The Prince's Knight

Chapter 6 - Responsibilities

Billy was shooed out early in the morning after Daniel extensively checked that he was alright to go. Billy thought that if he sneezed even once, Daniel would have kept him hidden in the room until he was better. But no, Daniel re-led him down the hallways and out through the tunnel of trees, just in time for the sun to rise and all of the other boys began to wake. They bid each other goodbye, and Billy ran through the arena, leaving with a promise to see him again soon.

A part of Daniel wished to follow him, but he turned on his heel and made his way back, changing clothes before walking up the Princess' tower.

"My Lady?" He asked quietly, knocking nervously on the door. To his surprise, it flung open, revealing a flustered Madam Adalia, who hurried him inside. As they neared the Princess' rooms, there was a distinct sound of smashing glass, followed by a shriek. Daniel burst open the door to see a maid cowering against the wall, a shattered vase at her feet. Above her stood Princess Isabella, with wild hair and a raised arm. As she turned to look at the stunned Daniel, she bore a striking resemblance to her mother from the night before.

Instead of looking pleased, like Daniel wanted to think that she would, her face blotched even redder as she screamed at the top of her lungs, "I wanted my father! Where is the King?!"

She wielded a candle holder, flinging it at the servant girl again, who ducked just as it was about to hit her head. The young girl began to cry, and Madam Adalia shooed her out of the room, telling her to go back to the kitchens. She hurried out before Isabella had the opportunity to do anything else.

"Princess!" Lady Adalia called out, distressed. "The King is not coming; no one is coming. Everyone is still asleep, and we will not see them till breakfast."

'Not for long' Daniel thought. 'Not with this level of screeching first thing in the morning'.

"You are delirious from last night. You are ill, Princess. Please, lie down, at least until breakfast." Madam Adalia reasoned.

"No!" She screamed, "I will not! Get my mother!"

"No need, darling," and there the Queen was, as though summoned. She swooped in, pushing Madam Adalia out of the way, ignoring Daniel altogether. "It's alright - Mummy's here now."

She stroked her daughters' hair, and Daniel felt as if he were intruding on them. "Madam Adalia, what are you doing?"

"What do you mean, your Highness?" Adalia asked, confused.

"My daughter - the Princess - wanted her father. And did you get him?" She waited for a moment dramatically, "Bloody foreigners. Know your place, Madam Adalia. My daughter is the Princess, and is always right."

Madam Adalia sucked in a breath, leaning backwards, a new light in her eyes. "I see, Your Highness." She said coldly. "My apologies. I will leave you and the Princess be. Please know that breakfast will be ready in forty minutes. I hope the King will see you down there." She exited the room, bowing as she did, although she straightened her back far quicker than what would usually be polite.

Daniel stayed in the corner of the room, extremely unsure of what to do. The Queen and the Princess stayed in their embrace, both looking as if they were going to start crying, but with a violent glare, the Queen turned to him. "What are you still doing here? Get out!"

Daniel turned on his tail and fled. He walked shakily down to the kitchens, where he saw Mrs Adams busy lording over the stressed servant girls while simultaneously talking to Lady Adalia.

"I don't understand you people, Winnie. I try to help, and all I get is rejection." Lady Adalia sighed into her cup of tea. "The royal family, so over-dramatic..." she trailed off, clearly not wanting to say anymore in such crowded company.