"Here." She said with a friendly smile.
The girl looked at her with astonishment. But then she nodded with very grateful eyes and carefully took the bread.
"T-Thank you." She said with a soft and pleasant voice.
"You are very welcome." Lila replied, wondering how her own voice sounded in comparison.
The girl blushed like a delicate pink rose and quickly began eating. Her face could hardly hide how happy the little bit of food made her. After a moment she finished the bread and looked back to Lila with a small smile.
"Thank you again. You are very kind." She said.
"No need to thank me. I got it as a gift myself." Lila replied.
The girl shook her head sadly. "I truly wish I could be as at ease as you seem to be right now! I do not want to take this job right now, but I had to in order to provide for my brothers and sisters. Since the death of my mother and then my father it has been hard to make ends meet back home."
Lila hadn't asked for her whole life story, but it was obvious that this girl was nervous and maybe in need of someone to talk to.
"I am sorry to hear that. But you should not worry too much; I am quite sure it will all work out well. The King may have a harsh reputation, but you cannot believe every rumor you hear about someone. No one is quite as bad as others say." Lila reassured.
The girl was surprised by her words and looked at her curiously for a moment. Then she smiled.
"That is encouraging to hear. I am glad you are so confident. I guess I was very fortunate in sitting next to you today!" She said quietly.
Lila blushed. "Thank you. It was nice to meet you as well. My name is Lila."
The girl smiled happily. "I am Daphne. I really hope we can work together at the castle! Maybe we can even eat together too!"
Lila nodded with a bit of surprise. "Indeed, that would be nice."
"Alright, it is a plan then." She replied happily.
Then it was quiet again, and both of them went back to staring out the window for a while. Lila wondered why a girl like her was here for work when she was beautiful enough to marry a rich man. That might seem like shallow thinking to some, but if your good looks so happened to increase your odds of making a good marriage and living a comfortable life, then Lila really didn't see anything wrong with it. Perhaps though it was hard for Daphne because of her siblings. She seemed dedicated to caring for them, and it is not every man who would want to take on such a large responsibility all at once.
It didn't take long before Lila fell asleep too, lured into such a peaceful state by the harmonious rhythm of the horse hooves beating against the ground. Their carriage rode like this for five days, stopping only twice a day to rest and change coachmen. A small loaf of bread was provided for them each day, which just barely enough to keep the hunger at bay. On the third day however, the castle's shadow became visible in the distance, and on the fourth day they finally arrived.
Chapter 02- A Kind of Beast
Westan grumbled and opened his eyes slowly. Was it morning already?
Another loud knock came at the door. He grumbled again and put a pillow over his face, resolved to ignore the disturbance. He did not want to get up yet.
But another knock came, then another, and another. Westan yawned with irritation and looked towards his window once more. By the look of the rays of sunlight leaking through his curtains it was nearly noon actually.
"My King, Zacchaeus has sent me to fetch you right away!" The servant outside his door said loudly.
Westan sighed. Why did he have to be bothered so early? Could whatever it was not wait a little longer? He was not ready to get up just yet!
"What does he want?" He snapped.
"Your new tutors have arrived sire! He wishes your studies with them to start immediately!" The man outside replied.
Westan groaned. New tutors? Why did Zacchaeus always insist on trying to make him waste the day away studying? He hated such tiresome work! He much preferred to spend his days outside in the sun ridding his horses or practicing his swordplay. But he would not get out of these duties today it seemed. No matter, this new teacher would not last any longer than those before him had.
"Very well, come in." Westan grumbled miserably, too tired to expend any more energy resisting.
At his word several of his servants immediately entered his room. They started opening his drapes, preparing his bath, and laying out his royal garments. Westan took his sweet time getting ready though, hoping to stall the day as long as possible. Eventually he finished getting dressed and finally put on his father's old crown before looking in the mirror at his appearance.
Westan sighed. He was almost nineteen now, and with each passing year he resembled his father more and more. He even had his same black hair and brown eyes, although the face shape resembled his mother more. It had been almost nine years since his parents' assassination, but it still felt as though they died just yesterday. He missed them both terribly, especially on loathsome days like today.
Westan often remembered when he was young, how he had spent most of his time at the castle's nursery so that the King and Queen could focus on their royal duties. But still, they each had made time to see him every day without fail. This was a very unusual custom, especially for a powerful and busy King. His father had even allowed him to join them for supper and special occasions when Westan was only eight years old, although most nobles only let their children come to supper or be seen at court after at about sixteen years of age! His father never feared breaking such traditions when it came to him, and Westan had always been touched by that. How he wished they were still here with him instead of these useless servants he had to deal with every day!
After a moment a servant came and stood before Westan with a bow.
"My Lord, Zacchaeus instructed me to say that he wants you to behave yourself." He said nervously.
Westan just scoffed. "If I like this man, then perhaps I will act properly. And you can tell that to Zacchaeus!"
