Tap, tap, tap, tap
Hattie stormed through the castle hallways as Nylah followed behind her.
"Make fun of me, disrespect me, you think you're so good Gabrielle, better than me, I'll make you pay," Hattie ranted, her feet stomping on the floor.
"What do you plan on doing? It seems Gabrielle has His Majesty wrapped around her finger," Nylah said, trying to keep up.
Hattie paused in her tracks. Rage running through her veins, she turned around to face Nylah.
"She does not," Hattie fumed, pointing her finger in Nylah's face, "His Majesty cares nothing about that floozy and when I tell him about what the precious Gabrielle did, he will throw her out without a second thought."
"I thought I told you to address her as Milady," Ansel scolded, anger roaring in his voice.
Hattie jolted, feeling chills run through her body, she turned around seeing Ansel towering over her, his face filled with annoyance.
"Y-Your Majesty, I-I didn't know y-you were here," Hattie stuttered, bowing to him alongside Nylah, "I was just coming to tell you,"
"I don't want to hear any excuse," Ansel interrupted, "I told you to address Lady Gabrielle as Milady did I not? Who are you to defy my orders and talk about her in a nasty way?"
Fear filled Hattie's eyes as she met Ansel's fiery look. "N-Nobody y-your M-Majesty I m-meant no disrespect," Hattie stammered, trying to find the words to say.
"But you disrespect Lady Gabrielle when my back is turned," Ansel asked, gritting his teeth.
"She disrespected me first," Hattie whined, gripping her dress, "She talked back to me and I'm Lady of the Castle. She should be punished."
"I'm going to tell you this one time and one time only, you are not Lady of The Castle. I never gave you that title and it is not a title that you have earned. The only reason you are in this castle right now is because my father commanded it for saving his life several years before he died. I have tried to keep this extension of a thank you alive for his memory but if you keep disrespecting Lady Gabrielle and causing trouble I will you along with your maid thrown out. Do I make myself clear," Ansel threatened, his eyes filled with harshness.
"Yes your Majesty, I promise it won't happen again," Hattie apologized as she and Nylah bowed.
Tap, tap, tap
Hattie and Nylah looked up, watching Ansel walk away from them.
'I won't let you destroy the order of this castle Gabrielle, you won't win this war,' Hattie thought as she gripped the skirt of her dress tightly.
She looked at Nylah, deceit covering her face, "Come Nylah, we have work to do," She whispered, as she walked away, and Nylah followed behind her.
7 weeks later
Gabrielle sat on a chair that sat at her vanity, staring at herself in the mirror.
'I haven't been able to spend much time with Ansel since I got here… I know he's busy but… I miss him… And not being able to see him besides our simple glances in the hallway and our occasional hellos is killing me…'
Knock, knock, knock
"Come in," Gabrielle said, looking towards the door.
Eeeeeer eeeeek
Her bedroom door slowly opened and Josphine entered the room holding a silver tray that had a silver covering on top
"Good morning, Milady did you sleep well," She asked, walking towards her, handing the tray over to her.
"I slept fine, thank you," Gabrielle responded, grabbing the tray, and placing it on her vanity.
"Cobsworth asked me to send his apologies, he's helping His Majesty sort out his scheduling but he will be coming to check on you soon," Josephine informed.
"Well at least one of us gets to see Ansel," Gabrielle sighed, pressing her chin into the palm of her hand.
"What's wrong Milady, you seem down," She asked, concern hiding in her voice.
,
Gabrielle looked at her, letting out a sigh. "It's been 7 weeks and I haven't been able to actually see His Majesty. I only ever seen Cobsworth and the little interactions I get with His Majesty make me miss him even more… I get he's busy but I… I miss him," Gabrielle complained, looking away.
Josphine smiled softly,"Well why don't you ask His Majesty for some private time," She hummed.
Gabrielle slapped her hand down on the vanity, her heart beating rapidly against her chest. She turned her head, looking at Josephine, embarrassment covering her face.
"I could never," She exclaimed, covering her rosy cheeks.
"Why not Milady," Josphine chuckled, "Don't you miss His Majesty?"
"Of course I do," Gabrielle responded, "But… He's so handsome and when I look at him… My heart completely stops and I can't make out any other words to say except hello and goodbye. How could I possibly ask him to spend time with me, especially when he's so busy. He probably doesn't even like me anyways."
