Westan entered into his council man's office hesitantly. Zacchaeus only ever called him in here when they had an important matter to discuss, or when he was in trouble.
Westan gazed around the room again. He never really liked coming in here. It was very spacious, with richly decorated furniture and gold emblems lining one wall to another, but the large window's drapes were constantly drawn closed so candle light was needed no matter the time of day. Overall the whole room felt gloomy and suffocating.
Once Zacchaeus entered, he dismissed the guards and closed the doors. After which he walked over to his desk and sat down in a tall gold chair. Then he gestured for Westan to sit in the chair facing him, which he obediently did.
"My Lord, did I actually just witness you conversing with servants in the hall today?" The man asked with disappointment.
Westan blushed and shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"Wh-what is wrong with that Zacchaeus?" He asked.
The man sighed loudly and rubbed his forehead, something he often did whenever they talked. It was the biggest sign of his disapproval.
"It is not proper for a King to speak informally with such unworthy people!" He said.
"Why should I not be able to talk to my own servants when I please?" Westan replied defensively.
Zacchaeus laughed and shook his head. "What business could you possibly have with them?"
Westan shrugged. "They can make for some good entertainment when I am bored."
His council man put his arms on the desk and folded his hands together, staring at Westan closely.
"Such impudent people are so far beneath you your majesty. The only interactions you should be having with servants is when they are taking your orders, or with your tutors when they are conducting your studies. Speaking of which, they were late starting your lesson today, were they not?" He asked.
Westan looked up with shame. "A-Actually it was my fault. I asked them to join me for lunch."
Zacchaeus shook his head and sighed even louder. Westan's cheeks went pink, so he looked back down at his fidgeting hands, too embarrassed to look his council man in the eyes any longer. He had clearly disappointed him, again.
"My Lord, try and remember that you must be very cautious. You cannot lower your guard too far with these servants! Remember, these are the same type of people who betrayed your parents." Zacchaeus said harshly.
Westan felt a lump in his throat. Perhaps he already had let his guard down, seeing as he was inviting Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson to supper every night. He wondered if Zacchaeus knew that or not.
His council man suddenly stood up and came over to him. He bent down over Westan and put a hand on his shoulder.
"This is for your own protection your Majesty. I do not want anyone getting dangerously close to you." He said.
Westan nodded. "Yes Zacchaeus, I understand..."
Zacchaeus smiled. "Very good. Now, how about you eat supper by yourself tonight. I think you need some time to meditate on your actions."
Westan blushed with embarrassment. So he did know about it then!
"Of course, if you think that is wise." He said.
The man nodded. "Your father would be proud of your mature understanding."
Westan looked away with shame. He doubted that very much. It seemed he never did anything right!
"Very well, now that such a mess has been dealt with, I have much work to return to." Zacchaeus said, sitting back down in his chair.
Without another word Westan stood up and quickly left the office. He rushed back to his chambers and slammed the door shut angrily. Then he flopped down on his bed miserably, putting a pillow over his head.
Just why did he have to be a King? He never got to have any fun! He never got to go anywhere! He never got to do anything! Rules and tradition seemed to dictate everything he was supposed to do and think! And now he was not even allowed to enjoy the company of his paid servants?
Westan roared loudly and threw the pillow aside with frustration. Paid servants, that's all Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson really were in the end he supposed. The only reason they were truly here was to work and earn their money! It is not as if they would stay here without such incentives, or keep him company for reasons other than their work.
Westan lay back down on his bed miserably and sighed. He really hated being King!
******
That night before Lila entered her room, she promised herself that no rumor the maids or servants came up with would make her leave this job. But now she wasn't so sure.
"Well, well, if is not the horse faced seductress." Tam greeted with smirk.
Lila rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about? All I did was answer the King when he addressed me."
She giggled. "Yes but he mentioned speaking to you the other day, which means you are trying to make yourself quite noticeable. And then when the King left your presence you so quickly moved to speaking with the young tutor!"
Lila blushed more wildly then she ever had before.
"W-What is that supposed to mean?" She demanded.
