A Royal Servant

Meeting His Majesty

Emmaline

I sighed as I wiped down the counters, my long brown hair falling into my face. Today had been another very long day working in my family's Inn. Father came around the corner, holding a tray of baked sweets. He smiled his own tired smile and motioned for me to sit down.

"Emmy, put the rag down and sit for a moment." he said, his voice tired but sympathetic. I sighed and nodded. I rubbed my tired eyes and sat down next to him. He handed me one of my favorite desserts. Apple Crisp. I smiled and he squeezed my hands. I dug into my dinner-because yes, this would be my dinner, as we didn't have enough food at home for ourselves as we were tight on money-and he talked about how Lila had burnt almost all the muffins today. Lila came out, her face covered in flour. I almost split out my mouthful of apple crisp laughing.

"Oh my goodness, Lila!" l giggled as I got up and wiped her face off with a cloth napkin.

"Alright, children." Father said. "Let us get home to your mother. She must be wondering what is taking us so long to get upstairs." He chuckled. Mother had recently had out baby brother, and was still recovering from the long, hard birth while watching my younger siblings. I had taken over for her as cleaner and cooker for the Inn and the family. Suddenly the bell tinkled and a Royal Guard came in. Lila and I gasped and quickly gathered our skirts and curtsied deeply.

"Who is the Innkeeper of this establishment?" The guard asked briskly. Father stepped forwards.

"I am, sir." Father said with a shy smile.

"Sir, do you have room for a Royal Prince to stay in this Inn?" the Guard asked, using the same gruff voice as before. I smothered a gasp as I realized the severity of what he was asking.

Father swallowed and nodded for me to step forward.

"My daughter here is the keeper of records of all the guests here. She will see if there is a suitable room for His Highness." Father said his surprise and fear showing in his tone. I shook as I stepped over to the tall desk by the front door and opened the Book of Records. I ran my finger down the list of names. I was surprisingly literate for my caste as a peasant, as Mother had been a Governess before she met father. She had taught me to read and write.

"Sir, we have a decent room for His Highness to stay in. Lila, go unlock Room 10 for His Highness and clean it. Father, place out the tablecloth and candelabra from Mother's dining set. Sir, if you would please be patient." I added rather snappishly as the guard sighed impatiently. "We had no notice of your arrival. Lila! Go!" I snapped, feeling overwhelmed with this sudden new arrival. I had been ready to climb into my small bed with Lila and Genevieve, but now who knows how this Prince will wish to be entertained. Lila ran up the stairs and Father followed her.

"What is your name, Miss?" The guard asked, a dark eyebrow raised. "You seem very educated for a peasant." I blushed.

"My name is Emmaline, but my family calls me Emmy. My mother was a Governess before she married my father, so she taught me well." He nodded once.

"His Majesty will need all the rest he can get tonight. When he comes in, you will say 'Welcome, Your Royal Majesty.' And curtsey deeply. He will wish for your best ale. You will serve him whatever he wishes. Entertain his every wish and your family will be deeply rewarded. Disappoint him or me and it shall be death for all of you. Understood?" he asked briskly. Father came running down with the armful of Mothers old goods from her days as a governess and I ran to him and placed them quickly and neatly on the wooden oak table. The Guards words rang in my ears. Disappoint him or me, and it shall be death for you all. I shuddered and dropped one of the plates. I gasped and ducked down to get it. But a smooth, white hand beat me to it. I jumped up quickly and there, standing before me, was the most handsome young man I had ever laid eyes on. He had a smooth, round face with dark curls framing it. His eyes were a dark green and his elaborate tunic matched the color perfectly. On his curls was a small circlet of gold. I gasped again and realized I was standing before the Crown Prince of England. I curtsied deeply, my face growing pale. Where is Mother when I need her? I thought desperately as he handed me the plate. I set it in place and took a step back from the table, brushing my skirt back and curtsying again.