the Queen's man (Original story by me)

Ch 3: wigs

𝓘𝓯 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽, I had absolutely no idea what the Queen's man or the King's man was supposed to do. while I was very knowledgeable about the duty of a Duke in court or at a dinner party, I was never taught this sort of thing. I knew how to be respectful when in the presence of a nobleman of a higher status, how to eat properly, how to greet someone, even if I hated them with every bit of my soul, with politeness and diligence. But I did not know how to please a queen, no less a queen who is also the king. 
I was surprised, after seeing the King's reaction to my uncle's offer, to hear that the alliance was made after only three terribly long days in the castle. I knew that my uncle would leave soon, so I decided to write a letter to Jamie. I didn't really expect my uncle to deliver the letter out of the goodness of his heart, but it was worth a try.

Dear Jamie

It has only been three days, and the deal has been made. I don't know if it was because the king wanted the alliance, or if she just wanted uncle out of her country, but nevertheless it is now in writing. I am now no longer Rudolf. as long as I live in this palace, my name is Benny. If I can find a way to write more letters to you, I will address myself by that name. if you write me any replies to you should also refer to me by that name, but I do not recommend that you reply at all. this magic confuses me and if I am discovered because someone reads your letter, I don't want to think about what might happen to you. But I ask you one thing. Please, no matter what thoughts cross your mind, please do not worry about me. 
I do hope we will see each other again.

all my love

Benny.

it took much effort to write the unfamiliar name. I heard a knock at the door. I sealed my letter and put it in my pocket. I got up from the writing desk I was sitting at, for my room, though small, was very nicely furnished. I walked to the door and opened it. before me stood my uncle and monsieur Chanson. I let them in, or more accurately they pushed me aside and walked in. monsieur Chanson spoke first. his accent wasn't as thick as the kings, but it was very clear that he spoke with pride.

"Monsieur Friedrich has told me all about your unfortunate past few months. the passing of your father figure, your poor upbringing, and the death of your fiancé," he said with a hint of fake sadness. it was obvious that he didn't really care. not that I cared because it was all fake, but I didn't like how it made me feel. this feeling of being disregarded. I shot my uncle a nasty look.

"Yes," I answered, though I tried not to I said it with a type of spite. "It breaks my heart that she died so young." I tried to play along but every word that left my mouth tasted bitter. I always hated lying. now it was my job to lie. to the king, the entire palace. if anyone were to find out I was lying, I might lose my head. I might not have known much about France, but I did know that when you broke the law you usually got your head chopped off. maybe that's why my words were bitter, like dirt in my mouth. because I was afraid of getting caught.

Then my uncle stepped forward. "If you would be so kind, I would like to talk to my friend in privet before I take my leave monsieur."

monsieur Chanson stepped outside. "Of course, monsieur." and he closed the door. as soon as the door was shut the smile melted off of uncle's face. he looked me straight in the eyes and then the strangest thing happened. his expression of cold stone turned to a gentle smile that was warm and full of kindness.

"I know all of the thoughts that must be swimming about in the curious head of yours my young nephew," he said as he put his hands gently on my shoulders. 
"How old are you? 25? God, it feels like only yesterday you were born, and I was holding you in my arms."
I was confused. my uncle Friedrich almost looked sorrowful. he really looked like he didn't want to leave me.