For Her They'd Do Anything

Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Constance POV

I am currently hiding out in the Library. Rose wants me to work on my English studies. Doesn't she understand how boring she makes it out to be? I would much rather stay here and read. Shouldn't that count as English studies? Next week, she says I am to start learning French. I already know 4 languages, how many more do I need? I know how to speak Latin, Demonin, Spanish, and Japanese. Not to mention, my first language, which is English. So, why do I have to study more English? According to her, every time I switch between the languages I know, I get different accents with different words I use. For instance, when I say 'come here' it sounds like I am saying 'om ere.' So, to battle that, she makes me do extra English lessons, even though I've already mastered them years ago. Father says, since I am next in line for the thrown, that I need to learn as many languages as possible to be able to communicate well when I am in charge of treaties and meeting fellow leaders. I suggested that we just hire translators, but he stubbornly said that it should feel more personal and that I show effort would make a huge difference with keeping peace. I mean, I kinda get it, but this is a lot of information to learn at 8 years old. Father says that by the time I am 18 I should be fluent in at least 12 different languages, not including English, and that I will just have to keep up on them in my spare time, so I don't forget any of the important phrases. Rose, and some of the other staff, like to speak to me using the other languages I have mastered, in order to keep them going in my brain. I have to admit, it is kind of fun seeing the little old lady seamstress speaking Demonin. Who knew she has a cousin who married a Demon, and that she learned just so she can speak to their kids frequently? You never would have guessed just by looking at her. Or that the baker can speak Japanese. Her sister lives in Tokyo with her husband and family, so she goes and sees them when she goes on vacation every year. I love it when she comes back, she tells me the most amazing stories of the Samurai and of the many celebrations the whole country experiences. I would one day love to visit with her. Maybe I could ask my parents about joining her on a trip some time. I must admit, it is a little awesome to be able to relate to the people who work here, it gives me more chances of getting to know them better. I do try my best at doing what I am told, but sometimes I just get burnt out, and I need a break. Which is why I am currently hiding in the Library.

I need to switch positions again, these couches are not that comfortable to be reading in for hours. I often find myself in the weirdest positions as I read. As I pull my feet off of the back of the couch, I was reading with my head off of the front, seems to make it more interesting, someone opened the main entrance. I quickly jump off of the couch and throw myself into the pile of pillows that I have strategically placed in the corner. Hopefully, Rose didn't see me. I make sure my whole body is covered with pillows.

I can't see what is happening from where I am. I also don't want to risk being caught, so I don't peak either. I hear heavy footsteps leading to the middle of the room. Then a pause and some hurried footsteps coming closer to my corner.

"Hmm, it looks like someone was just here. There's tea spilt on the coffee table, and there is a stack of books scattered across the floor," a male voice I do not recognize said. I wonder who that is? I've never heard him before. Oh well, at least it isn't Rose.

I try to peer out from behind the pillow on my face, but his eyes immediately spot me. "Come on, I can see you behind all of those pillows. Just come out, I just have a question about the Library."

I slowly remove the pillow from my face, then I look up at him sheepishly. He has black hair and is about 5'6", which all looks pretty normal, until I looked into his eyes anyway. His right eye is red, while his left is brown. He looks amused at least, I wonder who he is?

"Sorry about that, I thought you were Rose. I panicked and jumped into the pile," I say as I finally free myself from the many pillows, I threw like 20 in there. In hindsight, that's probably the reason why the couches were uncomfortable.

"Yeah, if you are trying to hide from someone, you are going to have to find a better spot. It didn't take me long to realize where you were, I just wanted to wait and see how long it took you to get curious as to who came in." He let out a laugh that went deep and then high and ended with a squeak.

"Why did you sound like that? Did you swallow a squeaker toy?" I ask as I laugh at his laugh.

"No," he says pouting a little, "I am going through puberty, and my voice keeps changing from a boys to a mans. Don't laugh, it really sucks right now."

"Ah, sorry. I didn't know they did that. How long has this been happening?"

"Hmm, about three weeks. My mom calls me squeakers, I don't think I'm ever going to live it down at home."

"Meh, I'm sure they will forget all about it once it changes for good. Let me introduce myself, Hi, I am Princess Constance Brocksby of Desmond. And, who might you be?" I ask as I curtsey.

