ROYALTY

Chapter 62

I had spent more of my time running around the castle putting things in order and having a fair share at shouting at the maids and servants than my health required. I had barely turned when a guard came rushing over. Your highness, he bowed, his head almost touching the floor. A young fine man in the prime of his youth, he was indeed handsome, if only he kept the seriousness of his face at bay. He bowed again I have been looking for you everywhere. I am afraid there is a matter of urgency that you need to dissolve. He said as his eyes strayed towards that open door that had female servants in not more than their undergarments.

A blush reaching his cheeks and his ears redding, clenching his hands into a fist as his eyes took in all that he could find His eyes I had seen that same look, the look of lust running through his mind. I slammed the door shut and looked at him, observing his confused change of state and body, I did not fail to notice him adjust his paints. As there was indeed a reaction that happened down there. My, your, beg your- I cut him short with a flick of my hand as I walked towards the courtyard. You said there is a matter of urgency. How urgent? He did not have to speak because in that moment. I saw the urgency that he was talking about.

Taking the steps two at a time I reached the bottom, the crowd of villages still a far distance from me, to afraid to step forward. Why are they like this? The guard shrugged his shoulders as he looked back towards the door we came from, his eyes probably going back to the door that lead to the undressed maids. He cleared his throat and opened his mouth wanting to ask or say something, They had spent most of the mornings in the other side of the gardens, and you know how rough that can be, so they ended with torn and well tarted clothes. Now I do not appreciate my servants running around in nothing but underwear, so they were getting their clothes stitched. He mouthed an oh a displeased look on his face. Was he expecting something? Is there anything that you might need? He asked as he stood straight, I shook my head no and he excused himself.

Stepping into the clearing that separated the people and I, I took my first full glance at the village that had assembled together. The last they had done this in full mass was when they had faced a serious series of pests and diseases and that had happened quite some years back. You there! I singled out a man, who was covered from head to toe in dust and soot, thinking the worst, I glanced at the rest of the people. They were not covered in much soot as the man. He stepped out of the crowd and removed his hat, bowing, showing blad shinny skin. What was wrong with men and having bald heads? It was a question I often asked.

He had his dirty hat in his hands, fidgeting with it around the edges, looking all but at me. You came to me with a problem sir-? I left the question hanging as he looked at me, shock written all over his face. Your highness. He bowed again looking even harder at the ground. Sighing I asked the man What is your name sir? He looked up, he had light green eyes, lighter than that of Trenton. Lucas, your highness, Henton Lucas, and that is my wife, Miley and our- He looked down at the ground, as tears welled up in his eyes.

I looked over at the woman and the limp child she was carrying, He is almost dying your highness, please He dropped to the ground, clenching onto my skirts, but careful enough not to soil them with his dirty hands. Please your grace, come help us, our children, they are dying. I took in the sight of the crowded men and woman alongside ill children. Three young bodies of about less than five years were lying down on the bare hard floor white clothes wrapped around them as their mothers sat besides each one, wailing.

When did this happen? How and why is it I am hearing word of it now? I asked the man as I helped him stand up. We did not want to disturb you your grace and the last time someone from the village was sent to deliver a message to you, he was chased. I looked at the man with so much tenderness as I cooked up an ill devised punishment for the soul that dared send the villagers away. Sir Lucas, and have you had the village doctor or physician come look at this? Then an old man stepped out, not old in the sense of white hairs but old in the sense of having winkles and dark circles around the eyes. He bowed, gazing at me over the brim of his glasses he waited for me to grant him permission to speak.