He did not like being bossed around by his council man Zacchaeus, especially with regards to new tutors and any bore some duties! But still, Westan often tried not to be too difficult towards him, because he knew the man truly only had his best interests at heart. Zacchaeus had in fact been the only one there to protect him when his parents were attacked, and nowadays he was almost like an uncle to him. For these reasons Westan put up with his constant rules and regulations, even when it was not easy.
Once dressed and properly groomed Westan finally felt ready to leave. The servants all bowed and exited the room before him, followed by the messenger.
"Come this way my King! I shall take you to the library where they are awaiting your greeting." The escort stated.
Westan just sighed and followed reluctantly. As he left the room four royal guards also accompanied behind him, as they always did. He could never be anywhere in the castle without them now, except for his private chambers which barely gave him a small measure of privacy. When Westan was younger he often gave his men the slip and ran off to one of his favorite hiding spots to escape his schooling or the doctor's medicine. But now that he was older it wasn't as easy. He barely got to have any fun anymore it seemed!
Westan watched the birds singing outside through the hallway windows as he walked. The breeze looked gentle and the sky had no clouds in sight for miles. What a shame he was going to spend the day away it in the dark and dusty library of all places!
Westan grumbled. His foul mood was not improving in the least bit with such lovely weather outside. It was the beginning of summer, and he was not about to spend it all cooped up in the castle! Whoever this new teacher was would be a wise man indeed if he just took his leave as soon as possible. Westan did not care what it took; he would get his freedom back before the week was up!
Eventually the messenger brought him to the library. They entered and walked towards the back where the royal family's personal study was located. Westan entered the private room and wen
t over to sit in his large chair, which resided at the end of a large round table that was covered from one end to the other with big, old, dusty books.
Westan sat down and sighed with defeat. How he hated working in here, especially on his reading and writing skills! He had never been any good at either, even when he was little boy. It seemed to be such a useless pursuit now that he was older since Zacchaeus easily got things done without him well enough. Why did he even have to keep bothering with these lessons anymore? It wasn't like he would ever be able to master them!
Westan gazed around the room for his new teacher, but was surprised to see was only the messenger and his guards standing nearby.
"Where is the teacher?" He snapped impatiently.
The messenger came forward and bowed. "I will go and fetch him right away."
"Next time have him here first! I do not like waiting!" Westan shouted angrily.
"Yes of course my Lord! My deepest apologies!" The man replied nervously.
Then the servant left and returned after a few moments with not one, but two men. The first was a tall and wide man with blonde hair and blue eyes, and the second was a young man who perfectly reflected the features of the first, aside from being thinner and slightly taller. He seemed to be the man's son, and he looked to be near Westan's own age. They both wore a silk shirt, brown pants, and a green vest with gold details. It appeared they were both going to be his tutors.
"What is the meaning of this?" Westan demanded, gesturing towards the boy.
The father tutor quickly stepped forward and gave a deep bow.
"Greetings my King! This is my son Bartholomew, my assistant. I am Mr. Jameson, and we are both very honored to meet you!" He said nervously.
The boy bowed as well, looking up at him with a nervous but cheerful smile.
Westan frowned. He was not amused at all by this development.
"You dare bring someone so young to act as one of my instructors? Do you mean to insult me?" He snapped.
Honestly, Westan did not wish to be taught by a peasant who barely looked older than twenty-five! In fact, nothing could be more humiliating in his mind.
Mr. Jameson stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to say. But Bartholomew bowed and spoke up quickly.
"My Lord, I offer my sincerest apologies! We meant no insult; for I am but an assistant! Certainly I would be honored to be of any help to both your Majesty and my father!" He said.
Westan scoffed. "Do not act like you two are grateful to be here! I know very well you could not refuse being summoned by Zacchaeus’s royal decree!"
Both of the men could not help but glance towards the guards stationed in the room with them. They knew just as well as the rest of them that they were both completely at his mercy here.
The messenger from earlier also came before him with a bow.
"What!?" Westan snapped, fully fed up with everyone already.
"Zacchaeus says he will inquire from Mr. Jameson how your studies progress." He said nervously.
Westan frowned and shooed him away. Then he looked at the frightened teacher and his 'assistant'.
"Get started already!" He commanded loudly.
Both men bowed and immediately did as they were told. Mr. Jameson quickly laid out books and papers while the boy gave them both quill and ink bottles. Twice the teacher nervously spilled his ink, so his son would quickly clean it up and fetch a new one.
Westan watched them clown around, getting more and more aggravated as the session progressed. He tried to focus on watching the garden through the window for a while, but he constantly found himself distracted by the 'assistant' Bartholomew, who continued to look quite happy no matter how tense the atmosphere was. Westan found himself a bit insulted by his obvious act. But he supposed it presented him with a good opportunity.
"Assistant!" He called out suddenly.
The boy immediately looked up from his task and bowed.
