How dare he? I could sit around all wet haired all I liked and … and so what if it made my mum's 'common' bloodline show? So what? "Deal with it. Mum was common."
"It shows."
I gritted my teeth. Mum might not have been some kind of special bloodline or something, some inbred family, but … but she had a hell of a lot more manners than Prince Joshua did. I would have stood but one twitch of my body reminded me why I was sitting down in the first place.
She'd probably ignore it. I was having trouble doing that.
"Now, now." Prince Glenn spoke up. He sounded awful, his face pale, and I saw Yu twitch. Maybe he'd been asleep. "She's still a relative. Aren't you, Miss Sophia?" His eyes went across to me. He seemed … more interested... than he had been yesterday. Someone must have told him. "Your father's family carries the blood of one of the Princesses from the late King Gerald."
"Indeed?" Prince Joshua's smiled was as cold as his eyes. What was his problem? "I mean no insult."
Was that so? I didn't care. I frowned and felt words rise up, suddenly, wanting to tell him off. "How is it … not insulting... to claim that? How is it not insulting to claim that my mother's role in life was worth less than yours?"
"As far as contributions to society go... it is worth less." Prince Joshua said this with a completely straight face. Oh god. What an asshole.
"Miss Sophia, relax." Yu was at my side instantly.
I wanted to smack Prince Joshua. The pain in my leg only added to the urge. Maybe if I wasn't in pain I might have tried to be better behaved or something... but the vision of his pink cheek danced across my brain. "Oh, come on. She could take care of herself. You can't even go outside without a butler... and... and I bet you're so out of touch with the real world that you don't even know the weather for the next week! You can't even know if you need an umbrella or ...tie your own shoes... without a Butler's assistance!"
The words were coming now, angry and upset, a kind of stressed hysteria rising. "Mum at least taught me how to live life without any help. Or how hard they work just so that they can feed their own family. Or what it's like to live like my neighbours had to- getting food and clothing donated so they could feed their kids so they could save up enough to replace their heater for winter. You're all so damn privileged, getting everything you ever dreamed for or asked for from your parents, living some kind of easy life... while people like my Mum paid for your lifestyle... so used to having everything done for you, that you can't even consider what life is like for a normal person."
The words hung there. My voice had risen and I sat there, red faced, finding myself oddly breathless, all my years of frustration at EVREY rich person I'd ever met while living with Father... just blurted out. Princes. The very pinnacle of privileged living.
But I also knew I'd crossed a line.
I wished I hadn't said it as soon as I had. It wasn't just Prince Joshua that was insulted by that. I saw it- Prince Wilifred turned away, slowly, Roberto's face darkening, Prince Glenn sighing. Whatever headway I'd made in terms of respect I'd just lost and I felt the distance spread between each of them.
"I'm tired." Prince Glenn said, suddenly, and Yu was there instantly to lift him up. Prince Joshua stood and excused himself, book in hand, before heading upstairs. Roberto stood up and headed for the kitchen. He didn't look happy either.
For a moment Prince Wilifred and I were alone all of a sudden.
I couldn't move. Well... I couldn't even if I'd wanted to... but I wasn't sure how I felt suddenly. The room seemed far too quiet after I'd raised my voice like that. I was still angry, of course, because he had insulted my mum. It made me so mad and so upset that I wanted to cry and ...bow over in apology... and smack people. If I was honest with myself... it wasn't just pain causing this reaction.
"He didn't mean to insult her. " Prince Wilifred said quietly. "He doesn't know she passed away. I am certain that she was a woman of exceptional skill and wisdom, however little the society noticed her." Prince Wilifred knew? I blinked, staring forward, and felt a hand grasp mine.
"I noticed her."
"As did your Father, and for that, you are here. So I am grateful to her."
His sweet words were starting to quieten my angry heart. It was going fast for entirely other reasons. I supposed no one could blame me- I was a hot blooded creature and this beautiful Prince was very close. Holding my hand.
"You have to understand..." Prince Wilifred said softly. He seemed almost upset. "We have as much say in the origin of our birth as you did. As your neighbours did. As any commoner does. A Prince, hoever, has less freedom."
I felt so embarrassed all of a sudden as his eyes met mine. Oh god. I really had put my mouth into it. Still, I felt upset, and frustrated ... "But... you have money. And power."
"It may seem that way to you." Prince Wilifred continued, his voice surprisingly strong for the soft tone, hand holding onto mine as he shuffled closer on his chair. "There is a difference between the Royal Families and the rich of each Kingdom. For us, the money does not belong to us and so we cannot spend it thoughtlessly, and the power given to us comes with … obligations that we cannot turn down."
"Why not?"
"From birth, we are expected to be Princes, and so from birth we are trained. Each of us." Prince Wilifred was ...calming me down, his voice just barely audible above the gusting winds and rain outside, and there was a kind of sadness. "If I were to follow my desires instead of my duty I would have to leave my throne. As my brother did. But I... I care about my people. It would be too disruptive to them."
