Royals

i.

Jack

"Good morning mother, good morning father," he spoke softly as the servant readied his meal.

"Morning Jackson," his father spoke, not looking up from the piece of paper he was reading, "how were your studies last night?"

Would it hurt to ask how I'm doing instead?

"Well."

"Really?" His mother chimed in, "you're instructor informed us that your musical skills were quite... disappointing."

Why would you trust him? The man is bald and idiotic!

"I'll try to be better mother."

"Don't try. Do."

"Yes father. Have you uh perhaps seen Harry this morning? He's usually down here."

"Don't know. And you really ought to stop hanging out with those servants. Harry, Elise, might as well be a servant yourself."

"They're my friends...father. I've known them since I was a toddler."

"Your father's just looking out for you Jackson."

Well tell him to bug off.

"I know."

The servant sets up a plate in front of him.

"Thank you Crista," he smiles as she dismisses herself.

"Don't thank the servants Jackson, they're just doing what they need to do."

"Why do you despise them so much? They're still people father," he grits through his teeth.

"They are servants."

"You make n-"

"Alright, that's enough," mother interrupts the two, "Jackson you should stay in a good mood, considering what's coming up tomorrow."

I'm never in a good mood around you people.

"Tomorrow?"

"Why, you don't know?"

"No...Is it important?"

"Is it important?" He mother lets out a single laugh,"of course!"

"The female suitors will be arriving tomorrow at the dock, around sunset," his father cuts to the point.

Jesus, not those stuck up princesses again.

"Female suitors.. for me to marry?"

"Yes, better off if you get married soon, that way you'll be ready for your coronation when the time comes."

Father I'm only seventeen!!!

"Don't you think it's a bit too soon? For marriage I mean. For me to get coronated you and mother have to pass first, which must be years away at."

"Jackson," his father exhales sharply.

He's already angry, might as well keep going.

"And maybe... maybe I don't want to be king? Possibly?"

That almost made mother spit out her milk.

Oh so now you look at me.

"Crista, could you give us some privacy, and Willow please go up to your room," that tone of voice father was using could only mean one thing, he was freaking angry.

"Do you think this is some kind of practical joke Jackson? Because if so, your mother and I do not find it amusing."

"It's not a joke at all! I really don't want to be king."

"You don't know what's good for ya boy. What's good for us!"

"That's the point, it's always what's best for you and mother's reputation, and relations with other kingdoms..It's just too much!"

"What? You expect your sister to rule or something?" Mother's eye's widened with distress.

"Yes! Give the kingdom to her when she's older. Make it a queendom, a matriarchy. Give women all the power for all I care!"

"Don't be absurd Jackson, you will marry one of the suitors on that ship and you will rule this kingdom when your time comes."

You're not listening!!!!!!!!!

"But I-"

"Enough. You are dismissed, your mother and I have had enough of you for today."

With that he walked out of the room.
He sped down the corridor and stopped at one of the corners, pressing his back against the wall he slid down.

For God sake, they never listen.
Why can't they listen?
Maybe let me finish a sentence.
I'm seventeen and they lock me in this castle to study, take defense lessons, and rot away.
I should be out there, having fun, dancing at festivals, meeting new people.
It's too freaking lonely here.
God I'm dramatic.
Dammit.
I don't even care.
I deserve to be a tad dramatic.

"Tough day huh?" The sudden voice made his head jerk up.

"Elise?"

"Yeah," she stifled a laugh.

God you're beautiful.

"So.. you heard all that huh?"

"I think the whole castle heard," she sat down in front of him.

"Harry wanted me to see if you were alright, he wanted to come himself but got caught up in making some cake."

"Harry?"

"Yeah, aren't you two the best of friends?"

"Yeah, yeah we're like brothers, just didn't wasn't aware of the fact that you know him."

"Why would you assume that?" She gave a small smile.

"Well it's just that he works in the kitchen and you know, you're a maid and all."

"Well, all the servants sleep on the same floor... So that's why."

"Right. So you're close with him?"

"Somewhat..why?"

"Oh no reason, just curious."

"Something bothering you your hig- Jackson?"

Cute.

"When isn't something bothering me?" Bitterness dripped from his mouth.

"Just don't stress too much, remember to have a little fun yeah?"

"Yeah. Thanks Elise."

"No problem, see you around or something."

"Yeah."

"Stop saying yeah, use those fancy words those teachers teach you."

"Okay."

As soon as she walked down the swirl of stairs and was out of sight, Jack quickly dashed into his room, grabbed a sack of gold coins and ran down to the stables.

"Your highness, shouldn't you be at an archery lesson?"

Only if mother and father find out.

"Change of plans Winston, I need my horse."

I hope you don't get beheaded for this.

"Of course your highness."

"Thank you."

••

A/n:
Thank you for reading, comment if you enjoyed or not :)
Things will get more exciting soon.

Much love,
C