"Come now father, we both discussed it so you need not feel it was all my idea. Besides, I do not wish to offend the King any further, as he seems quite dissatisfied with me." Bartholomew said, truly looking upset.
"Now, now, no need to feel bad. You know I always value your help and input. I would not be the teacher I am without such a good assistant." His father said reassuringly.
His son smiled. "Thank you, as always father. I am glad the King was able to relax as well. Perhaps he is just feeling stressed. I am sure the life of a King is quite hard."
Mr. Jameson sighed. "I agree. Such a shame though, for he seems to be a smart individual. If only he would apply himself just a little!"
The boy shrugged. "Perhaps he is merely in need of some encouragement."
His father nodded. "You may be right. If I can get him to relax again I will try to find ways to engage him in activity. Although, I must be cautious so as not to upset him. His temper is quite volatile."
"Yes, I think that would be wise. But maybe one day he will take interest in something you have to say. Everyone has something they want to learn." Bartholomew said, sounding hopeful.
Mr. Jameson chuckled. "One can only hope. Now then, let us head back and return the horse. No rider has come looking for him yet."
The boy nodded. "You are quite right. The person may be worried and headed back there to see if he has been returned."
Then the two of them took Dark Oak and began walking back towards the horse stables. Westan watched from his hiding spot until they were out of sigh, not even sure how to feel about the scene he had just witnessed.
After a moment he stood up and started making his way back to the castle. He didn't even notice when the servants caught up to him and followed him back to his chambers. Westan was more focused on all the planning he had to do before his lesson tomorrow.
******
Lila awoke that morning to the sound of loud knocking on the door.
"GET UP LADIES! TIME TO GET TO WORK!" The head maid shouted out in the hallway.
Everyone jumped up quickly and got dressed into their uniforms, which consisted of a simple apron and a grey bandana or bonnet for their hair. When they exited the room the head maid was waiting.
"Now ladies, I will not be saying this twice: you are all good for nothing servants, and rest assured you can all be easily replaced. You will keep your heads down and your mouths shut. If I catch anyone slacking off or wandering around where they do not belong you will be punished. If you make three offenses, you will be sent home without question. Do not take these warnings lightly girls, because I will not feel bad for you." She said harshly.
All the girls started looking around with unease. Then the head maid began assigning their tasks. Lila's group was assigned to sweep and dust the hallways and rooms downstairs along the west wing. This included the library, the ballroom, and kitchen areas. Other groups were assigned to the front of the castle, the east wing, and the rest were stationed in each area upstairs.
When Lila's group reached the first destination everyone got started immediately. She watched the experienced maids carefully, copying their efficient routines. The head maid would come by every hour or so to check on them. Everyone made sure to stay out of her way and avoid catching her fowl attention. Unfortunately, at about noon Daphne accidentally bumped into her while sweeping, definitely catching her attention.
"Why, how dare you!" The maid shouted coldly.
"Oh my! I am so sorry!" Daphne said nervously.
The woman glared at her angrily.
"Watch what you are doing you little brat! Do you want to go home already?" She said harshly.
Daphne blushed and shook her head.
"N-No ma'am! I am so sorry!" She said again.
The woman crossed her arms. "Good! Now get back to work!"
Daphne nodded fervently and quickly went back to sweeping. Some of the girls watching giggled at her embarrassment, but Lila shot them all angrily looks. After the head maid left she came over to Daphne's side to see if she was okay. It was then that Lila realized she was crying.
"Hey, do not let her scare you!" She said.
Daphne shook her head and wiped away her tears. "Oh Lila, what if I mess up again? What if she does indeed kick me out?"
Lila smiled. "Do not think like that, it will do you little good. Just try to be a bit more careful from now on."
Daphne nodded, tears still in her eyes. "I suppose you are right."
Lila stayed by her side the rest of the day and worked to finish her assignment quickly. But she noticed that the rest of the new maids were busy gossiping the whole time and had barely made any progress with theirs. Some of the guards nearby even neglected their posts to join in with the talk!
"Oh my! Did you hear what happened to Eliza the other day? She nearly escaped death!" A young girl said with big eyes.
"What happened?" Someone asked.
"Well, she spilled the King's tea outside his door and he was extremely cross about it! Luckily for her though she ran away before he saw her face." The girl explained fearfully.
A young guard chuckled. "Oh please, you should see how his new tutors are being treated! I bet you all they will be imprisoned by the end of the week."
All the women gasped quietly and continued murmuring things to one another. Back home these kinds of rumors all sounded like far-fetched myths and legends, but when you were here in the castle it was much more real with true suspense and fear in every word spoken! Hundreds of these secret whispers were being passed along in every part of the castle by almost all of the maids and servants, each one sounding more extreme than the last. Lila actually found herself feeling a little concerned by some of the things said, as they could be quite shocking. But she supposed that worrying would do her little good now.
That day it took well into the evening for her group to finish their assigned areas. By the time they reached the kitchen for supper Lila was completely famished. The provided meal that night consisted of fresh bread straight from the kitchen along with some water. It wasn't the grandest banquet, but it was more than she had at home some days. Afterwards the maids returned to their rooms to get some much needed rest.
