In the tub filled with warm water, Aiden sat down as her nanny gave her a bath. Washing her shoulder length hair the middle aged woman filled the mug with water pouring gently over the child's head
" How was your day" Theresa , Aiden's nanny spoke up breaking the silence in the room.
"It was great!" " The baron got what he deserved and father let me have a servant of my own" came Aidens reply.
" A servant you say?"Theresa asked confirming if she had heard correctly
"Yes, an orphan who was among the slaves kept in the Barons house"Aiden replied as she played with the water in the tub
" I see, you seem to be getting along with your father lately" Theresa said picking up the child from the tub
"Yes, he treats me well " Aiden replied with a sad smile
"At least he pays attention to me whenever Calhoun isn't around"
" Don't be sad dear your mama and I would always love you" Theresa tried cheering the little girl
" I love you too" Aiden said snuggling up with her nanny
"Ha ha ha Aiden look how you've gotten me all teary" sniffling Theresa took a handkerchief from her dress to wipe her face
" Mother, why do I have to wear a waist coat and trousers while Charlotte and the girls get to wear dresses" Aiden questioned
Theresa not expecting to be asked such a question was slightly taken aback
" Oh dear"
" It was your late mother's wish "
" Matters relating to the male children are highly regarded and well taken care of while those concerning the females aren't considered important by your father"
"Disguised as a prince not only reduce the number of bullies but also make the king pay attention to your up bringing" "I guess this is the logic behind your mother's wish" Theresa explained as she braided Aidens hair
"Now dear go and have dinner don't keep the rest waiting" going to the dinning room Aiden picked up a small pouch that was laying on her dressing table.
In the dinning hall everyone sat according to how much power they held. The king sat at the head of the table with his first wife queen Aurora while the others came after.
" Aiden is hiding food inside his clothes! " A boy screamed suddenly standing pointing fingers in Aidens direction. seeing everyone looking her way, Aiden started to cough
" Ahem ahem ahem why would I do such disgusting things when the food placed in front of me is more than enough" she asked no one in particular looking wronged
" What? I saw you ! " The boy angrily said as he saw no one believed him instead they gave him a look that read you must be crazy.
" You must be imagining things brother", " Are you trying to make me look bad in front of father? "
" The other day I was accused of eating mucus now I'm accused of hiding bread in my clothes" Aiden said amidst fake tears
" Y You... I'm not telling lies you did not put food in your clothes" the boy stammered as he was too angry to talk properly.
" Sit down" A loud voice belonging to Eugene rang out through the dinning room.
" But but father"
" Silence". Eugene commanded causing the boy to sit down dejectedly.
"No talking while eating, Evelyn teach your son simple manners" Eugene said to his second wife as he wondered if there had been a time when Aiden was reported to be eating mucus.
Of course there wasn't. She had obviously made it up.
After everyone was done eating dinner, they went back to their various rooms leaving the dinning table to be cleared by the servants.
" Excuse me miss, I'm looking for the servant that was brought in today. " Aiden asked the head maid who was in charge of the servants.
"A servant brought in today" the head maid stroked her chin trying to remember who the child spoke of.
" Oh , yes a boy was brought in today"
" He's in the stable. He was assigned to help in cleaning the stable s "
" Alright, thank you" Aiden replied running off to the stable
On arriving there she was met with a scene. An injured Audrey was kneeling in front of a man who carried a whip. Seeing what was going on Aiden ran to help Audrey get up from the ground.
" What's the meaning of this" she said angrily
" He was rude to prince Calhoun " the man replied nonchalantly.
" What did he do to you" Aiden asked her brothers who stood by the side with smiles plastered on their faces.
" Nothing" replied Calhoun
" You wronged me by offending John earlier "
" He took the punishment for you, I heard his your personal servant" Calhoun said smiling.
Rushing to where the three boys were standing Aiden punched the boy in black tail coat and trouser. The effect of the blow sent Calhoun falling. Not giving him enough time to react , she pounced on him sending blows to his face. The boys standing tried pulling her off him yet she wouldn't bulge until the man with the whip carried her off him.
Breathing hard, she pointed at the boys
" This should serve as a warning to you"
" Butt face is mine "
" I'm the only one allowed to punish him" she warned trying to catch her breath. Calhoun, standing with the help of his two brothers cries
" I'll tell. This to father "
" Of course you'll, your face is all swollen up and ugly, while mine is soft without a single bruise " Aiden mocked
" Father would be disappointed in his dear son cos he was no match for his weak opponent despite the training he has undergone " Aiden said clicking her tongue.
Not able to stand the disgrace, Calhoun ran away leaving the rest to follow suit. Finally left alone, Aiden handed the pouch that contained food to Audrey.
" This is for you. The food given to the servants aren't much "
" Thanks"Audrey collected the pouch in disbelief , wondering why she was being nice to him
" I'll ask mother to help you with your wounds later "
" It's alright" Audrey replied plainly
" Don't let anyone bully you, just report them to me"
" I'll fight for you " she said patting her chest to show she really meant what she said.