Winter settled. It did not bother the palace servants that the cold winds of the north cut through the windows to stir a chill into their bones. The feeling had existed since Queen Christaline's funeral.

The loss became more potent when Queen Christaline's seasonal orders for the dead branches to be snipped for centerpieces did not occur. They once moaned about being the poor person responsible for the task before eventually they laughed at the Queen's wit and enjoyed the change. 

Such silence became even more apparent when the princess changed her typical practices as well. She no longer walked through the halls complaining of her attire while avoiding Lady Elry's lectures. Much of the staff longed for her laughter to echo off the walls; even a sighting of King Valander would be welcomed. However, no such thing had occurred. They had lost their base, and life had changed.

Now, Lady Elry chased around one boy while the other recited verses behind her. Many ladies wondered if the younger boy had the right sort of nature to be in the palace. He seemed too wild at times. Though, if Princess Amnicity or his brother called, he would calm himself. Lady Elry had the touch with the boy at times, but not always.

At times, her lack of touch amused them. Like the time the younger boy decided it best to throw his food at her instead of eating it. He stopped when she threw her food back at him, laughing.

This morning had not been such a time. It began when Lady Elry called Jace's name as he ran from the library. He pushed past the servants before turning back to Lady Elry. Jace ran towards her with raised fists. One of the maids left to find Princess Amnicity or Stephon. Lady Elry gained some hold of the boy with the help of a servant until Stephon arrived.

"No hit," Lady Elry dictated, infuriating her charge more.

The rage motivated his hand to get free and hit her. Lady Elry's shocked face caused a look of surprise upon Jace's face. Tears began to form in the corners of his eyes.

"Jace," Stephon called, prompting his brother to meet his eyes.

"Steph. Hit. Steph. Hit," Jace repeated, trying to get free to hug Stephon.

Stephon nodded while hugging Jace.  "I saw. No hit."

"No hit," Jace agreed through tears. "No hit."

"No hit," Stephon reiterated, waiving away the servant and Lady Elry.

Lady Elry sighed.  "I tried to teach him about the seasons, and he got frustrated."

Stephon nodded with understanding while smoothing Jace's hair.  "Probably, Jace always does this when learning something new. Jace, say sorry."

"Oh, it is fine," Lady Elry paused, observing Jace's calmer form.

Stephone shook his head.  "No, he knows better than to hit. Jace?"

"Sorry, El," Jace whispered as he wiped his tears.

"It is okay," Lady Elry smiled, kneeling to his level.

"And to the men?" Stephon prompted.

Jace turned his head to the male servant.  "Sorry."

"I am just glad it is sorted," the male servant said before walking away to continue his day.

"Good job," Stephon whispered, pulling his younger brother back into a hug.

He then ruffled the younger boy's hair.  Jace sniffled a little before turning to Lady Elry.

"Better?" Lady Elry prompted.

Jace nodded.  "Better."

"Walk?" Lady Elry ventured.

"Walk? Walk! Walk! Steph Walk!" Jace chirped, jumping around while looking between Lady Elry and Stephon.

"No, no, not me. I need to read my lessons," he sighed.  Stephon's eyes turned to Lady Elry. "Are the new books set aside in the library?"

"Yes, Stephon. I want you to try reading the books and afterward copy the words. Your reading skills have gotten better, but your understanding needs to become stronger," Lady Elry stated as Jace began to pull on her hand.

"Okay," Stephon nodded, smiling at Jace.

He did not know it would be so difficult to live in the palace. Sure, the lack of concern regarding food and who would take care of Jace helped. He just wished it did not include all of these lessons. Stephon's reading had never been beyond familiar words, and now Lady Elry told him to read books with words he had never even heard spoken. He did not know the meaning behind half the words on the page! She said it would become easier, but she added another element every time he believed he made progress. For instance, now he must write instead of just read.

"You are making great improvements, Stephon. I believe you are bound for great things," Lady Elry praised, not letting Jace pull her from her spot.

