The Dragonfly and The Sword

Part 16: Rediscovering Ivory

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.