"Doesn't like you," Josphine laughed, "His Majesty is smittened with you. I mean I've never in my 8 years of working in the castle seen him put Cobsworth in charge of guest let alone a woman who lives here. Cobsworth is his most trusted servant. Cobsworth is practically His Majesty's second father. His Majesty would never act or do anything of the sort that he has done for you for anyone else."
"You mean that," Gabrielle marveled looking at Josephine with widened eyes, "You think he likes me that much."
"Yes I do, I would even call it love," Josphine chirped, "I think you have His Majesty wrapped around your finger and if you asked His Majesty would stop everything he's doing just to please you."
"Well then why hasn't he said anything to me," Gabrielle asked, suspicion creeping in her voice.
"Probably the same reason you haven't," Josphine teased, grabbing on to Gabrielle's hands, making her stand to her feet, "Because you make him nervous and he loves you."
Gabrielle pulled one of her hands away, covering her gentle smile.
"In love with me? I don't think so," Gabrielle blushed.
"Only one way to find out Milady." Josephine bubbled, "Ask His Majesty out on a date."
"A date? A date to where," Gabrielle wondered.
"Anywhere you want," Jospehine beamed, "Think of something you want to do and ask His Majesty to take you and I'll bet you he'll say yes."
Knock, knock, knock
Gabrielle and Jospehine looked towards the door, seeing Cobsworth standing in the doorway.
"I'm apologies for being late, Milady," Cobsworth apologized, entering the room.
"Oh Cobsworth you're just in time, Milady has a question to ask you," Josphine grinned, giving Gabrielle a light nug.
"What is it Milady," Cobsworth inquired.
"I u-uh, I-I," Gabrielle stammered, looking down, "I-I heard the fireflies here a-are beautiful. S-Something like no other kingdom in the world has ever s-seen so I-I was wondering i-if, i-if," Gabrielle paused, gripping her arm.
"You want to see the fireflies Milady," Cobsworth hinted, giving a half smile.
"Y-Yes," Gabrielle answered, brushing her hair behind her ear, "I want to see the fireflies."
"Well that's no problem at all. His Majesty has permitted me to take you anywhere you want and he has a perfect spot to go see them. Shall I take you tonight," Cobsworth asked.
Gabrielle looked up at him, giving a small sigh, "No that's quite alright…"
"Why not Milady? Is something wrong," Cobsworth questioned.
"I-It's just… Just…" Gabrielle paused, unable to speak but giving out another sigh.
"You would rather His Majesty take you instead of me," Cobsworth asked with a grin, knowing the answer.
"No," Gabrielle gasped, looking at Cobsworth, "I would like nothing of the sort."
"Ah okay, then I'll tell His Majesty what you said," Cobsworth teased, getting ready to leave the room.
"Cobsworth please," Gabrielle whined, making Cobsworth stop in his tracks, "Please don't tell His Majesty… I really, really want to go with him but I-I know he's busy so I can't be selfish… I really do want to see the fireflies though so if you can take me, please do…"
Cobsworth turned around, giving a sly grin. "Of course Milady. I'll go inform His Majesty about us leaving tonight."
Gabrielle nodded, watching as Cobsworth left the room.
"Oh Milady, you have it bad for His Majesty," Josphine smirked.
"Oh be quiet," Gabrielle huffed, walking over to her plate.
"Alright, I'll just zip my lips and think of how in love with His Majesty you are," Josphine teased, swaying side to side.
Gabrielle uncovered her food, revealing her pancake and egg breakfast. She picked up a fork, scooped up some food, and took a bite.
"Awe it's cold, because I got distracted by you," Gabrielle complained, pursing out her lips.
"Oh I'll go and make you some more Milady, wait here, I'll be right," Josphine chuckled, starting to leave the room.
"Wait," Gabrielle said, walking towards her, "I'll come with you."
"No, no, no Milady I simply can't permit that," Josephine objected, "Royalty is not permitted to be in the kitchen. Please let me get the food for you."
"I'm not royalty," Gabrielle retorted, grabbing onto Jospehine's hand, "Plus I
don't know my way around the castle and I want to learn. I want to see every bit of the castle, even the servant areas so please, take me."