As he said that I was reminded of the news we'd heard while hiding. Prince Wilifred's brother had vanished. Prince Wilifred was the only heir.
He didn't wait for me to talk. Prince Wilifred continued, "I cannot do that. And Prince Joshua-"
The sound of his name made my anger peak a little again, recalling his cold words and lack of empathy, but Prince Wilifred continued, "- only knows a life where his entire duty is to his country. He was taken away from his parents as a toddler and trained, day and night, to think only of rules and his role. He is the least likely to abuse his power, break the rules set in place to protect his people... yes... perhaps also the least likely to understand the life of someone such as you or the freedom you had. It must seem very reckless to him- not having rules shape every hour of your day."
Okay. I didn't feel so much anger all of a sudden. Just sadness. That... made me really sad. I blinked, Prince Wilifred's eyes in mine, his warm hands enclosing mine. "That's sad."
"I wouldn't speak of it to him but... yes. It would have been difficult for him and for his parents. Prince Glenn was raised carefully, never treated as a boy or a child, but harshly as a Prince. He never got to play, to spend time with other children, and so he spoils Prince Alan in the way he never got spoiled."
I remembered that kid, that bright eyed kid who clung to his older brother, how his brother had more or less shoved himself between my Father and his brother, and shut my eyes. Okay. I really needed to apologise.
"And Roberto-" Prince Wilifred continued. "-may seem to have freedom. Until you see Alberto and remember that he's got as much responsibility as us. He is, perhaps, more determined to have freedom but the weight of his responsibility towards his country may be more difficult to bear than he lets on." Prince Wilifred squeezed my hands, warmth flooding my chest at the gesture, and for a moment we stared at one another. How had I ever thought this man was cold? Under that surface he must have been so warm... "We were raised to serve a country- not serve ourselves. For that I am grateful to Claude, however invasive he may seem to you, for he ensures that I do not neglect my own needs while I work."
"I'm sorry." I muttered.
"I know. It has been difficult for you as well. And I am sorry that we left you yesterday after you were wounded."
"I'll apologise to everyone..."
Prince Wilifred nodded, remaining where his was with his hands clasped on my hands, agreeing. "It would be best. Allow them a little time first. I ….also left you with Claude last night. His presence can be difficult to get used to, I must admit, and I owe you the favour you paid me last night when I could rise when my own body was ready, rather than when Claude decided it was the right time to wake."
He relaxed, suddenly, and gestured to my tea. "Do you want it?"
"Yeah." I lifted it and sipped it. It was lukewarm now. Prince Wilifred's calm voice, talking about their lives, it had calmed me down a lot. I felt bad now. It probably wasn't as much fun as I'd thought. And... they were watched. All the time. They couldn't do a thing without the media discussing it.
"In truth," Prince Wilifred raised his own cup to his lips, and took a drink, one hand still closed over mine, "You may be right."
"Huh?"
"I do not know so much about the common lives of my own people." Prince Wilifred smiled, suddenly, straightening, and released my hand. "Or how it feels to be able to spend a day with wet hair that is not dried, without fearing illness, because I enjoy the freedom of it. I was relieved that Claude was not there this morning to wake me, that I could lay in bed and listen to rain, and rise when I wanted."
Oh. He seemed amused suddenly, glancing around, and to my surprise Prince Wilifred suddenly ran a hand through his hair. It was beautifully messed up.
"Claude may not allow it for long but-" He relaxed back, suddenly, his perfect posture slumping against the back of the chair. Legs sprawled, body slumped, Prince Wilifred leaning back. "-I will try and relax."
How weird. I stared at him. He was literally slumping all over the place. I'd never thought about their perfect body posture before. Woah.
"What's up." Prince Wilifred smiled, the words awkward on his tongue as if he was speaking a new language, and it was at that moment Prince Roberto returned.
"What's up!" Roberto responded, far more easily, and he grinned his usual grin. I noticed that he was shaved all of a sudden. He caught me staring at his chin and scowled. "Al got me with the razor when I went for cookies. I was planning some beard or something."
"Um." I tried to stand, slowly, ignoring the pain as I stood on one leg. Bowing in the Oreins fashion, I bent towards Roberto, trying to be super polite. "For what I said..."
"You're my friend, Phia! Don't worry. All is forgiven. I'm glad you let it out." Roberto dropped beside Prince Wilifred on the couch and relaxed back as well. He stared curiously at his friend. "You gone boneless?"
I sat down slowly and carefully as Prince Wilifred shrugged. Even that seemed forced- as if he didn't shrug much.
"I'm relaxing and enjoying myself." Prince Wilifred crossed one leg over the other. The entire thing was pretty awkward, as if he was trying too hard to relax, but at least his faint smile was still there.