Lila supposed that despite everything, the day had not been bad overall. While cleaning she had been able to fully admire the castle's beautiful interior better than the night before. The walls were made of smoothed grey stone that shimmered in the light and the stairs were of creamy pearl colored marble. The hallway arches and doors were lined with gold trim with dark blue curtains hanging from every tall glass window, and the royal crest decorated all the shields displayed above each doorway. The castle truly was a lavish sight to behold! Lila wondered what it was like to grow up in such a grand place as this. She knew that the King was still just a young man, not even twenty years old yet. His parents, the late King and Queen had been murdered many years ago, leaving the young prince alone to rule. Lila wondered if such bitterness contributed to his cruel behavior. She really pitied his sad story actually.
As soon as they reached their room Lila climbed into bed, quite worn out from not only her work but also from stress. She had been thinking of her father all day and was now feeling homesick. Lila longed to see him and kiss his forehead and know exactly how his condition was faring! Never before had she been so far away and for so long. It was proving more difficult than she ever imagined.
That night Lila felt a few tears roll down her cheeks before she fell asleep. She wished to go back to the days of her youth, back when she was small enough to still sleep in her father's arms and before he was sick. She was now ever more determined to work hard and return home as soon as possible.
Chapter 04- Now Things Are Getting Interesting
The next day Westan headed to the library early for his session. He had been up all night pondering over his new tutor's private conversation about him the day before, contemplating how best to use it to his advantage, and now he had the perfect plan in place for
them.
When he entered the study room Mr. Jameson seemed a little surprised by his punctual arrival. He quickly bowed and greeted him.
"Good morning your Majesty!" He said nervously.
Westan nodded. "Yes, yes."
The teacher smiled nervously and cleared his throat awkwardly.
"W-Would your Highness wish to sit out in the garden again? The weather is quite nice today as well." He said anxiously.
Westan smiled. He had been hoping for this exact opportunity.
"Indeed, I think I would. I quite enjoyed myself yesterday." He replied.
"Very good! Then shall we head there now?" Mr. Jameson asked, looking quite relieved by his approval.
Westan nodded. Then he got up and followed the teacher to the garden where another prepared table awaited them. He sat down in his chair ready to begin.
"Teacher, I have something to discuss before we start." He announced.
The man looked at him curiously. "Yes, what is it sire?"
Westan motioned to a servant nearby. The person walked away briefly, returning a moment later with Bartholomew and two additional servants following him.
"Good-day your Majesty!" The boy greeted with a deep bow.
Then both men looked at him with confusion. Westan just smiled.
"I heard from a reliable source that you two have been discussing my private sessions with your assistant, despite the fact that I dismissed him." He stated coldly.
Mr. Jameson's eyes bulged with a mixture of surprise and fear, and Bartholomew seemed too stunned to even react for a few good seconds. Then the teacher quickly moved in front of his son and bowed as he spoke up nervously.
"My deepest apologies my Lord! We meant no disrespect, but my son is my only helper and I deeply rely on his input!" He explained.
"So that is the excuse you use to justify such arrogant actions?" Westan asked with a raised eyebrow.
The man gulped nervously. "I-I apologize your Majesty..."
Westan gave a long sigh.
"Well perhaps I shall overlook it, since you are my teacher." He said.
Mr. Jameson let out a breath of relief and wiped his sweaty brow.
"However, your assistant whom I never wished to see again, perhaps he shall be made to answer for this disrespect." Westan said with another smile.
The teacher's face fell again and Bartholomew tensed up with wide eyes. Then Mr. Jameson quickly dropped to the ground with a bow.
"No sire, please! I am the one who should be made to answer for this! Leave the boy be!" He begged.
Bartholomew quickly came to his father's side.
"No your Majesty, do not punish my father! You are correct; it was all indeed my fault!" He said anxiously.
Mr. Jameson turned to his son with shock.
"Be quiet my son!" He said.
Bartholomew shook his head. "No father it is my fault and you know it! I was the one who kept insisting you talk to me!"
"ENOUGH! Silence, both of you!" Westan shouted, even more irritated by their groveling.
Both men froze and gazed up at him with fear as he stood up and came towards them slowly.
"I do not plan on punishing either of you. In fact, I have a better idea in mind." Westan said with a smirk, finally getting to the part he really wanted.
Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew glanced from one another anxiously, so he continued.
"If the two of you wish to spare yourself my wrath, all you have to do is convince my council man Zacchaeus to send you away." Westan said.
Both men gazed at him fearfully. Eventually Mr. Jameson gathered the courage to speak up.
"Your Majesty, he will never allow us to leave unless we have a good reason! Fear is not a good enough excuse." He said quietly.
Westan scoffed. "I am well aware of that! But you do not want to disobey me, so listen carefully: you men will merely tell my council man that I will never come to be taught. Then perhaps he will let you leave and I can be free from all this schooling for good!"