"Truly?" Stephon asked, trying to stop Jace from pulling Lady Elry's arm from the socket.

He had never heard someone say something like that about him.  It felt nice.

"Truly," Lady Elry nodded.

"Walk!" Jace demanded, pulling upon Lady Elry's hand with more force.

"We will be back," Lady Elry laughed, succumbing to Jace's beckoning.

Stephon waved them away, smiling. Jace adapted better than Stephon had expected. Now, if only he could work through these lessons. The sound of quickly approaching footsteps stopped Stephon's thoughts. He hoped the steps belonged to the princess and not a high general.

"Steph! Is everything okay? Where is Jace?" Amnicity asked with a furrowed brow.

"Hello Princess Amnicity, everything is fine," Stephone bowed.

"Good," she breathed, placing a hand upon her heart. "I became worried. I rushed from the High General's Council, hoping to get here before any grave damage occurred. Of course, the timing proved to be perfect. High Generals sometimes have difficulties taking orders."

Stephon nodded, allowing her to ramble before she fully acknowledged the young teenage gentleman before her. He had heard she used to babble frequently before the death of Queen Christaline. The change in habit accompanied her reduced care in her dress. Well, Lady Toria did not allow for her to become too careless.

"So, what are your tasks for the afternoon? Lady Elry must have lessons planned for you," Amnicity smiled, looking towards the library with slight trepidation.

"Yes, she does. Though, perhaps it would be better if I helped around the palace. I could tend to the horses, or—"

"Steph," Amnicity interrupted, holding up her hand. "How many times must we discuss this? You and Jace are now under my care. If you wish to tend to the horses, you may, but you are now to be treated as an extension of me."

"Is this truly right?" Stephon asked, meeting the gaze of a passing servant. "I am simply a boy from Tillen."

"Well, it does not feel wrong. Further, as Princess of Vetus, apart from my father saying my actions are flawed, no other opinion is of true judicial consequence." Amnicity waved away, linking arms with him to bring him into the library.

"High General—"

Amnicity cut him off. "Do not concern yourself with High General Lessure," she almost hissed.

Stephon nodded, watching the Princess become quiet before she shook the thoughts away.

"Now, what are your lessons?" She asked.

"Lady Elry wants me to read some passages and write them down. I have just gotten comfortable with the reading part, and now she had to add this," Stephon sighed, holding the door open for the princess.

"Would you like assistance?" Amnicity asked, walking through the doorway.

"Do you have more important matters to attend to?" Stephon asked, walking to the desk with his books.

"Most of them have been taken care of, and the rest can wait." Amnicity brushed aside the idea with a flick of her gloved hand.

She waited for Stephon to move a chair for her before sitting down. Stephon did not know how this life could even be possible.  How could a princess really care about his well-being this much?

For Amnicity's part, she could not think of acting in any other way. It seemed frivolous to remain unassuming of the world. She knew her knowledge remained incomplete, but to have seen so much and not react in the way of progression would only disappoint her mother's spirit.

There were initial moments of weakness. Amnicity had tried to lose her mind within a romance; however, the words and thoughts seemed hollow now. The fantasy, a careless ideal, she shall never obtain. The book Stephon now tried to decipher seemed better suited for her life than romance.

"Lady Elry chose passages about war," Amnicity smirked, tapping on the cover of the first book.

"She says that it is a practical lesson for me," Stephon muttered, opening the cover while sitting down.

Amnicity tilted her head to observe her young ward.  "Would you like to be a warrior?"

"A sword seems to have a purpose. I just never knew about the rest of this. When the—"  Stephon let his words falter as the words became blurry on the page.

Amnicity studied him for a moment.  A darkness passed over his eyes.  She felt a sort of connection to him at that moment—knowledge of where his thoughts had journeyed and a need to pull him away from the darkness.

"Do not forget Lady Elry asked you to write as well," she whispered.