"Oh, right, sorry. My name is Rowland Lowe. I am here on a visit with my Father, Duke George Lowe. He had some matters to discuss with King Avery." He says, as he bows. I must admit, he is rather dashing with that little smirk he has on his face. "If you don't mind, I have some questions about your Father. I am just curious as to what type of person he is, really. I think it is important to know what kind of ruler you have. Know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I mean I guess that is understandable. Well, what have you heard, first? So we aren't going over the same information."

"Well, honestly, I haven't heard much about him. You see, my studies currently are focused on Meath and Gododdin. I am to be learning about Desmond next year, but I just cant wait any longer. Why they would wait for the kingdom I live in, is beyond me. You would think that would be first priority, honestly. But, alas, this is what my parents decided when hiring a tutor. I know a good bit about Meath and Gododdin, but squat about my own country. Make any sense to you?"

"No, not really, but I guess every family is different in what they prepare their children for. At least it wont be too much longer before you go over our history. Maybe they couldn't find a tutor who specialized in our history?" I offer, sincerely.

He shrugs his shoulders, "maybe. Oh well, anyway, will you tell me some stuff about your family, then?"

"Sure, where do you want to start?"

We both sit down on the couch sideways, facing each other. He puts his hand to his chin, thinking. "How about with family members, that seems pretty important, considering I didn't even know you existed, really."

"Wow, really? Ok, well, let's see... There's me and my brother. His name is Giles, and he is only one."

"Oh, well, how old are you?"

"Ah, I'm 8, sorry about that."

"So, your brother is next in line, then?"

"Haha, no, I'm actually next in line, my dad abolished the law about female rulers. You see, they had a really really hard time having me. My parents thought that I was the only kid they were ever gonna have. Giles was a happy accident. If I don't have an heir and something happens to me, then the thrown is his. 'Til then, I am next in line."

"Oh, okay. That is pretty awesome that he did that. Shame it didn't happen sooner, really. Okay, so tell me a little bit about your pops. What is he like? Is he cruel? Is he a pushover? Like, how does he treat the servants? Or peasants?"

"Well, we don't really call them servants or peasants here. They are just employees really. Father gives them a decent wage, which allows them some luxuries. Like good wash basins and decent food for the families and animals. He treats the kingdom like a business. He always says, 'Can't expect good workers if they are always starving and worried about their next meal.' I agree with him one hundred percent, they are an asset to the whole kingdom, and should be treated with respect and fairness."

"See, now that is pretty awesome! I didn't know that he viewed the people that way."

"Yeah, he even makes sure they have equal pay and vacations to see loved ones."

"Okay, well how does he feel about other citizens, like demons or witches? Does he treat them the same? Or like crap?"

"As far as I know, he treats everyone the same. Even demons or witches. And even vampires and werewolves. He always says, 'you can't help what you were born as, and neither can anyone else. Everyone deserves respect and care, whether they are born human or anything else.' Least, that's what he tell me. I've never actually seen any demons, except for his best friend."

"Oh? And who is his best friend?"

"Well, technically he has a couple. They treat each other like brothers, really. Let's see, there's General Lacy, King Hardy, and King Hyde. Though, I don't really know much about King Hardy and King Hyde, I've only ever met them once I think. Dad says not to bother them when they come to visit, says they have 'important matters to discuss.' All I ever hear from his study door is laughter though, like its all one big powwow or something."

Rowland was a little taken back to hear his real father's name, it made him smile, just a little. He didn't know that they considered each other as brothers. His father never said anything to him about it. All he tells him is 'work on this' and 'don't chew with your mouth full.' Why doesn't he ever tell him the good stuff? The fun stuff? He can't wait to learn about Desmond next year, see what he told Constance about that was the truth. He hasn't learned anything about Desmond yet. When he gets home, he is going to pester his father until he gives in.

"Hmm, well, maybe they are just catching up and stuff when they come to visit. I mean, they cant visit too often, right?"

"I guess not, it sure would suck not being able to see someone you care about much at all. I do know a little bit about the other Kings, but I want to get to know them in person. It would be more fun that way."

"Have you told your father this? Maybe he thinks that you would be bored?"

"Maybe, but I wouldn't be bored. Talking to people is my absolute favorite thing to do! Maybe he thinks I will scare them off? I do kind of get aggressive with my questions. Least that's what Rose tells him. The other staff, well I think they like having me around. Well, at least I hope so anyway."

"Oh, yeah? What do you do with the other staff? You don't prank them, right?"

