Arrogance & Innocence

True Colors

At the door I bumped into Quinn. She fell over sending the book she was holding, one about poetry, flying.

“Oh sorry!” I said offering my hand to her.

“Watch what your doing you clumsy fool!” Rani snapped at me, shoving me aside so she could help Quinn herself.

I was stung. What had happened? They were so nice before!

“What's the matter with you? You're supposed to bow and say “I'm very sorry please excuse me miss.” But NO you just stand there gaping like an idiot!” Rani continued coldly.

“Go pick up the book.” Quinn ordered brushing herself off.

“No. You have legs. Use them.” I said I knew if I let them order me around I would be a slave for the rest of my life... or at least 'til my stepfather married me off.

“What did you just say you lowlife?” Quinn asked shocked.

“I said, No you have legs. Use them.” I answered. You can't make me do anything. First off, I'm older than you, second I'm a boy and third I out rank you... by A LOT.”

Collin stared at me open mouthed and Rani sputtered in disbelief. A hand gripped my shoulder and spun me around to face whoever it''s owner was. Standing face to face with Lord Doyle I got ready to explain what was going on, but before I could say anything Quinn spoke up. Harris won't pick up the book he knocked out of my hand.” She said looking at her dad innocently.

“And he's being EXTREMLY rude,” Rani whined.

“Well we can't let this go unpunished now can we?” My stepfather asked. Both girls shook their heads eagerly and I glared at them.

“Let me see, If you pick up the book and apologize I'll let this slip. If you refuse I'll take away your food for the rest of today and tomorrow.” He explained.

“I guess I'll just have to go without food, Lord Doyle.” I answered with a shrug. I wasn't about to go and grovel for food. Lord Doyle's cane came down hard on the top of my head and I had to bite my tongue to keep from crying out in pain and surprise.

“Don't you ever sass me again boy!” He said with anger burning in his eyes.

Well that hurt. I thought as I tried not to feel dizzy. “I'm not so sure I deserved that, Lord Doyle.” I said.

He hit my shoulder and this time I did cry out.

“Sir I don't think you should...” Collin started but was stopped by Lord Doyle's angry burst. “I'll do whatever I want! Stay out of this unless you want to go home penniless.”

“I'm not so sure I deserved that either.” I said trying to get feeling to come back into my arm. This time he hit me on my other shoulder and I fell to my knees. I quickly stood back up and glared at my stepfather. Getting hit like this was a small price to pay for getting my anger out. “You know, you're really to young for a cane. I guess your body's getting ahead of it's self. What a pity.” I said mocking him. THAT'S IT! I'M MARRYING YOU OFF AS SOON AS I CAN!” He yelled at me and jabbed me in the stomach. As I doubled over in pain he explained that he had called me here to give me more chores because he didn't think I had enough to do.

“... You'll be helping out in the kitchen and doing the shopping even if it IS a girl's job and you'll be driving the carriage.” He said and I could tell he meant it.

“Good for me. Will there be anything else?” I asked stilled crouched over and in pain.

“Yes there's to be a ball in 3 months for the Princess, Cecilia. She's looking for a husband. She's 15 and I think she'd make a good wife for you. With all that money you won't be needing Isabel's so I'll just be taking it and moving to another kingdom so I don't have to be ruled over by you.” He answered grinning wickedly.

I gasped. “You never loved my mom! You just wanted her money! May God curse the day you were born you stupid greedy fool!”

Again He jabbed me in the stomach. I stood up straight despite the pain in my gut and spit out blood. “You know if you keep hitting me I'll be in no conditions to finish the chores.” I coughed.

“You'll be finishing your chores no matter what condition you're in.” Lord Doyle growled. I spit more blood out, much to the annoyance of Quinn, who already had some on her shoe.

“Go clean yourself up and start your chores. You don't get lunch remember so don't go asking for it.” Lord Doyle said. I turned purposely forgetting to bow and left to go change my shirt and wash the blood out of my mouth.