Little Queen

Chapter 8

"How long had this been going on for?" I ask.

Jane, Lady Bree, Aaron, Sir Wilson, Mr. Brown and I are all sitting around the boardroom table, discussing the Jane and Sir Johnson issue. Heck, I don't even think Johnson gets to have 'sir' in front of his name anymore.

I didn't sleep last night. I haven't had breakfast, any water or even a shower today. I'm a wreck.

"Around 2 weeks." Jane answers. As I'm looking at her I can't help but think that this situation is as much of her fault as it is Mr. Johnsons. All the caked-on makeup, the plunging neck lines and the short skirts have likely intrigued him.

I nod my pounding head. Out of the corner of my eye I see Aaron get up and walk over to the water dispenser.

"Did he do anything to you?" I question. Jane's lip trembles.

"No. But, he would whisper inappropriate things in my ear. And play with my hair if I was sitting next to him." A tear fell down her cheek. "One time he even slapped my bum in a hallway while no one was watching."

I don't know if things like that really did happen or Jane was exaggerating. It is hard to tell with her.

Lady Bree hurriedly taps the keys on her laptop, recording every word.

I sigh. "Okay. Sir Wilson, what are the penalties for this harassment?" I turn my head to him.

He is flipping through files, finding the answer. "He could be banned from the palace, demoted of his job but still work here. Or be fined then go back to his duties."

I sit back in my chair. Why me, world? I think. Why do I have to make all these decisions?

Aaron comes behind me and places a cold glass of water with ice cubes and lemon. I realise I'm really thirsty.

"Thank you." I look up at lady Bree, she is smiling knowingly at her son. Then she looks at me expectingly.

"Um... Sweetie." I add in the sweetest voice I can muster. Aaron doesn't pry or brag, he walks back to his seat and sits down with a little smile on his face.

I take a large gulp of the water. My head feels better already.

I stand up and announce my decision. "Sir Johnson will be banned from the palace. He will be sentenced to the town jail in Surry Point for 6 months and his crime will be known to the people. This will be no secret."

I turn to Jane and point my pen at her. "Unless, Jane you do not want your name to be in any public articles. The people will still know about it but they won't know you were the victim."

It takes about 2 seconds for Jane to answer. "No, that's okay. They can know me."

I really feel like rolling me eyes, but I don't. She doesn't deserve it.

I nod my head once. "Meeting dismissed."

They all start to get up. "Jane, I want to talk to you, stay here please."

She sits back down. "Yes Your Highness." I move over to the chair next to her.

"I'm very sorry about what has been going on, I cant even imagine what your going through." I remember Aaron telling me that when we first met. It made me feel good, hopefully it's making her feel better too.

"But, I'm banning Sir Johnson from the palace so he can change his attitude and start fresh."

She nods at me, confused.

"I expect that from you too."

Her eyes go wide. "Your kicking me out!?" She cries.

I grab her hands and hold them in mine. Sometimes she feels like a little sister to me. "No Jane." I chuckle. She instantly relaxes.

"But, this is a workplace. This is royalty, Jane. I need your demeanour to change. No more short skirts of low tops." I stare deep into her eyes. I'm doing this for her own good, for her safety.

"I can't control what you do after work hours. But, in the palace I want knee-length skirts, modest blouses and simple makeup." My voice is stern. But my eyes are soft.

She nods and looks down, a little embarrassed. I reach out and lift her chin up with my hand. "Promise me." I insist.

"I promise." She agrees.

"You'll find someone someday, Jane. Someone who loves you for you not your looks." I assure her.

She smiles and pulls me in for a hug. When we pull apart I say, "How about we get breakfast and have a picnic outside?"

"Really?"

"Really." I say.

We open the boardroom door and see Aaron standing there.

"All good?" He smiles.

We both nod.

"Were having a picnic in the garden, wanna join us?" Jane invites.

I didn't really want Aaron to be there, but now that I think of it, I would love him with me. "Sure." Aaron replies enthusiastically.

So the three of us walk down the hall, arms around each other.

Sometimes bad things have to happen before good things can.