What I Want

Meeting You

Today started off like another day for Prince Nicholas; wake up, climb out of bed, get dressed and head down to the dining room for breakfast with King Rychard and Queen Amelia, otherwise known to him as his parents. The Prince sat down in his chair and began eating, unaware of what his day will bring.

Prince Nicholas POV

"Good Morning, Son" said the Queen. "Good Morning, mother." "Son, are you ready for today?" asked the King. "Yes father."

Today was a very important day, but I suppose a bit of a back story would explain why it is important. You see, my father, King Rychard, has always strived to change the relationship between royals and commoners. He worked hard to ensure that his people had everything they needed to prosper, unlike kings of old who gave their people the bare minimum. My father started an event to be held once a month in which he would go into town and speak with his people to see if there were things that they needed. It was much like the old Kings Court where townspeople would come to the castle to ask for assistants; however, my father decided instead of making them come to him for help, he would go to them. Many looked at my father as one of the kindest Kings to have ever ruled; I believe much of that has to do with my mother. Anyways, today happens to be the day of this event and my father thought it would be a good idea to send me to town instead; saying that since I am to be King one day that I could use the experience in dealing with the needs of the people. I was not exactly upset at the idea but I wasn't thrilled about it either. Unlike most people who live in a high class society I have never been one to find enjoyment in how commoners treat me. They all treat me like the ground I walk on is made of gold. It can be hard to have genuine relationships with people. I just want someone who could treat me as if I wasn't the Prince.

"Better hurry up and finish your breakfast, you do not want to be late." my mother said. "Prince Nicholas the carriage is ready for you" said the coachman. "I am coming" "You will do well my son, just remember to listen to what the people have to say and do your best to provide them what they need" said my father. "I will father."

With that I headed out of the doors to the castle and got into the carriage. It took a little while before we finally reached the town. As we were driving through to get to the town center many of the townspeople started eyeing the carriage. Once they realized it was the royal carriage they became excited and started following behind. The townspeople always seemed to enjoy when my father would come into town and all who could be present at the town square would rush there. Any chance to see a royal excited them. We had just passed a few market stalls and just beyond that was the town center; where I will be sitting at a table and one by one listening to the troubles of the people. The people seemed surprised to see me instead of my father, but that confusion did not last long as they started to line up to speak to me.

Many hours later, I had listened to so many people. Some complained of needing more resources to tend to their farms, some complained of the need for more housing as the town was slowly out growing its already large size. I did my best to offer whatever assistance I could at the time and promised that once I made it back to the castle I would speak to my father to resolve their problems. By the time those who were scheduled to speak to me were done I was exhausted and ready to head back home. I was just about to get into my carriage when I heard some commotion coming from the market stalls.

"Listen here woman, I do not need someone like you hanging around here. It is bad for business" said the owner of a food stall. "I am just trying to buy some bread and then I will be on my way" said what sounded like a woman. She had on a long cloak with the hood over her hand. The cloak was ripped at the bottom and the woman's shoes looked worse for wear. Though I could not see her face, her voice was quite angelic, a sweet and soft voice. "Here, now begone bum, and do not come back!" yelled the shopkeeper as he threw a half loaf of bread at the woman. I watched as she bent down to pick it up and then walked away, all while saying a soft "thank you." as she laid a few coins on the counter. 

My curiosity got the better of me and I followed her as she walked over to an alleyway where there was a young boy. He did not look well 6 and he too was in torn clothing. "Momma, did you get any food?" questioned the boy. Momma? Was this child hers? "Yes dear, I managed to get you some bread." said the woman as she handed the child the bread. "What about you momma?" asked the boy. "Do not worry about me William, go ahead and eat." The boy reluctantly ate the bread all while looking at his mother with worry in his eyes. I have never seen a child with such a mature look in his eyes. I could tell by his reaction that he and his mother have been through a lot. At this point I did not know what came over to me but I walked up to the closet stall and asked for a few apples and a full loaf of bread. I then proceeded to walk over to the woman.

"Excuse me ma'am, I could not help but to overhear what happened back there. I apologize for how you were treated. I also brought you some more food if you will have it." The woman turned to look at me and I froze. This woman had the bluest eyes I have ever seen, eyes that I could stare into and lose track of time. Then I saw her lips, plump and a shade of light pink. Overall, she was the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. I was brought out of my thoughts by her speaking to me.

"While I do appreciate it, I may not have much but I certainly do not expect charity." she said rather harshly. It took me by surprise, no one had ever dared talk to me like that before. I was at a loss for words on how to respond to her. Next thing I know another townsperson spoke up "Miss, that is no way to address the Prince! A mere bum like you should have more respect when your Prince is so kind to offer help!" "Enough, there will be no need for that" I said. I turned back to the woman and said, "My apologies, I never meant to upset you. I only wanted to help." "Well Prince or not I am perfectly capable of taking care of me and my child." she said. At that I laughed, this woman was unlike any other person I have ever met. I then stopped when I saw the angry, confused face on the woman. "I apologize again, I just have never met someone who has the guts to speak to me like that, it is refreshing" I said. At this point I did not want to let this woman out of my sight, there was something about her that was drawing me in.

"I will make a deal, since you are not one to accept charity, how would you feel about accepting a job as a maid at the castle? It pays well, there will be a room provided for you and your child. We can also provide schooling for your child; we have a school for the children of servants and royal families." "You are willing to let a complete stranger and her child into your castle? That is pretty bold for a Prince." she stated. The woman was not wrong, usually servants in the castle would have to go through a long process before being accepted to work at the castle. "Well you do not strike me as one to cause harm to another, but we can have you on a probationary period. If something were to go wrong we will dismiss you." "And what if I do not accept this deal?" she said. I pulled out a coin from my pocket; the coin had the family's crest on it. Only those in the royal family possessed these coins. " I will give you time to think about it, take this coin, if you decide to come work in the castle, bring this to the gatekeeper at the castle and ask for me; Prince Nicholas." I then went to grab her hand but I noticed how she flinched. Next thing I know the boy was by her said with his hand out. I was a little confused by this behavior but I did not want to anger this woman so I gave the coin to the child.

"Before I head out, I would like to know you and your son's name if that is okay?" I asked. I had already overheard her son's name but I did not want her thinking I was eavesdropping, even if I was. "My name is Lorelei and this is my son William." she stated. Lorelei, what a beautiful name for such a beautiful woman. "It was nice to meet you Lorelei, you as well young William. I do hope you accept my offer." I said. I then turned away and headed back to my carriage. 

Once home I spoke to my parents about the request of the townspeople and even spoke of the strange woman I had met. I told them how I had offered her a job at the castle and was awaiting her answer. My mother had a strange look in her eyes as I told them of her. I was worried about my father's opinion and if he would agree to go along with it. I could see the worried and slightly angry look on his face. Before I was able to plead my case my mother spoke "Dearie, I think what our son did was an act of kindness and if he seems to think she will be of no harm then I say we give her a chance." My father looked at my mother and soon his face changed to one of love and admiration. My father then turned to me and huffed, "I am not sure how I feel about letting a random woman and her child into the castle; nevertheless, if you are so persistent on having her here I will allow it. However she will be your responsibility, if something were to happen the consequences will fall on you." "Oh thank you father, I promise I will not let you down." "Well I suppose I will get some maids to prepare a room in case our young maiden decides to come work here" said my mother with a large smile on her face. With that we had dinner and then I headed for bed, hoping to see that woman again.