Enchanted Tale

ETJ&P 5

3 Months Later

Phillip and Isabel have seen each other every night since the night they met. Phillip had convinced his father to let him go to the village every day to understand what he was going to rule. At first he was escorted by horse with his attendant, but his attendant would never let him get off of his horse. He eventually schemed to go alone and just met with Isabel. She would even sometimes stand outside his window and he would sneak out through there. If I'm honest, I was rather sick of their relationship.

I was in the stable sweeping up. I had a lot of time to think in there and I will say I don't think that was a good thing. I've grown agitated that Phillip is spending less time with me and even failing to attend to his royal responsibilities. He also doesn't realize that he's soon to be 18 and meant to be betrothed to a princess.

It was night out and everything was calm. I could only hear the sound of my sweeping and the chirp of the crickets. But suddenly I heard laughter. I looked out the stable wondering who the laugh could've belonged to. No one was out.

Then, right before my eyes, just outside of the stable door, Isabel and Phillip appeared right in front if my face.

"Boo!" Phillip shouted.

Over run with fear I shuffled back and fell into the pile I had just swept.

Phillip and Isabel were just laughing to their hearts content, quite amused with their prank. My fear then turned to anger.

"I'm sorry, Jack. We were just looking for a good laugh." Phillip joked.

"Yeah- well find it somewhere else." I mumbled, sweeping up the mess I had made. My back had been turned to them.

"Are you alright, Jack?" Isabel asked.

"Yes, I'm quite alright. However while I'm working I do not find it appropriate to play silly pranks on me." I snapped, slightly looked over my shoulder.

Isabel was standing in Phillip's arms right outside the door. But when I looked away, I heard her coming towards me.

She laid her hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry if we frightened you. We just thought you could use a break after being here so long." She said softly.

Still sweeping, I just nodded.

"Uh Isabel?" Phillip said. She took her hand off of my shoulder. "May I have a moment alone with Jack?"

"Yes of course." She replied. "I must be heading home anyway. Father will probably kill me if he know's that I've been out this late." She laughed. I then heard them kiss behind me. "Farewell, my love." She whispered.

"Goodnight." He said, softly. Kissing her again.

I rolled my eyes.

"Goodnight, Jack. I hope we didn't disturb you too terribly." Isabel said.

I turned and gave her a sarcastic smile and farewell. Unbothered, she turned back to Phillip, squeezed his hand and then poof-d away.

"I'm truly happy, Jack." Phillip said in a daze.

"Well isn't that wonderful for you." I scoffed.

"What is your problem with me?" He said snapping out of it.

"Nothing. Thanks for asking." I said with my back still turned.

"Come on, Jack. I've known you too long. Don't speak to me like I'm some stranger." He said softly.

Letting my anger grow I turned to face him. "You know what, Phillip? For the past few weeks you have been a stranger to me. I barely even know you anymore! You've been spending all your time with that girl and you've forgotten your responsibilities here at this castle! You've forgotten your responsibilities to this kingdom-!"

"Now you just sound like my father." He said, blowing me off.

"Well maybe if you would listen to him I wouldn't have to say anything to you. A-and this thing you have going on with Isabel! You're just setting yourself up for disappointment! You know that the king already has a princess lined up for you so why are you wasting your time?"

"Don't you dare speak to me like that!" He demanded, pointing his finger at me. I could see the anger building in his eyes.

"Ahh yes your majesty." I said, bowing sarcastically.

He just stared angrily. "You have no idea what it feels like to be a prince. You're just a peasant who found himself in the right place at the right time! You don't even belong here! If it wasn't for my father you'd be out scrapping the streets or probably even dead just like your brother! Don't you dare speak to me as if you know what's right for me! Or better yet- Do not speak to me as if you're above me!"

His words cut like knives. I knew I didn't belong there but to hear it from him hurt beyond comprehension. I could feel my entire body heating up with rage. Tears started to form in my eyes as I grew a frown. Phillip saw that he hurt me but his pride took him over so he held his head high.

I moved towards him and shoved the broom against his chest passing it on to him. I walked out without a word.

-

I ran all the way to my brother's grave up on the hill. Through the moonlight I read his stone, "David." Years back, I had taken the liberty to carve his name into the stone. I did a rubbish job but I felt it was important that his name be remembered.

"I miss you, brother." I said through tears. For the rest of the night, I just laid next to his grave and cried.