"Maybe, sometimes. It depends on who it is. Like, the baker, Amy, I do not prank her. She's always so busy and really sweet. I usually just try to help her keep up with her orders. And, in return, she leaves bread out for me to feed to the birds around the pond. Now, our carriage driver, Allan, I do like to prank him. He is very animated when he figures it out. Nothing gruesome, of course."

"Of course."

"I just like to hide his tools, or switch out his driving boots for his sons when he isn't looking. But, his aren't ever far from where we are. And, my little pranks don't really seem to bother him. He even lets me hand him tools when he is fixing something, or lets me feed and pet the horses once in a while. I do try to not get on their nerves. I also like asking them about their lives. He has a daughter that is five and a son that is six. His wife likes to sew and she also raises chickens and pigs. I just like talking to people and being their friends."

"That is pretty sweet of you, honestly."

"Yeah, maybe. I just find it fascinating how many different people work around the castle. Besides, one day I will be in charge, I should know who I am looking after, right?"

"Yeah, I guess you have a point there." Rowland thinks back to how he treats the people of his kingdom. He hasn't exactly been nice to too many of them. When he gets home, things are going to change. One day he will be in charge as well, he doesn't want to be feared or loathed. He wants to be adored like his father is. He makes a mental note to send word to his father about what he wants to change in the kingdom. If they start now, the people will be better off and maybe even happier. His father does his best, but he isn't exactly a man of many words. And, he certainly never talks to many people, let alone the staff.

"Okay, have you noticed your father acting strange lately? My father says that there was a weird incident a couple of weeks ago. Did you notice anything?"

"Oh, well I only really noticed that my dad had a migraine for a few weeks. It just wouldn't go away. No matter how much headache medicine he took, nor how many cups of tea Mathias gave him. He still had a massive migraine. He was more stern with everyone until it went away. After my first punishment, I just tried to stay out of the way and out of trouble. After it went away though, my father seems to be doing so much better now. Like he isn't as grouchy or uptight."

"Hmm, I wonder what could cause such a migraine, for it to last for weeks on end. Did it gradually disappear? Or did it just stop suddenly?"

"Actually, it stopped one evening during dinner. General Andrew had returned from somewhere, I am not sure where he went, he was gone for a couple of weeks. As soon as he stepped through the dinning hall doors, my dad let out a yell of relief. Said the pain finally went away."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that."

"How odd. Did anyone else experience the same kind of migraine or anything?"

"Not that I know of. I was still talking to everyone, just being more secretive about it, really. No one else in the castle mentioned any migraines, or even a headache. But my father, he could barely even focus on anything. Just rested mostly in his bed. My mom would check up on him and bring him his medicine or tea. She also fed him by hand, didn't want him wasting away, she said. I thought that was kind of sweet, how she was there for him, even if he was being a bear and hard to deal with. She never got frustrated or anything either. When General Andrew came home, that was the first time my dad had been seen out of his room in at least a week."

"That is very interesting. So, what else do you like to do for fun, Constance?" he asked, trying to change the topic, so he doesn't seem too suspicious.

"Hmm, well, I like to swim, play games, go exploring, you know when I am allowed outside. I also love to run and hide from Rose. She just wants to work, work, work all day. Doesn't want to ever do anything fun or interesting. So, when I get the chance, I run and hide and do something else. Not always, but when I need a break. Like, now for instance, that's why I am here, in the Library."

"Ah, I see. How long does it usually take to find you?"

"At least a couple of hours, personally I think she really doesn't mind, just tries to keep up pretenses. If she thinks about where my favorite places are, I am sure she'd really find me in about an hour or so. I think she just needs a break too, but doesn't want to admit it. She focuses on what we need to do and ignores her own needs. So, when I realize she needs a break too, that is when I run and hide. At least I hope she is taking a break for herself. If she just keeps going full speed ahead all the time, she is going to lose her mind."

"Maybe, you should talk to her about that, or at least your parents. Maybe they can set a limit with how hard she works?"

"That might actually help. Thank you Rowland! Oh, hey, would you mind if we were friends? You seem very level headed and interesting to me..." I asked this kind of shyly. Hopefully, he won't think I am weird or something.

"Yeah, I think I'd like that, Constance. You seem pretty interesting to me too."

"How about we get some tea? I'm feeling kinda peckish, and dinner isn't for another two hours or so."

"You have those little finger sandwiches that I've heard about?"

"I think we can manage some of those. Let's go ask Amy, or the Cook, Tim, either one might make us some."

"Sounds like a plan. Let's go."

Rowland and I head off to the kitchens. Before long, we have our little sandwiches and are treating each other like old friends.