Ready As I'll Ever Be

Chapter 7: The Public

Coleby, as Thomas had learned was his own personal servant, was honestly a prick. Thomas was woken up by the man telling him about his busy day. It was a little overwhelming to have a stranger demand he and his friends get out of bed and start to work. Thomas noticed Roman and Virgil were gone which was odd. Coleby ushered Logan and Patton out with them giving undignified squeaks of disapproval.

"Now your highness you must get dressed to see the public. You are opening the new library today as well as meeting with the towns folk." Coleby said as he forcibly changed Thomas's shirt into a clean one. Thomas grabbed the pants Coleby was holding and changed them before his servant had gotten the chance. "Do you want to brush your hair or shall I?" Coleby sneered at the king.

"I've got it." Thomas said trying to remain polite. He grabbed the hair brush and fixed his hair. Coleby handed him his crown which he carefully placed on his head.

"Let's go now. The carriage is pulling up." Coleby said looking out the balcony of the tower that was Thomas's bedroom. Thomas nodded and followed the servant to the horse pulled carriage. Opening the door Thomas stepped inside and jolted in his seat when the carriage started moving. He looked out the window as they rode into the town. The stone roads and buildings were adorable in his opinion and watching children stop playing to stare at the carriage was heartwarming. Thomas again jolted when the carriage stopped and Coleby rolled his eyes. Thomas was lead to stand on the steps of a big building with a crowd gathered around. Coleby stepped up first to speak.

"King Thomas is glad to open the new Rosa Eden Library for the public to enjoy." Coleby stepped back and looked expectedly at Thomas.

"Umm.. Well.. Uhhh.." Thomas stammered for something to say.

"I declare.." Coleby prompted, impatiently.

"I'm glad to declare... The new Rosa Eden? Library? Open?" Thomas said. The people didn't seem to notice that he said it as more of a question and the crowd clapped loudly.

"That was pathetic." Coleby whispered when Thomas stepped down. Thomas flinched at Coleby's harsh tone.

"Sorry.." Thomas said.

"Don't apologize. You're the king." Coleby said. Thomas nodded and almost said sorry again but stopped himself. The meeting with the towns folk was much easier than Thomas expected. He just had to be nice which wasn't that hard. The kids have him gifts and he had received multiple roses. Thomas realized that the roses were the national symbol for this kingdom. Coleby constantly scared children away but it wasn't that bad. Now back in the carriage on the way back to the castle Thomas wanted nothing more than to find his sides and rest. Coleby seemed to disappear when the got to the castle which Thomas took advantage of and went in search of his sides. He found them all in a room with Roman sleep. Patton's eyes lit up when he saw Thomas enter.

"Thomas! How was your day?" Patton said skipping over and giving the king a hug.

"Well I certainly was an interesting day."