Royal

“So happy to be home.” I mumbled as I walked through the big grand doors of our palace, dropping my bag and leaning against the wall. I’d been away on official duty for four days and all I wanted to do was get out of these stupid prince clothes into a pair of my skinny jeans a v neck and a hoodie. Oh and see Lily. I ran upstairs to quickly get changed, noticing that the new issue of my comic books were set out on my bed along with a packet of cigarettes; I figured Gerard had been out understanding how horrible this duty would have been I quickly ripped the packet open and lit up the stick feeling instantly calm. Once I’d got changed and chain smoked a couple of cigarettes I set off out of my room to see if I could find Lily anywhere. I walked down the staff corridor to where I reached hers and Ivy’s room, the door was cracked open slightly and I saw the ginger maid sitting cross legged on the bed, whilst a black hair girl was sat at the side of her. They both had their backs to the door but something about the black haired girl seemed familiar.
“I’m telling you Ivy we weren’t told the truth.” The familiar voice came out angry. It was Lily, Lily with black hair and angry. I stood there silent just watching the scene unfold in the room.
“Ok say I believe you, which I don’t.” Ivy started. “How does it explain how we can’t remember?”
“We was 5, I can hardly remember anything from last week. Can you?” I notice her head turn slightly to look at her best friend.
“I suppose not. But still, even if you’re right there’s nothing that we can do to change it. We live here now; we work here now.” Ivy stated, as there was a pause.
“I need to know Ivy. I’m waking up with nightmares. If there is a chance, we can save them other girls then I’ll do whatever it takes.” I heard her soft broken voice. “I’m not wrong about this.” Her voice sounded to raw, with harsh emotion.
“What do we need to do?” Ivy broke, looking over at her best friend with reservation.
“I just need access to newspapers or the internet or anything. I bet I can have a definitive answer in half an hour.” Elizabeth started.
“Ok, the library. One your day off you could go there? They have archives.” Ivy stood up, pacing in front of the bed. “You’re going to need proof? They charge for copies. We don’t make money how we going to overcome that?” She looked over at the newly black haired girl, who responded by walking out of my view to her bed and walking back with a book where it was hollowed out, pouring a few coins out and holding them up to Ivy. “How did you?” She looked over at the shorter girl suspiciously, who looked at the floor.
“Things got worse when there was only one of us there.” She whispered, barely inaudible. Ivy quickly walked over to her and wrapped her arms around her.
“We will do all we can. But, we cannot tell the princes about this.” Ivy spoke still holding her best friend who stiffened at her last comment. “Not yet. Not until we have proof. You care for Frank?” She asked.
“Yes. Yes, I really do.” Elizabeth spoke out.
“Then her doesn’t need this burden. If we are wrong or cannot gather the evidence and he knows and does something, then he is going to be disgraced. We tell them when we know for sure.” She pulled her away, holding her at arm’s length to make sure she understood. They pulled away and Elizabeth went back to putting the money and back away. “I should go see Gerard he’ll be awake anytime now.” She smiled over at Elizabeth, squeezing her shoulder in a reassuring manner; I quickly walked down the corridor and back up to my room to process what I had just overheard.

It had been over two hours since I’d overheard Ivy and Elizabeth plotting in some way and I was lay on my bed reading the comics that were there, desperately trying to concentrate on them but not succeeding. I heard a soft voice come from the hallway outside of my door as the door opened slowly, her soft voice singing out as she walked in slowly obviously not realising I was there. I listened to her sing an unfamiliar song as she closed the door softly before coughing to let her know she wasn’t alone. She quickly turned round to see me sit up on the bed, my back resting against the headboard, a small blush creeping across his cheeks but an even bigger smile creeping on to her lips.
“You’re back?” She didn’t hide the smile as she just stood there smiling as I nodded. “I see you got my present for you.” She nodded over to the comic books.
“That was you? I thought it was Gerard. Thank you very much.” I smiled as she just nodded walking over to the side of the bed I wasn’t on. “Your hair…” I started to say at the same time as she started to speak.
“Did you…” She blushed looking up at me quickly, sliding her hand over the top of it as though smoothing the perfectly smooth hair down. “I can dye it back.” She said in a hurried tone, her face falling quickly.
“No I like it. It suits you.” I smiled as she sighed with relief.
“Thank you sir. It’s my natural colour.” That smile back as she dusted the bedside table that never got used.
“It is? You were blonde at King Henry’s?” I questioned frowning slightly.
“When I was old enough he made me dye it.” She blushed but didn’t look over at me. “Said he preferred blondes to brunettes.” She glanced at me.
“Well I think you look beautiful.” I smiled at her as she blushed even more.
“Did you enjoy your trip sir?” She asked dusting her way around the room.
“Frank. And not really it was boring Elizabeth.” I smiled, deciding to do my bit and neaten my bedside table up.
“Well I’m happy you are back Frank.” By this time, she was stood by the side of the bed I was sat on.


“I missed you.” I blurted out without stopping myself, no filter. She paused for a moment before turning to look at me.
“I missed you too.” She smiled too, the black of her hair making her eyes seem even brighter somehow.
“Can I ask you something? It might sound weird and please don’t feel like you have too.” I bite my lip, my nerves kicking in as she just nodded. “I’m so tired, I hardly slept whilst I was out.” I started feeling even more nervous with each passing word. “Will you just stay with me for a while? When I’m out with my father it’s lonely. I never see him and I’m normally not needed until the evening so I spend most of the trips by myself and I just want a bit of company. I can’t think of anyone better than you.” I told her honestly not looking up at her. She didn’t respond straightaway but I noticed she toed her shoes off as she titled my chin up.
“Lie down.” She smiled as I did what she said, she made her way around the bed and I felt the side of me dip as she sat down, her back against the headrest whilst her hand made its way on to my hair. I shuffled closer to her resting my head in the curve of her waist, my arm going over her thighs, hugging her like she was my comfort blanket.

Notes