The Crown

6. Never trust a royal

Victoria picked up one of the many dresses pilled on a table In the laundry room of the downstairs. Watching as Lord Francis wandered alone in the garden in front of her. Kicking at every stone he passed as Lady Niomi tried to get his attention. Which was obviously not working. His thoughts somewhere else just like her own.

"If only he would court Lady Niomi. Then this family would be better off." One of the other dress maids scoffed as she scrubbed at a stain in one of the dresses

"Life isn't just a game of gaining power Miss Florence." Victoria mumbled dunking one of the dresses in a bath of warm water.

"Someone got a crush Miss Teller. You wouldn't be the first girl to fall for a Lord." Miss Florence remarks and Victoria blushes and looks up from the bath and towards Lord Francis and Lady Niomi.

"I don't. I just find him a lot more pleasant compared to his royal highness Miss Florence." Victoria mutters and Miss Florence places the dress she is holding on the table.

"Any royal is more pleasant then his royal pain. But you my dear have a crush." Miss Florence states simply and Victoria giggles shaking her head just as the head maid approached the two women.

Victoria's gaze falls back on Lord Francis who is now sat on the fountain with Lady Niomi entertaining her much to the king's happiness. But she couldn't help but feel his mind still wandered. Maybe she still had a chance to de throne the king. It was what she wanted but not Lord Francis. He was sweet and Kind for a Lord but if she was going to reign she would not be having a man tie her down. She would have companions. A women to break the male reign needed to be one of a strong nature not a weak and feeble one who would revert to her primal ways as a child bearer for their male counterpart. She still couldn't help but feel Professor Gulliver's thoughts may have been right. She could be the new queen.

"Miss Teller. This was left for you with one of Lord Francis' personal servants with the order you read this as soon as your shift finishes tonight." The head maid speaks with no emotion entering her voice handing it over to Victoria.

"But that's not for another four hours Miss Abbey. Can I please retire early. This is from the Lord." Victoria bargains but the head maid doesn't not budge

"No exceptions. Get back to work. We have a family to run Miss Teller. There is no time to be chasing after a Lord who is quite clearly besotted to Lady Niomi." Miss Abbey states pointing out the window to the two of them outside.

Both Lord Francis and Lady Niomi seem to be perfectly content with each other. She sat beside him with her hand firmly wrapped in his as they stared dreamily into each others eyes as the King ordered about a few of the gardeners to change the garden layout once more. This would have been the third demand this month. No wonder House Demure never stands a chance at the crown of the country. All of a sudden Victoria's world seemed to come grinding to a halt as she watched what happened next unfold in front of her eyes. Dropping the dress completely in the water letting it sink to the bottom. Miss Florence tried to break Victoria's trance but it was no use. All the noises around her seemed muted as she watched out the window in shock. It was true what her mother always said. A lord isn't the most trustworthy admirer to have.