Tam crossed her arms. "Oh Lila, it is so obvious that you so desperately wish to seduce the King or his well to do tutor. Poor Lila, to think you would stoop so low just for some attention."
Lila scowled. "I have done no such thing nor do I ever have any intention of doing so!"
Tam scoffed. "Lila everyone saw you today."
"Yeah Lila, we were there too!" One girl said.
"Why are you trying to hide it now? Just face it already!" Another girl said.
Lila couldn't even believe it! Were these girls honestly choosing this as their gossip topic? It was even worse than she could have imagined!
Tam shook her head. "Lila, no man would ever fall for your pathetic charms or plain looks you know. Least of all someone as handsome and rich as the King or his tutor."
Lila clenched her hand into a fist, ready to punch this girl as hard as she could. But Daphne grabbed her by the arm.
"Lila, just ignore them and get some sleep. They are not worth it!" She said gently.
Lila let out a long sigh and relaxed her hand. Her friend was right, that was probably the best thing to do. There was no point in starting a fight and getting sent home over such silly rumors.
As they climbed in bed that night the rest of the girls stayed up gossiping about her loudly, making up their own tales and motives and laughing the whole time. Lila just put her pillow over her head and tried to drown out their silly talk.
But the next day things were even worse. Tam took pride in leading the gossip to every corner of the castle, spreading it to every and any person she knew. Every time Lila passed by someone they giggled or started whispering about her. Sometimes the maids shouted foul names or even threatened to throw the mop water at her. Truly, she had never been so humiliated in her whole life.
But Lila refused to give up on this job, since her father's health depended in the money she was earning here. So she continued to ignore the gossip as best she could, for the sake of her father. Daphne had been a lifesaver in all this, as she chose to stick by her side and remain kind despite being dragged into some of the rumors with her.
Eventually though, after about three weeks, the amazement of Lila's actions wore off and the gossip seemed to pass. New topics and stories were always catching people's attention, so her own was quickly forgotten. Soon it all but faded away, nearly like it had never even happened before. Lila even felt like things might go back to normal for her. Even so, Daphne and she preferred to continue working separate from the rest of the maids. It was an easy task, as they would simply move on to the next job before everyone else. Solitude was a small price to pay in order to avoid such embarrassing drama again.
Today they had finished the west hallway in a timely fashion, so the two of them had moved ahead of the other maids to the library. So far it had been a very quiet day, with some light rain outside, adding greatly to the very peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
"Lila, shall I go and get some fresh water?" Daphne suddenly asked, breaking the almost deafening silence.
Lila turned and looked down at the bucket of mop water. She frowned at its black appearance.
"Perhaps you should. I will just finish dusting until you get back." She replied.
Daphne nodded and headed towards the cleaning room down the hall outside. As she left the room, Lila grabbed her duster and began wiping areas they had not previously cleaned. As she neared the end of a long table stacked high with books, she noticed a spot at the top of one of the bookshelves that had been missed. In fact, it looked to have been collecting dust for weeks!
Lila frowned. She did not want to get in trouble or be docked any pay for other people's laziness! What would it hurt these maids to climb a few steps and finish a job anyhow?
Lila grabbed a ladder and leaned it against the shelf. It was a bit rickety, but it would do well enough. Slowly she began climbing the unsteady steps, making sure to get as high as she safely could. However, her duster was no long enough to reach the top shelf so she climbed all the way back down and grabbed a broom instead. Perhaps this was why the maids never cleaned it.
Now, with the broom's extended reach, Lila was indeed able to reach the top shelf. She gave it a brush and swept it all off in one fell swoop. The debris immediately flew up into the air and formed a thick cloud that almost instantly engulfed her. Lila could not help but cough as the old dust quickly filled her lungs and clouded her vision. She tried to turn away until it dissipated, but it was making her cough so hard that she feared losing her grip. Lila quickly tried to make her way back down the ladder to escape the dust. Unfortunately, one last cough was all it took to make her hands slip.
Lila thrust out her arm, hoping to break her fall so as to avoid hitting her head. But before she made it to where the ground was, a pair of arms wrapped around her, miraculously catching her from the fall. The two of them fell back and bumped into the next bookshelf, the person behind almost losing their own footing in the process.
