The Entertainer/A little fight
“Um...What are you doing?” “They're fighting! It's obvious, right?” He kept pressing the two pieces together, rubbing. You could even notice how the heads touches. “Not really...” “You're weird!”
“...So all the pieces act independently and not just like in the game?” I ask, I know how much he loves talking about that shit. “That's right! You have to think outside the box! It's a lot of fun when you have nothing to do.” He then roll over on his side, facing me. “By the way...Is it true he's okay with you? I mean your Dad.” “Um...Yeah! Why'd you ask?” “Because your face is all weird, I can tell you're lying you know?” “You mean weird in a good way or...” Why did I ask that? Of course he meant my reaction, not how I look like! “No, you clearly don't like your Dad.” “Oh...Right. He's not very good with me...If anything I'm please I get to spend my time with you!” I smiled, he smiled back...And he lunged at me! “Tickle attack!”
Aww gee, now he's tickling my sides! Laughter filled the room and I had to tickle him back. Then out of the blue he hugged me. We stood like that for a few seconds, not saying a word...And he held me tight. He then sat down on the bed while I kept myself lying on my side comfortably, looking at him. “I'm sorry if he did anything wrong. If I could I would send all the guards to bring him down to justice! We'll talk to my Dad about it again so you don't have to leave and you can stay here forever!” It's really cute. He barely know me, the girl I am right now...And he's already saying all these things like we knew each others for a long time. It's really dumb but I can't blame the little guy.
“Thank you...” I had to give him some credits for that...Even if I shouldn't let the little buddy go on with this. He jumps off the bed, and rose a hand toward me. “I know! Let's go talk to the military general! He should be training the men just outside!” I quickly stood up “Wait! Are you sure that's a good idea?” “Of course! Take my hand!” For a second I've reluctantly stood there...But then I got down the bed and took his hand. I might as well let him do what he wants to do and see how he'll act by himself...Even if I know it's a stupid idea and he'll get put in a corner for his actions if his Dad catch him doing that. I have to admit, I didn't expect him to care at all...But that reaction is too good.
We walked across the Castle together, guards turning their head at us and maids smiling at our presence. It feels strange seeing everything bigger, but then looking back at him, talking with passion about what he will do and how the men will react, it's like I've taken a whole new life. Just not too long ago I was that guy the maids would chase after for pleasure...And now this. I'm okay with this...Or maybe it's just the fact I'm in this new, girly body that's changing my attitude and making me act this way...Maybe.
As we made way outside in the backyard, a bunch of men are training on the field. One screaming orders. A scruffy old looking man with a beer belly, long ears fucked up with time, gray fur, a eye patch on his right eye and sporting a set of armor that had dried up blood all over from the latest war. Mault Addlus is a man that has faced many battles in the past and lived to see the light...Thought he once admitted he had many bastards from the conquests of the last King. The Prince calls out to him and the general motion the men to stop, then turns back to him, giving him a smug smile. “Young lord. It is a pleasure to see you. Did your father need something?” “No. I have a very important request for you and your men.” “And what would that be...?”
Charle looks back at me and smiles. “This is Alice from the Kingdom of Alezon. Daughter of Marcus, the King.” He looks back toward Mault with a firm look while the old man took a good look at me. “She came to stay here for the summer vacation, however she has admitted her Father caused her trouble. The same man has also beaten his son in front of several people last month and nobody has stopped him. I wish to redeem both her dignity and the prince's by sending men and bring him down to justice.”
For a moment, the old man stared at the boy, and...Began to laugh, holding his sides. “I'm serious! Someone has to step up and stop this man!” I could see the men snickering around us as Charle was now grasping his hands in a fist, looking up at the old man. Mault tried to stop his laughter, waving a hand in front of him, signaling the Prince to stop “...I'm afraid that won't be possible. Marcus is a good friend of mine...And your father." With that said, he put himself back in a proper posture, setting his armor straight. "It would be very unwise to send someone for that...Much less a order from a prince with no proper training." With the thumb of his left hand, he motion to a door leading back inside the keep. "Off you go, don't come back until you're old enough for squire duty.” Angrily, the boy stomped the ground with one of his foot, still clenching his fists. “I said do it! You're meant to take my orders!” Mault grabbed the boy by his clothes and rose him in the air. “Listen here you little shit, you can order me all you want once you will be King. For now, you're not. Fuck off and don't come back until you're of age.” With that, he threw the boy on the ground. I went to help him up. "No, don't help me. I'm fine!" He said as he slap away my hand. He then look back at Mault “Dad will hear about this!” “I'm sure he will. Go away."
