Josephine

𝓔𝓹𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓭𝓮 2: 𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓮𝓶𝓹𝓮𝓻

April 06, 1960

Dear Journal,

How could she even consider leaving those lands!? There is so much to lose here! Europe might begin making advances on our lands because we'll seem weak and a falling power! I am seriously starting to question my mother's goals. I know I am far too young, but still! I do regret being so disrespectful before. But she deserved it at the same time. I did let my anger control my actions which never ends well. I just hope my mother will forgive me for the 'French' comment I slipped earlier.

I sighed as I placed the quill down. Having avidly Traditionalist parents meant I could not use a pen when I was writing. It could be quite annoying sometimes. Then the door rattled as a sharp knock radiated through the door.

"Not now Conroy..." I called out.

"It's not Conroy," My father said.

"Oh! Enter, Father," I said.

The door opened and my father stepped in. He shut the door.

"Can we talk sweetheart?" His Austrian accent made the words smooth.

I shut my book and sat on my bed. He sat next to me as I nodded.

"Look, your remarks earlier were completely uncalled for, you understand that right?"

I nodded as I sniffled.

"Mother probably hates me," I muttered as I wiped a tear from my eyes.

"Don't you ever say that!" My father exclaimed, "Your mother may not like you sometimes, but she will never hate you and never stop loving you,"

"Really?"

"Absolutely. We will never hate you, that is a term no parent should ever even consider with their child. You are feisty. You also need to understand what type of conduct is appropriate and when it is not,"

"I understand that, but it just made me really angry," I sniffled.

"You feel very strongly about this don't you?" He asked.

"Yeah... Just so much is at stake and it has more negative consequences than positive ones," I replied.

"May I ask where you became so enamored with the knowledge of colonization?" He asked, "You did make several well-educated arguments-something one wouldn't expect from a ten-year-old,"

"My studies... independent studies I mean..." 

"You looked into this on your own?" He replied, mouth agape.

I nodded, "It's important right? To know these types of things?" 

"Of course, it is dear!" 

"I just don't want to inherit a weak nation one day-"

"Josephine Anna Maria Price, your mother is thirty-nine years old. She has many decades left to live and strengthen our home, okay?"

I nodded, "I don't know why I doubt her... maybe Lord Pencherst is not the best tutor,"

"Lord Pencherst? As in the Lord Pencherst from Dakota?" 

"I believe so...? Why...?"

My father chuckled, "He is a fervent opponent of your mother! Ooh boy let me tell you, she is going to have a fit when she hears this!" 

I looked down.

"What will happen to him? I have heard rumors of things she does to those who go against her..." 

"Lord Pencherst has clearly indoctrinated you enough Josephine... but to answer your question, the man's head will be on a pike by the end of the week when your mother hears this," 

I snapped my head up, "What!?"

"I'm kidding Josephine! He'll most likely have his titles stripped and lands taken for sowing doubt in the heir apparent," 

I relaxed my shoulders, knowing my tutor wouldn't be killed for this act. After all, he was just doing his job. But even then, having his titles stripped just for teaching me differently then what my mother believes? That sounds terrible! Isn't freedom of expression and opinion inherent American values?

"But let's go back to the original conversation... you do know your mother will still order the beginning of decolonization right?"

I nodded. My father squeezed my shoulder softly.

"I just wish I was older and had more influence to oppose her," 

"Oh Josephine, the oldest you could possibly be as my daughter would be twelve, there would simply be nothing you could do,"

"Nobody in court can oppose her? I know very well that some do," 

My father chuckled, "Ja, of course there are, but they know better than to speak out against your mother-she is not one you want to get angry,"

I nodded and wrapped my arms around his chest.

"I love you, Dad," I said softly, but he heard it.

I could tell he was surprised. I tend to say 'mother' and 'father', not mom and dad.

"I love you too, sweetheart..."

He then stood up.

"I've got some business to attend to, and then I have to get prepared for mein hot date," He smirked and wiggled his eyebrows in a joking suggestive manner.

I gagged. My parents have romantic dinners or something every week. It's a bit peculiar because they always eat in their bedroom, something I am not allowed to do. Is that something I can be jealous of my mother at?

Something else I don't get is that whenever I walk by I hear these strange grunting and moaning noises from the room. I also hear them swear far more on their dates than anywhere else. 

That's how I gained access to the entire curse word library at the age of ten. Luckily, I had a grain of self-control, hence why I called my mother French and not-well-you get the point. 

"Eww, gross dad!"

"I'm kidding!" He said slickly and he ruffled my hair with his hand.

He then strolled out of the room and the door softly clicked shut. I stood up from my bed and walked over to my vanity. I combed my hair and straightened my dress before going to my desk, where I sat down and opened my book. I picked up my quill, dipped it in the pot of ink, and began to write where I had left off.

Well, my father was right. I do need to control my temper. That is something I will do. A future monarch must know her way and duty. I do wonder what America will look like in 25 years or so... bah, that's not important. What will I do when that day comes when I must sit on my mother's throne? I need these older noblemen to respect me, not think I'm a child with a temper. Which let's face it, I am.

I shut the book for now and placed it on my desk. I walked over to the bookshelf and pulled out a random book: Jane Eyre. I've heard of this one... I've heard it's a fantastic classic.

I lay down on my bed and opened the book, reading without a care in the world. After all, I was only ten, I had nothing in the world to properly care about, except for my studies. But I can't wait to grow up, and learn many more things.