"Oh dear, I am so very sorry!" Lila said with another cough, looking back to see just who had saved her.
A familiar pair of worried blue eyes met her gaze.
"Are you alright Miss Lila?" The young tutor's son Bartholomew asked with concern.
Lila blushed. She quickly got out of the boy’s arms and turned around completely to face him.
"Y-yes I am just fine! Thank you for catching me, I apologize for your fall!" She said with furious embarrassment.
She could not believe it! Why him of all people? Just when she thought this nonsense was all behind her too!
The boy shook his head. "I am just glad I was here so that you did not get hurt."
"T-thank you again. I am just so clumsy sometimes..." Lila said, blushing still.
She quickly looked around the room nervously for any onlookers. Much to her relief though, Lila saw that the King was not present with the tutor, or anyone else for that matter. Good! Then at least she would not have to deal with any nonsense. But wait, Daphne was not here either, which meant Bartholomew and her were all alone!
Lila blushed again, wondering what kind of gossip the maids would come up with if they saw her like this now. She hoped he had not heard any of the rumors!
"How have you been Miss Lila?" Bartholomew suddenly asked with a smile.
"Oh, well, the same as ever I suppose." She replied vaguely, hoping he would quickly lose interest in their conversation.
He laughed at her annoyance. "So is that good or bad then?"
"Oh neither good nor bad really. Just alright I guess." Lila said honestly.
Bartholomew laughed again, such a nice sound to be heard.
"H-how have you been?" She decided to ask in return for the sake of merely being polite.
He shrugged and faked her tone of voice. "Oh, the same as ever."
Lila found herself smiling at his tease.
"I-Is that bad or good?" She asked, playing along.
Bartholomew chuckled. "I find that I am quite enjoying my time here at the castle."
"I sure wish I could say the same." Lila replied, rolling her eyes.
He frowned. "Oh, is something wrong?"
She shook her head and crossed her arms with a sigh.
"It is just not so easy when unexpected and embarrassing things happen to you." She said, thinking of none other than the mischievous King.
Bartholomew smiled with amusement. "Indeed. But I find that is what makes life so interesting."
Lila sighed. "I suppose you are right. Still, I would prefer for things to remain mostly calm if possible."
He raised an eyebrow. "Really? Most people would want at least a little excitement in their life."
She rolled her eyes again. "Some things are too exciting."
He tried to hold back a chuckle. "Yes, I suppose that is true. But you seem to handle unexpected situations quite well you know. I am thoroughly impressed by how well you maintain your composure."
Lila looked away with wild embarrassment and nodded. "Th-thank you."
For a moment it was awkwardly quiet, so Bartholomew looked away and examined the surrounding area curiously.
"By the way, what are you doing cleaning here all by yourself?" He asked with concern.
"Well my friend Daphne was here too, she just went to get some more mop water a bit ago." She explained.
"Oh, I see now. That is good to hear." Bartholomew replied, looking relieved by her answer.
"What are you doing here today?" Lila asked, curious as to why he was alone too.
Bartholomew's face fell, and he looked extremely uncomfortable all of a sudden.
"Well, I am doing some research actually. The King did not want to have his studies today so I had some spare time on my hands. I was just a few shelves away when I heard you coughing earlier." He explained quickly.
Lila was quite curious about his unusual expression.
"Is there any way I could help you find what you are looking for?" She asked.
Bartholomew frowned. "No Miss Lila that will not be necessary. Thank you for your offer, but I do not wish to hold up your own work."
Lila nodded with understanding. Whatever he was doing, it seemed he did not wish to disclose any details to her. And why would he? It's not like it was any of her business.
"Excuse me, I must be going." He said abruptly.
Lila nodded as he bowed politely before turning and walking away. After a moment, when the shock of everything wore off, she got her duster and got back to work, wondering if Daphne had just decided to go all the way to the sea to fill her bucket. Honestly! What was taking her so long?
"Excuse me, Miss Lila." Bartholomew suddenly said from behind her.
Lila jumped and turned around with surprise.
"Y-yes?" She said, a bit startled to see him again.