"Oh, yes," Stephon nodded, reaching for his quill and parchment.

"Not so much ink. Now, simply try copying the letters as they are. My trick at making this quicker is to read while writing. You do not to be so harsh upon the parchment."

Stephon nodded, willing his hand not to break the quill under so much direction. Amnicity paused her words, placing a hand softly upon his wrist.

"You are doing well, Stephon. Just breathe through the direction, doing the best you can. Any more would be beyond our human capabilities," Amnicity soothed.

"Thank you," he smiled before looking back at the page to continue.  Stephone paused after a moment.  "Princess, what is this word?"

"Alliance," she smiled.

Her eyes slowly began to phase away from the paper as she considered his reading on war and politics. The concepts did not matter to her a few weeks ago. But now, Amnicity found her mind in constant reflection on the subject. She knew her role included securing a match that would be the best for her people. One that would make their defenses stronger and leave her not so concerned about the High Generals.

Amnicity did not think she could survive another experience like Tillen. Her heart broke when she could only provide for two orphans in the town. It seemed too much to provide homes for the children. Maybe, with time, a home and an education could be provided, if the funds allowed. Lady Elry would be delighted at the prospect of torturing so many young minds with her lessons.

"Princess, what is this word?" Stephon interrupted her thoughts.

Amnicity started before bringing her focus back to Stehone and the page in front of him.

"Strategy," she stated after a moment.

"Such a complex word in a commoner's mouth is as unbecoming as a princess lowering herself to help the simpleton read," High General James Lessure stated behind Amnicity.

Stephon glanced towards Amnicity, who stared at the book without flinching. Her countenance remained undisturbed by High General Lessure's glowering gaze behind her.

"Write the word Stephon, strategy," Amnicity instructed Stephon, pointing at his paper.

Stephon nodded, returning to his work. He shifted under the High General's glare. Stephon had already been bestowed with enough reprimanding for his elevation in standing by High General Lessure.

Two days ago, High General Lessure unleashed his disdain upon Stephon and his brother when he saw them playing with wooden swords. The High General challenged Stephon to show him what he could do.  This resulted in a string of insults from Lessure and bruises along Stephon's arms and chest.

"Are these the grand political matters the Princess hurried away to?" High General Lessure continued. "Perhaps Her Highness only enjoys playing the role of a ruler, delegating duties and ordering audits on the armory. You do not seem—"

"High General Lessure," Amnicity sighed. "It seems you have misplaced yourself once again as such words could lead you to a very grave place. I am the acting monarch and future Queen.  If I wish something to be so, it shall be.  At this time, I demand an audit of the armory, which is not of your concern.  I expect the armory to be completely intact. High General Serin should have no worries. But, perhaps you are not worried about High General Serin.  Is there something you wish to speak to me about regarding the armory?  Is there something that happened with the palace guard before High General Ettore took the position?  Stephon, be careful not to press into the parchment."

Amnicity watched as the Lessure's face transitioned from pale to flushed.  His eyes shifted around the room, and her heart broke.  For the safety of Vetus, James must leave.

"Pardon me, Princess Amnicity," Lady Toria interrupted. "A letter has just arrived for you."

"Matters of importance beckon once again," Amnicity chirped.  She forced a smile as she rose from her chair to accept the letter. "Lady Toria, could you please remain to assist Stephon with his penmanship?"

"As you wish, Princess," Lady Toria nodded.

"High General Lessure, there is no longer a reason for you to be in the library. Perhaps you should retire to the office we granted you so that you may balance the treasury," Amnicity suggested, moving away from Stephon and Lady Toria.

"As you wish, Princess." High General Lessure bowed, following Amnicity's retreat from the library.

Amnicity recognized Konrik Lorin's penmanship on the letter and sighed.  She did not know which she wished to avoid more at the moment: talking more with High General James Lessure or reading this letter.  Amnicity quickened her steps to avoid finding out, but High General Lessure stopped her with a hand on her wrist before she could escape into the hall.