Both Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew looked at each other with unease, clearly not comfortable with the idea he had presented. However, Westan was not exactly giving them a choice in this matter.
"Do either of you have a problem with what the King has requested? Do as I say or else!" He snapped, using his authority as a threat like he always did.
Mr. Jameson bowed again anxiously.
"If that is what the Kings wishes, then of course! We shall talk to him right away!" He said.
Westan smiled triumphantly.
"Very good." He said, feeling victorious.
Just then he noticed Bartholomew shaking his head with disbelief.
"If you wish us to leave my Lord then we shall, and we will tell this man anything you want us to. But please your Highness, do not give up on your studies!" He said with another deep bow.
Westan scowled at the boy with shock. "Excuse me?"
Bartholomew bowed his head this time as he spoke.
"Even though you have been displeased by our actions here, I beg you not to abandon these lessons! Do not let our disrespect discourage you!" He begged.
Westan crossed his arms and glared at the boy angrily.
"You have nothing to do with this so mind your own business! Why should I keep bothering with skills I will never be able to master? I am sick and tired of wasting my time on such useless work!" He snapped.
Bartholomew looked up and examined him with warm eyes.
"My King I do not think anyone is truly unable to learn, least of all someone like yourself." He said gently.
Westan huffed loudly and rolled his eyes. Just what did this boy know anyways? He was already a smart and well taught individual! How could someone like him understand what such constant failure and embarrassment felt like?
"Perhaps that is easy for you to say, someone who has been reading and writing for many years! I on the other hand have gone through too many tutors to count, with none of them being able to some much as teach me a single thing! What makes you think this will ever change?" He said bitterly.
The boy gazed at him with eyes full of sudden understanding. Then he smiled and shook his head.
"Well you certainly seem quite clever to me. I do not doubt your ability to succeed in anything that you really wish to." He said.
Westan suddenly blushed, both surprised by the boy's boldness. But before he could decide how to respond Bartholomew spoke up again.
"Please sire, let us stay and finish our commission. Just give us some more time to prove ourselves to you!" He said earnestly.
Westan folded his arms and examined the boy with scrutiny, completely taken back by his persistence. He wondered why on earth anyone would rather stay here and teach him instead of just running away! Surely though, there was only one likely cause for such determination.
"I am no fool! It is not as if you really care whether I am taught or not, you just want to make sure you get your money from Zacchaeus and avoid any disgrace, right?" Westan said.
Bartholomew looked utterly shocked by his words and shook his head quite vigorously.
"No! Never would that be the case my Lord! Both my father and I are very passionate about teaching! We love nothing more than to help our students. I only express my heartfelt desire as my father's assistant to help you improve your abilities. Come now! What would it hurt for you to let us stay?" He said.
Westan's eyes widened with surprise at such a bold challenge. He stared into the boy's eyes for a moment, seeing that his gaze actually looked full of genuine concern.
Westan shook his head in confusion. He usually did not expected loyalty from any servants, least of all those who were hired in from elsewhere. His whole life's experience taught him that no one truly cared about him personally in any way but for what they might gain from him. Yet this boy was nearly risking his own life in order to help him! But why? If he was not motivated to stay by money or fear, what other reason could there be?
Westan stroked his chin
thoughtfully. He supposed it would not hurt to let these men stay for a little while longer and see if they could indeed be of help to him. Besides, he was now more curious to find out what their deeper motives were than anything else.
"Very well then. I shall allow you one more week to convince me of your right to remain here. But if you fail I will no longer tolerate your presence at all." Westan said seriously.
Mr. Jameson dropped his jaw with surprise, but Bartholomew gave an unexpected smile.
"Thank you my Lord, we shall do our utmost to be of assistance to you!" He said with another bow.
Westan shook his head again in astonishment. Perhaps this boy was merely too naive to even understand what it was he was doing and risking at this point. His over eagerness really was quite puzzling.
"Well, you better get started then." Westan said with a sigh.
Bartholomew helped his father back to his feet, and after a moment the man finally snapped out of his shocked state.
"Thank you your Majesty for your mercy and graciousness! I hope to be of more use!" Mr. Jameson said with a bow and a trembling voice.
Westan just nodded and gestured for him to move along. The man then returned to where his books and papers were and tried to get the lesson started once more. But he still looked flustered and confused, perhaps even in a daze. After a moment it was clear that the teacher could not seem to pull himself together.
Westan frowned. Why was the teacher still so upset? Sure he had been trying to scare the two of them into leaving, but it's not like he actually would have punished them if they had not! Westan would have just kept on trying to frighten them until they agreed to his plan. Honestly, if the teacher continued on this way then there would be no point in letting them stay at all.
"E-Excuse me sire." Bartholomew said from beside him.
Westan turned with surprise to see him bowing deeply once more.
"If your Highness would allow it, I would beg you to allow me to return as my father's assistant. But I need not be counted as anything more than a servant like any other during your lessons, just please allow me to go and aid him!" He begged with worry.
A Kind of Beauty and the Beast Story Page 4