"I apologize. I did not mean to be short with you a moment ago. It was very rude of me to leave so quickly." He said in an apologetic tone.
"Oh, I did not think you were being rude. You seem to be busy right now so I do not mind if you must go." Lila replied, shocked by his worry.
Bartholomew smiled, truly looking relieved.
"Thank you, I appreciate your understanding." He said.
She nodded. "There is no need to thank me. We all have our worries to deal with."
He nodded and gazed at her for a moment, looking thoughtful.
"Indeed. Although, I hope there is nothing distressing you at the moment." He said.
Lila laughed. "Well, it is nothing apart from all the other maids here, or yourself for that matter. We are all here to make a living."
Bartholomew nodded. "True. But I do hope this job has not been too troublesome for you."
She shook her head. "It is just a big change from what I am used to. I grew up on a farm out in the country, so castle and city here are all new to me. Besides that, I really miss my father some days."
"Oh, he is back home I presume?" He asked curiously.
Lila nodded, this time a bit solemnly. She almost forgot some days that he was sick at home waiting for her to return. Truly, she missed him and the comforts of home, especially amidst all these embarrassing encounters.
"Indeed. He has been suffering with an illness as of late and the doctors and medicine he needs is expensive. I have come here to work until I can pay for it all. But I plan to return home and visit him soon as soon as I can." She explained.
Bartholomew looked quite upset by her words, his eyes easily betraying his deep concern.
"I am very sorry to hear all that Miss Lila. I had no idea..." He said.
Lila suddenly gave a small laugh in an effort to lighten the mood. She certainly had not meant to disclose so much. It seemed she had gotten carried away talking again. She supposed though that it had merely been nice to talk to someone so understanding and thoughtful. Lila did not even like speaking these things to Daphne, for fear she would burden her friend down with such worries.
"There is no need to be sorry. As long as I just keep working as hard as I can things will work out well enough." She said.
Bartholomew smiled at her confidence. "Well I have no doubt you can do it. You seem to be the kind of girl who can do anything she puts her mind to."
Lila blushed and looked down at her feet. This boy, he was just so very polite and charming! Why again was he wasting his time talking to someone as boring as her right now?
Just then, she saw Bartholomew reach into his pocket and pull something out. Then he took her hand and placed a small coin purse in it.
"Here, for your father." He said gently.
Lila gasped with shock.
"No, I could not possibly! I assure you, there is no need to trouble yourself!" She said, holding it back out to him.
"It is no trouble really. Please, I insist you allow me to do this." Bartholomew said with a kind smile, putting his arms behind his back.
Lila blushed horribly, but she was not too proud to accept such a generous gift, especially if it meant helping her father. So she quickly put the small pouch in her pocket.
"I do not know what to say. I am so grateful..." She replied quietly.
"Again, it is no trouble at all. I am happy to help in any way I can. Besides, I do not want you to work yourself too hard now Miss Lila." He said softly.
Lila had to look down at her feet again to hide the rose red color her face was at that moment. First he had saved her from a fall, and now this! Just how was she ever going to pay him back?
"T-thank you again!" She replied, having to hold back tears of relief.
Bartholomew smiled. "You are very welcome. I wish your father a swift recovery. But please excuse me now, as I really must be going."
Lila nodded as he bowed and left. She watched his back until he reached the library door. But as he turned to leave down the hallway, he glanced back at her. Lila blushed wildly and quickly looked away as their eyes met again, although she thought she might have seen him smile.
"Oh my!" Daphne's voice suddenly said from somewhere nearby.
Lila jumped in surprise. She turned and looked behind the bookshelf they had fallen against. Daphne was standing there holding the bucket of clean water, a big smile imprinted on her face.
"That was Mister Bartholomew leaving, was it not? He came and spoke with you again!" She exclaimed.
"We were just talking. It is nothing!" Lila protested with furious embarrassment.
Daphne shook her head with a raised eyebrow. "I am not so sure about that."
Lila sighed and looked away. Her friend was nearly as bad as the maids some days! Suddenly though she remembered the coin purse, so she pulled it out and looked inside. About twenty or so gold pieces were contained.
Daphne's jaw dropped. "W-where did you get that?"