"Y-Yes your Majesty?" He asked nervously.
"I am unsure as to why you are considered an assistant, as your skills displayed thus far truly seem to be lacking." Westan said with a scowl.
The boy blushed and looked down at the ground nervously. For a moment he was unsure how to respond.
"I-I apologize sire. I shall try to perform better." He managed to say.
"Actually, I think you should take off that unfitting vest until you can actually prove yourself worthy of it. I do not like people who try to live above their station." Westan said coldly.
The boy nodded with embarrassment and quickly took off his vest in compliance. Mr. Jameson watched his son's humiliating scene quietly, looking too afraid to say anything.
"Now hurry up and carry on! I want to get this over with." Westan shouted, hoping to startle them a little.
Both men jumped with surprise at his raised voice and quickly got back to work. Mr. Jameson continued to keep nervously dropping and spilling things, a scene that Westan nearly enjoyed watching. But despite his cold glare and harsh words, the son continued to be as cheery as ever throughout the day, keeping a constant smile on his face as he tried quite earnestly to help his father. He would even laugh a little and try to lighten the mood when his father became flustered.
Westan scowled. Just what was with this boy? Was there no upsetting him!? His plan to scare them away would never work unless he could break the teacher's son as well!
"Assistant!" Westan called out again.
The boy turned reluctantly and bowed once more.
"Y-Yes my Lord?" He said quietly.
"How dare you act this way in my presence!" Westan snapped.
The boy looked up with alarm and confusion.
"W-What have I done to upset you?" He asked.
"I find everything about your manners displayed here today insulting actually." Westan stated.
The boy stared down at his feet with embarrassment. "I-I apologize sire. I meant no-"
"Be silent!" Westan shouted, even standing up from his seat.
The boy and his father froze completely and watched him with fearful eyes.
"You are dismissed from my presence assistant, and I do not wish to see your face ever again!" He commanded angrily.
Mr. Jameson's eyes bulged, and the boy looked to be in a state of shock for a moment. But neither dared protest as the one of the guards came and grabbed the boy by the arm, roughly showing him out the door.
Westan then turned to the boy's father with a frown. Mr. Jameson just met his stare with horror.
"Now hurry up and get this study over with already!" Westan growled.
The man bowed with fear and quickly got back to his lesson, spilling or dropping his things every few minutes. Westan smiled with triumph at his teacher's distress and at his own plans success. It was only a matter of time before these men begged Zacchaeus to be set free. Only then could he go back to going about his day without a single care to deal with!
Chapter 03- So the Story Begins
Lila looked out the window and gazed at the castle's tall watchtowers in the distance. They were nearly at the castle now!
"Look!" She said, pointing them out to Daphne.
"Oh my...we are so close." She replied with a frightened gasp.
It had taken almost four days of traveling, but now they were finally at the castle's city. It was quite lively, with many well to do looking people walking about. Dark blue, the color of the royal family, colorfully decorated everything, and could be seen on roof shingles, marketplace tents, water vases, store signs, and most clothing.
Lila immediately became jealous. No one here looked dirty, poor, or even stressed! There were no fields or farms nearby, nor were there any kind of common labor workers seen in the city besides bakers and blacksmiths. The city was more like a marketplace where people brought their goods from various place to sell. Merchants stood at their booths selling tools, furniture, exotic animal and plants, and much more. This world was indeed very different from her own!
None of the pa
ssersby seemed to take much note of their carriages coming through, as they were obviously used to it. With the King's reputation they probably had to find new servants weekly! Lila wondered how one man could be so very difficult. Did he not care at all about what his subjects thought of him or how they lived in his presence? Probably not, as he had no reason to think of anyone besides himself she was sure. It truly was a pity, for that must be a very sad and lonely way to live.
Night fell as they reached a large brick wall which had a large metal barred door and two rows of guards standing watch. Each one was clad in armor and dark blue fabric uniforms adorned with the royal crest, a symbol represented by a gold eagle that had a sword in each claw and three gold roses above its head. Only after they were granted entrance by the door master were the doors opened and each carriage led in. It was then, as they passed through the wall's arches, that Lila saw the true beauty of the castle itself. It stood tall, made with dark blue glazed bricks that shimmered in the torch light, and large gold trimmed windows and doors. It was surely the most exquisite building structure she had ever seen! Nothing could even come close to its beauty in her mind.
Eventually their carriage came to a halt as they reached the back entrance of the castle itself. Soldiers stood there examining those who tried to enter, each armed with a sharp sword on their hip. Lila felt a pang of nervousness as a guard came and opened the door to her carriage. Everyone within froze and seemed unwilling to step out. Lila even thought she saw Daphne tearing up.
She sighed and slowly stood up, exiting their carriage first. As soon as she did her arm was grabbed by the guard outside, while her bag was taken by another man standing off to her side.
A Kind of Beauty and the Beast Story Page 2