“Come on, Alice. Let's go.” He stomped angrily walking away. Looking back at Mault, he signaled me to go away "You too, go back to your boyfriend." I rolled my eyes and ran to the side of Charle. As we got inside, he whispered "Sorry." and grabbed my hand. "I didn't meant to do that back there, but the men would say I'd act like a girl and laugh at me more." I smiled back at him. "It's okay. I understand." He then began to walk, tightly grabbing my hand, pulling me to follow him. He then continued "At least I know Dad will hear me and do something about it.” We made way to the throne room,the King was talking to one of his various runner...A man designated to walk the land and spot any uncommon events taking place with the common folks...Or changes in the environment. I could barely make much of their whispers as we entered the room. “Dad!” Charle screamed, releasing my hand and running up to him. You could see the King's face turning from a curious look to a worried one.
“What is it, son?” “It's Mault! he's refusing my orders!” The King sighed “What did you do again?” “Don't say that like that! I didn't do anything! All I said is to send men and bring down Marcus to justice!” The King's worrisome look turned into disappointment. He looks back to the runner “We'll discuss this later. Be on your way.” The runner left the room as the King made way for his seat. “Son, come here.” He said while sitting down. “Will you do something about it?” The boy ask while doing what was asked. The King took him up and let him sit on his lap, his body facing sideway, but looking at his father.
“Listen, I should have been more coherent about this matter. You cannot discipline a grown up like a child, much less a King.” “What do you mean?” “What I mean is Marcus is a strong friend of the family. If you send men after him despite his behavior...It will create a war. Even entering his castle unattended is a invitation for war. You cannot simply tell a man with power to step down because he abuses it...Because he can use that power to create more trouble for others.” “Are you saying we should let him do what he wants?” “No, son. What I'm saying is that as long as we don't create trouble for him, he won't cause trouble to us. Do you understand?” “I just don't get it.”
The King paused “...Let me phrase it in another way then. As long as you remain on his good side, he will help develop the Kingdom through trade agreements and allow for help in times of need. As a King, you will have to learn how to properly behave toward others in order to gain what is necessary for your Kingdom to strive. If you show any sort of weakness, or hostile behavior, you will only lead yourself into trouble...Perhaps even death.” “Wait, WHAT? DEATH?!” The boy surprisingly look shocked at that. Senior sighed. “And now you understand why I am so busy everyday. I have to ensure all the Kingdom is safe from neighboring threats...Even from those who calls themselves friends of the family. It is very easy to deceive a person, and thus you have to train yourself in learning behaviors from others...Granted I didn't want you to do so until you are of age.” He pat junior's head and smiled “I want you to fully enjoy your childhood while you have it...Even if you are bound to the throne.”
The King then picked up his boy, rose up, and then let him sit down on the throne. He then kneel in front of him. “Remember these words: A throne is only metaphorical. Anyone can sit on it, but only those with the courage to lead can use it properly.” “That doesn't make sense.” I can see the King's head tumble as he sighed and whispered “Well it makes sense to me...” Senior then shake his head and rose up, petting the head of his boy. “Anyway, stay here for a moment and look around you on that seat. I want you to enjoy being on the throne.” He began to walk away. “Come, Alice. Let him have his moment of glory alone.” “Bye bye!” The prince said, waving at us with his right hand.
The King and I made way out of the throne room, he then lead me toward one of the empty room nearby, closing and locking the door. He then gave me a angry, but confused look. “What happened? What did you do? I thought I was clear on the subject of another King!” I look down “He was really angry about what happened and wanted justice. He came up with the idea of seeing the general by himself.” Looking back up, he crossed his arms “...Except you knew it was a bad idea. You've allowed it to happen. Why didn't you stop him?” He began to tap from his right foot. “I want to see him grow as much as you do, sir!” I said in a firm tone. The man sighed and pat my head. “Young girl...No, what was your real name? Anyway. Try not to get him into more trouble. You should know by now what should be a good decision...And for the love of god, do not let him have the false idea of following up on matters he should not. This story was meant to be just a excuse to you being here, not to start a war between my kingdom and another.”
I've looked down again, holding my two hands together. “I'm sorry...” I could hear him sigh, he then kneel over to me and lift my chin to his face. “Look, all I ask is for you to be at his side. Have fun, teach him some manners. Try not to get him into trouble, will you?” “Okay...Sorry.” I couldn't help but repeat. “There. Let us go see my son. I'm sure he's still sitting on the throne and having the time of his life!” He chuckled, I smiled back.