On The Run

Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

"Welcome home you majesty." The door man states as he bows down to greet me, walking past him I watch as my servants and guests gather around me. The doorman is quick to shut the door and join the crowd, all of which have their eyes to their feet. It is silent, too silent for a castle this large filled with so many people.

"I was going to gather everyone for a meeting however, it is probably safe to say that you are all here." I state and watch as some of the crowd dare to life their heads and watch as I speak, I smile at them in return.

"It has been a while since I have been here and so forgive me if I ask a few questions. As it has been so long I will require someone to show me around, I'm afraid I may mistake someone's bed chamber for the kitchen." I declare and most laugh at my joke, more lifting their heads from the ground. These servants act as if they will be punished for looking at me but doesn't every good ruler want others to look directly at them when they speak?

"I am not sure how this castle has been run for the past eight years that I have been gone but that does not matter anymore, you are not my slaves or my subjects. You are here because you have chosen to serve me, you may leave at any time you wish too, but I do hope that most of you will stay. I want this place to be a relaxed environment, I would like those that are residents here feel they can come to me when they have issues and those that have homes to go to do the same. I do not want to be treated as your ruler but rather as a friend. However that being said, disrespect shall not be tolerated." My voice starts to get harsher as I continue to lay the line down, these rules will be applied to all.

"There are certain circumstances in which the rules are rather strict, you shall not enter my chambers without my consent. I do not want people in my office without an invitation or feel as if I am going to let people get away with neglected duties, if there is some reason you cannot attend your job then please speak to my advisors. I may allow you to speak to me as a friend but I am not your best friend, remember that I am you queen first and I am may be busy." I speak to the crowd as the others stare at me in silence, waiting for my next move.

"I believe that is all, if you need me then please leave a message with my guards. They shall inform me of your desire to speak to me and I shall give you a time I am available, please continue with your day." I finish, grabbing the closest servant to me by the shoulder and ushering them in my direction. A pale, blonde girl with and oversized apron and murky brown dress follows me as we walk through the halls together, a look of unease in her eyes.

"What is your name?" I ask her after a few moments of walking, she is quick to reply.

"Grace, your majesty." She responds in a breath and I take a moment to comprehend what she has said.

"And how old are you Grace?" I question once again, stopping at a large oak door which from my memories, is the door to my new office.

"I am eighteen my queen." Muttering to the floor, I smile as she picks at her dress sleeve. This was something I once did as a child when I was younger, my mother would scold me for ruining her expensive dresses but I would still continue.

"Do you know how old I am?" I open the door and step in however, Grace stands at the doors frame. I move further in to the room and inspect the interior, all of my mother and fathers stuff still hangs in the room. Photos of the four of us, my younger brother and I looking much smaller than we are now. I can only imagine what Elliot looks like now after eight years.

"You are eighteen yourself you majesty."

"Very good, so do you know what that means?" I continue, now sitting down in my father's old leather chair, the coldness of it creeping through my gown.