Babel Novel
13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Prince Edward knew. So he knew all along, wait If he did, why didn’t he say anything to his father? Why say it now, to Stuart? I did not even know what to say or think at the moment, and I also could not bear Stuart’s burning gaze either, so I just stared at the floor, like an idiot.
“I don’t believe you, Edward. You’re a cunning snake who won’t hesitate to throw your friend under just for the fun of it. You wanted me to serve you for a week? So be it, but know that after this week, you shall never see me again.” Stuart said with as much anger as he could muster, and stands aside.
The room is so silent, if a pin fell right now, it’d be deafening. I look from Edward to Stuart to Edward again. Both faces are blank and yet angry. Again, I feel guilt for ruining their friendship. Prince Edward is right after all; I did tamper the tea. But I can’t help but feel a little satisfaction. They deserve this, for insulting and humiliating me. It’s high time they got a taste of their own medicine literally.
I and Stuart walked back to the kitchen in uncomfortable silence again. As we drop the dishes, he reached for my hand. By instinct, I pull away. He sighs and I could feel him calm down.
“Alice…” He said softly. I turned, heart beating. What does he want to say? Does he know that Edward was saying the truth and was just putting up a front because he was pissed at Edward? Does he know I’m the reason he’s here?
“I know you have no reason to like me” He continues, “but for what it’s worth, I just wanted to say I’m genuinely sorry for how I treated you the other day. Look, if you were the one that poisoned the tea, I genuinely don’t mind, I acted like a jerk.” He rushed out and looked like he was a bit embarrassed. Guess some nobles do know how to say sorry after all.
“Why are you apologizing?” I asked bemuse this came as a surprise.
“Because my behaviour was unacceptable. You work here, you should know how cruel Edward can be. I just didn’t want to get on his bad side, and I was just trying to impress him at that point, and being mean to you seemed like the way to do it. I’m sorry, that was a stupid move. So much for pleasing Edward, huh? Look where it got me.” He gave out a short laugh as he spoke in a condemning tone at himself. For the umpteenth time since I started working at the palace, I cursed the Royals silently under my breath. They really think they could do anything they please, walk over anyone.
“Don’t worry Stuart, I forgive you. And I’ll try as much as possible to make this week as easy as it can possibly be, I promise. I’ll show you the ropes tomorrow, it’s not so hard once you get used to it.” I smiled at him and said that.
As I walked into the kitchen the next day, I could not help but feel some degree of excitement. I have an ally who understands me, finally. When I got to the kitchen, I helped Stuart clear the dishes, which attracted stares from everyone. I just know I was going to be the next hot topic but oh well.
Since we were in the same station, I and Stuart stuck together all day. He told me of how life is, being a noble man, and I told him the true story of how I came into the castle. I was apprehensive at first, but I trusted Stuart anyways. He told me he was brought up strictly and was taught not to steal, but he does not understand the pressure of doing anything you have to do to survive.
“You see, nobles and commons, we’re not so different. Once a month, my parents had scheduled a meeting between and the Prince so that we could maybe form a bond, and I’d have strong connections with the Royal family. What a joke. It’s all fake. Every month, I had to sit through a day of Edward’s crap to please my parents, in fact, almost everything I ever did was to please my parents. I’d rather be a singer, belting tunes in the bar, but that’s no work for a nobleman. I had to do horseback riding, and having painting lessons and- forgive me, I’m blabbing, my problems pale in comparison to yours. ” He said as he ended his rambling presumably coming to his senses.
“No no no, I like listening to you speak. Plus, it’s not sensible, comparing problems. It’s just like the old saying, everyone is given problems according to their capacity, and what they can handle.” I said with a smile pasted on my lips, not a word was false, Stuart laughed.
“No one said that. Plus, I think I can handle being a common man, unknown, and living as I wish. Sounds like a breath of fresh air indeed.” He jested
“And oh, as dreadful as horseback riding and painting seems, I’d prefer them to having to steal so you won’t starve.” We shared a laugh, and I felt a twinge of sadness knowing his stay here was temporary.
Third person POV.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
Prince Edward stopped in his tracks when he heard the laughter coming from the hallway. He turned to check who it was, and saw Alice and Stuart laughing, they looked like they were truly enjoying each other’s company. He walked straight to Teresa’s room.
“Prince Edward, what a pleasant surprise.” Madam said as she hurriedly stood up to attend to her master.
“I want you to make sure you separate Stuart and that Alice girl. I no longer want to see them working together.” He commanded.
“Yes my Prince…” She responded instantly.
“I have a bad feeling about them.” He said, then turned and walked back to his room. It was only when he reached his door, did he realized his fists have been clenched all along