They stood between two stacks in the library.

"Please accept my apologies for my brash language," James whispered once he verified they were alone. "I sometimes forget myself due to the intimacy of our friendship. Though, it seems too long since you have referred to me as James."

"It has been a long while for many things. Your apology is accepted," Amnicity sighed, trying to move away. James's hand stopped her once again.

"Thank you, now concerning—"

"I have accepted your apology, not provided an invitation for advice or discourse," Amnicity cut him off, pulling her wrist away before taking a step back to increase their distance.

She did not trust the man in front of her.  Amnicity immediately had James's duties changed on her return from Tillen.  The man looked at her mother's body in fear and almost a hint of guilt on the outskirts of Tillen.  She could not prove his treachery at this time, but that did not mean she had to trust his capricious behavior. 

"My apologies for the impertinence," High General Lessure bowed.

Amnicity inclined her head without taking another step. A few moments of silence followed before High General James Lessure departed with heavy steps. The soft smile of victory halted when Amnicity remembered the letter from Konrik Loren. After a pause, she ripped open the seal with her thumb.  

She read the letter to herself.  "Again, with more condolences. Of course, there is an offering of spiritual support and counsel. It is very doubtful your sister offers her condolences with any form of sincerity," Amnicity sighed, pacing between the stacks of books.

She knew Konrik Loren did not mean to sound condescending.  He just had to write about the spirit and ways to calm it. 

Having James Lessure far away would be a step towards calming my spirit.

Amnicity bit her lip while folding the letter.  She knew dismissing the High Generals from the palace could upset them, but she needed peace in the palace. 

The princess exited the library and hurried to her father's door.  She took a moment to manage her appearance before knocking. Henry cracked the door open slightly before sighing.

"Yes, Princess Amnicity?" Henry asked, squeezing through the door so she would not inhale too much of the odor within the room.

Amnicity willed herself not to think about the state of her father inside and instead focused on Henry.  "It is time the High Generals, not directly related to matters of the palace, return home."

Henry raised an eyebrow.  "Her Highness is advising the King to dismiss the council?"

"She is—well, not all of them.  High General Ettore is needed for the palace guards.  And, Serin can stay until the audit on the armory is completed. The rest require time to attend to their regions," Amnicity responded, trying not to match Henry's smirk.

"I will pass along your advice," he bowed.

Henry provided Amnicity with a look of praise that warmed the princess's heart.  She did not know she needed that affirmation until that moment.  

Someone is proud of me.

She relished in the feeling while walking away from her father's door.  That is until she looked down at the letter in her hand.  Amnicity exhaled a histrionic sigh. She would be of no use when responding to Konrik Loren at the moment. Her mind could not steady enough to weigh the words properly. She could not escape to the garden because High General Lessure haunted it with his presence.  The blasted guards did not listen to her about a need for solitude.

Amnicity paused at a back stairwell thoughtfully before walking up. Her mother used to take her up this way to the art room. They spent hours there. Her mother painted while Amnicity played the piano. In truth, she grew to hate it, but now—now she yearned for the familiarity.

Amnicity climbed the stairs with new vigor. She recalled the path to the door, and there she stopped. A shaking hand put the required pressure on the handle to push it open. The creaking of the unused hinges did well to cover the sob that escaped her throat. She waited too long to come to this place, to be within these pale walls. 

Two floor-length windows provided light for the room.  Amnicity avoided examining the unfinished painting on her mother's easel and the unhung paintings on the floor. She walked over to the piano pushed against a wall. With practiced ease, she raised the cover of the piano keys. Her fingers paused before slamming down on ivory. Her hands repeated the practice until tears cooled her burning skin. Only then did Amnicity move the stool hidden underneath the piano to sit and play her mother's favorite song.

***

Poor Amnicity.  Any thoughts regarding James Lessure?  Thanks for reading :)

Last Edited: 7/18/21