"You gotta do it like this, Wils, look." Roberto demonstrated crossing legs.
I still couldn't shake the unease though. Not till I apologised to the others. Roberto glanced at me, and suddenly appeared in front of me, holding up a chocolate chip cookie. "I thought chocolate might cheer you up."
"Thanks..." I took it and he reached up to ruffle my wet hair.
"You know what? We should drink together tonight." Roberto decided. He slid onto the arm of my chair, relaxing beside me, and Prince Wilifred sat up slowly. "Nothing calms things down like a bunch of buddies, drinking together, letting it all out."
"While there's a storm?" Was... that a wise idea?
Roberto shrugged at my question. "We'll be fine. More important to be all best friends, yes?"
"That is important, yes." Prince Wilifred agreed. He met my eyes, a gaze shared between us, before he stood up slowly. "Would you prefer Prince Joshua to refrain from mentioning your mother?"
"...probably." It probably would help me stay calmer. I got really emotional every time someone talked about her.
"With your permission, I will... ask." Prince Wilifred waited for me to nod before he bowed slightly and moved away. "If you wish to tell them more tonight then I leave it to you."
"Um. Thanks, Prince Wilifred..."
"You sound like a butler." Roberto blinked.
"It's nice. Thinking about someone else instead." Prince Wilifred admitted. He smiled again, adding, "And please call me Wilifred. I think I would gladly be a friend to you as well."
"Okay."
We watched him go before Roberto turned to me, suddenly, asking, "...I overheard. I'm sorry."
"What?"
"About your mother."
Oh. I felt that old grief come back and shut my mouth. It was better to stay quiet now. Roberto frowned, sliding down beside me in the chair on my good side, careful of my bad leg. "You know... my mother died too."
I hadn't known. Our eyes met, Roberto shrugged, and for the first time there was something close to sadness in his face. He gazed forward at our legs and muttered, "So... I get it. Why he said the wrong thing. I think if he knew... he'd be more ...tactful."
"Yeah." The word was quieter.
"Sorry about your loss." That was all he said. Our eyes met again, this kind of mutual understanding passing between us, because that was … all that needed to be said. It was impossible to explain the way it felt to loose a parent like that.
"You too." I muttered. "Sorry."
He went quiet, sitting beside me, and then shoved the cookie in my hand up towards my mouth. "Eat. Chocolate makes you feel better. Lupin says so."
"You've read Harry Potter?"
"Na. I've watched the movies." Roberto shook his head. He smiled as I took a bite of the crumbly cookie. "You like it?"
"The books were better but I liked the movies..."
We chatted about it a while, as if it was just some casual day, ignoring the storm outside as we bantered about favourite character, scene, movie, couples, even what house we'd want to be in or what kind of want we'd want. Compared to the outburst before... it was relaxing. We didn't even notice Alberto standing there, not until he made Roberto sit in his own chair, and his presence didn't bother us for once. It was weird.
"You're exactly how I'd picture a sister." Roberto smiled.
"Ditto. You're exactly like I'd picture a sister being too." I teased. It was so easy to tease him.
Roberto pouted. "No, I'd be a brother!"
"No, you'd be a puppy. Prince Puppy." Even his pout reminded me of a puppy.
"Hey!" Roberto protested.
"I like puppies. And kittens. So it's a compliment. Puppy brother."
"Well," Roberto decided, face lightening, "At least I'm a male this time. I'll take it! You can be the kitten."
"Um. Why?"
"Puppies and kittens make the best teams. Just watch Milo and Oits." Roberto smiled as he slumped back. "I'll buy us each one. You can have the pug and I'll get a orange kitten."
"Posture, Roberto..." Alberto was instantly there, tugging Roberto up by the collar, showing exactly who was in charge in THAT relationship.
"Come on, Al. We're discussing important business." Roberto grumbled as he was prodded up by Alberto.
"It might be wiser, excuse my suggestion Mistress Sophia, to allow Prince Roberto to think ahead. I can only imagine the work waiting for his return and thinking on it now may assist it being completed later. For example-" And with that, Alberto started to ramble about all this stuff, laws, politics, diplomacy, visits that would need Roberto's attention, festivals, events, and the schedule Alberto had stubbornly held onto... as if I wasn't even there.
I suddenly saw, even clearer, what Prince Wilifred meant. It may have been different kinds of work... but it wasn't any less. That was for sure.
A/N
HIII
So the reason for the speedy speed is that some of this is prewritten. :) It makes it very easy. Plus I'm participating in Camp Nanowrimo this year... so the important thing is to write!
As far as pairings go... I actually haven't decided if Sophia will become someone's girlfriend. She probably will... and she seems to be getting along with Roberto and Wilifred, but Roberto gets along with everyone. Sometimes I just like to write and wait and see what'll happen between characters.