"Bartholomew just gave me this to use for my father's medicine. But I had no idea it was so much..." Lila replied, still in shock herself.
Her friend's jaw dropped. "He did what now!?"
Lila shook her head with disbelief. "I am just as surprised as you!"
Just then Daphne giggled and smacked her shoulder.
"See, he does like you! Why else would he do such a thing?" She declared.
Lila puffed out her chest defensively.
"Maybe he is just a kind and generous person!" She retorted.
Her friend giggled again. "Maybe."
Lila rolled her eyes and turned away. Then she pulled out the coins and quickly counted them. Twenty-two gold pieces exactly. He must make good money as the King's tutor indeed! No wonder everyone thought she might be trying to seduce him.
Lila turned to Daphne and took her hand, placing half of the money with her.
"I have more than enough now to catch up on our debts and pay for my father to see a doctor. Send the rest to your family." She said.
Daphne's face turned red and she almost started crying right then. She gave Lila a big hug, and the two of them quickly went back to work. After they finished their assignments both of them ran to the post to send the money back home. Daphne even decided to pay for another letter. Her friend was nearly in tears the whole time.
Lila would really have to pay Bartholomew back for his generosity someday. Although there probably wasn't much someone like her could do for him.
About two days later Lila received a letter from Maryann and her father. He was doing well, but said he missed her terribly. He thought since she had made enough money to pay for some medicine and a doctor that it would be alright for her to come home now.
Lila sighed. It wasn't that easy, and he knew it. She still had to make sure they could afford such things until he could fully recover! He would just have to make do with Maryann's company until then, something Lila was not unhappy about. She returned to the postman and sent a letter back home, saying that she was fine, the job was exciting, and that nothing bad had happened to her so he could stop worrying already! Then she thanked Maryann for her help, told her father how much she loved him, and about visiting as soon as she could. Lila hoped that would be enough to put him at ease for now.
The next time Lila cleaned the library, and every time after that she hoped to run into Bartholomew again. She truly wanted to thank him properly and tell him how much the money had helped both Daphne and herself, as she was sure he would appreciate such news. However, she had not come across him again even once in the weeks that passed. She supposed that he was just very busy with the King's studies, as such a client was probably difficult and quite demanding. She hoped though to see him when he next had free time.
******
"That is enough, I am tired!" Westan snapped, pushing a pile of books off the table.
Everyone in the study room was startled by the noise. Mr. Jameson gazed at him warily.
"V-very well sire, as you wish. We can conclude for the day." He said with a bow.
"Good." Westan grumbled as he stood up to leave.
Ever since his talked with Zacchaeus he had been finding it hard to focus on his sessions. He could not even sit out in the garden anymore, as his council man said it was against tradition. Now Westan was cooped back up in the library again, feeling just as frustrated as before!
"My Lord, you looked quite vexed today. Is there anything we can do for you?" Bartholomew asked gently.
He looked at the boy and saw his eyes were full of true concern. But Westan was not supposed to discuss anything other than his studies with his teachers, so he just turned away and left the room, completely ignoring Bartholomew for the hundredth time. He decided to go out to the garden and take a ride with Dark Oak before the sun set. Afterwards he returned to his chambers for the night, eating supper alone once more.
Westan lay on his bed that evening and sighed. He truly did not know what to do! These sessions with the tutors were becoming increasingly difficult for him. He felt trapped when they came together for his lessons as he was forced to treat them so indifferently when he really just wanted things to go back to way they were before! But that wasn't even a possibility now.
Westan lay there for a while thinking of what to do, but suddenly a knock came at his door and interrupted his thoughts.
"Your Majesty, Lord Zacchaeus is here to see you!" One of the guards announced.
Westan immediately jumped up and ran to the door. Zacchaeus was here to see him? So late at night? Could it be to see how he was doing?
He quickly opened it and smiled at his council man.
"Zacchaeus! Wh-what are you doing here?" He asked, quite excited to see him so unexpectedly.
The man bowed. "Sire, I come with important news."
"Yes, what is it?" He asked curiously.
His council man sighed and shook his head. "Well, unfortunately it pertains to your tutors."