Brimsley and Reynolds

Chapter 14

Brimsley had been dreaming of something sweet. He couldn't exactly remember what it was, but he remembered the feeling of peace and calm that enveloped him as he slept. And then the complete lack of calm when he was jolted awake. A loud knocking was coming from the door. "Reynolds!" Came a fearful voice, "Reynolds, it's The King, wake up!" Reynolds sat up at once, hearing the commotion. He turned to Brimsley, "Hide," he said softly. Brimsley got behind the bed, out of sight as Reynolds opened the door. 

"It's happening again Reynolds, he's ran out to the garden, and The Queen is with him," Brimsley didn't recognize the panicked voice but figured it was one of the footmen who guards the palace at night. "I understand, I'll be right there," Reynolds responded quickly, closing the door as he scrambled to get dressed. "What is happening?" Brimsley asked, getting up from behind the bed. "I will explain when I can Brimsley, just get dressed," They both rushed to get their clothes on, and ran out the door. Brimsley couldn't take the silence anymore. "What is it? What is going on?" He whispered as they scurried down the stairs. Reynolds turned around, looking at him dead in the eye, his face as serious as he had ever seen him. 

"Just stand guard at the garden door, clear the back hall, lock the servants in downstairs if you must. Keep everyone away," His face softens just a bit, "Please Brimsley," He nods, knowing he doesn't have time to think. It was either trust Reynolds, or don't. It simply wasn't a choice. "All right," he responded steadily. They both took off in separate directions. 

Brimsley followed his instructions exactly. In fact, he was even glad for them. Having to keep busy, to keep moving and working, it kept his mind off of the constant whorling of questions. Almost. 

He stood outside, guarding the garden door exactly as Reynolds had asked him. He had cleared every room within proximity to the gardens, and Buckingham House was as quiet as he'd ever heard it. That was bad. That meant his mind could roam free with no distractions. Suddenly, he saw three figures emerging from the dark. He recognized Reynolds' gold hair right away, even though he was following behind The King and Queen. As they drew closer, one thing became clear. There was something very wrong with The King. 

He gave Reynolds a look as he joined him, walking five paces behind. Reynolds shook his head, a very clear 'not now' look on his face. Brimsley stared at The King, naked for all but a cloth draped over his shoulders. He kept whispering, strange, incomprehensible words. The Queen would try to calm him down, and they would keep walking. Reynolds turned to Brimsley wearily as they neared the room. "Can you please fetch a bucket of water and some rags?" He whispered. Brimsley nodded. When he came back with the items, he didn't know what to do. Reynolds and The Queen had started to clean The King of the dirt that had settled on him when he ran into the garden. Brimsley stood apart, simply watching the man who led his country twitch and speak nonsense, unaware of anything around him. 

The walk back to their rooms was silent. Brimsley stood before the two doors. His, and Reynolds. He put his hand on his door knob. "Brimsley I-" Reynolds began. Brimsley whipped around. "What? What could you possibly have to say to fix any of this?" He watched Reynolds face grow downcast as he stayed silent. Brimsley slammed the door in his face. 

Lies. He was so tired of all these lies. He was meeting Reynolds in the gardens. Pom Pom, the small dog, was at his feet, yapping and getting distracted at everything she saw. He scooped her up as he saw Reynolds, standing in the corner of the garden. The King had moved to Kew, and throughout this time had been entirely unreachable. He was here to deliver a letter from The Queen to her husband, and it was not the first. Not even close. He locked eyes with Reynolds, handing him the letter. They stared at each other. Silence. Reynolds didn't say a word. After all this, after finding The King naked screaming at the sky, still nothing. Brimsley nodded, walking away. "Brimsley," Reynolds began. "Brimsley please," He turned, "What?" He asked. He didn't want to do this. He knew he wouldn't get the truth, so why speak at all?