"Fine," Josphine grumbled, "But if I get in trouble, you better take the fall."
Gaberielle nodded as Jospehine led her out of the room.
On the other side of the castle around a hallway corner Hattie and Nylah stood.
"What are we doing," Nylah questioned.
"I'm waiting for His Majesty to leave his office so I can casually run into him and make conversation," Hattie articulated.
They watched the door, as the minutes rolled past.
Inside the King's Office Ansel sat on a chair behind a white wood desk, tapping his finger on the desk.
'It's been over a month and me and Gabrielle haven't gotten any closer… We've only spoken a couple of words to each other here and there but nothing like before… Everytime I try to look at her, she quickly looks away… I fear I make her uncomfortable, but she… She had my heart…'
Cobsworth walked up to the office door not noticing Hattie and Nylah watching in the distance.
Hattie watched with widened eyes. 'Why is he disturbing His Majesty,' She thought, narrowing her eyes.
Knock, knock, knock
"Come in," Ansel said, looking towards the door.
Eeeeer
The door opened and Cobsworth entered the room, closing the door behind him as Hattie and Nylah watched.
"Come Nylah, I want to hear what he has to say," Hattie whispered, quietly walking up to the door, listening in on their conversation as Nylah followed behind her.
"I hope I'm not interrupting you, Your Majesty," Cobsworth said, bowing to Ansel.
"You aren't interrupting anything… Please tell me how Lady Gabrielle is," Ansel said.
"She's doing well but she wishes to see the fireflies," Cobsworth informed.
"If that is what she wishes, then take her to see them. Give her anything she wants," Ansel responded.
"Yes but Your Majesty, she does not wish to see the fireflies with me, Cobsworth said, "She wishes to see them with you."
"With me," Ansel blurted, "Why does she want to see them with me? I mean she hasn't said more than two words to me for over a month. She avoids eye contact with me, and it's as if she runs away from me every time I get close to her. Are you sure she wants to go with me?"
"I'm positive," Cobsworth smiled, "She told me herself. She wishes to go with you. I believe she deeply loves you, Your Majesty but is too afraid to say anything."
Ansel stood up from his chair, raising an eyebrow.
"I just can't believe it…" Ansel muttered, "I just have to hear it for myself."
Hattie gripped her dress, anger arising in her body. "Let's go Nylah, we need to enact step 1," Hattie muttered, leaving with Nylah to find Gabrielle undetected by Ansel and Cobsworth.
Ansel walked towards the door and left the room looking for Gabrielle
In the kitchen Gabrielle stood with Jospehine.
"His Majesty would have my head if he knew that you were in the kitchen Milady," Jospehine grumbled.
"Well just tell His Majesty that I commanded you to take me, since he gives me whatever I want," Gabrielle snarked.
"Oh ha-ha, using my words against me I see," Jospehine chuckled.
"Of course, serves you right for all the teasing you did," Gabrielle snickered, sticking her tongue out.
"Oh you mean how you SWOOOOOOON at His Majesty. Oh Your Majesty, I love you so much. Kiss, kiss, kiss," Josphine jested as Gabrielle laughed.
"Oh yeah laugh it up now, but one day I shall be queen and I will have your head," Gabrielle joked.
"So you believe that you'll be queen," a familiar voice said.
They looked towards the doorway of the kitchen seeing Nylah and Hattie enter the room.
"Oh look the mood killer," Josphine sighed, rolling her eyes, "We haven't seen you in weeks and now, as soon as we talk about His Majesty you pop up out of nowhere."
"Watch your tongue," Nylah scolded, "Lady Hattie is…"
"It's alright Nylah," Hattie interrupted, keeping Nylah from speaking, "We need to be kind."
"Well that's a change," Josephine snickered, "So what evil plan do you guys have now."
"Nothing evil," Hattie answered, "We all got off on the wrong foot and I just want to make amends."
"Yeah right," Josphine argued, "I don't buy it for one second."
"Please we really came to make peace, I mean we've even been trying to avoid you guys because we were trying to find a way to apologize," Hattie said, "Now Gaber… I mean Milady… I hear you have feelings for His Majesty, am I correct?"
Tap, tap, tap
Ansel walked close to the kitchen hearing their voices.
Gabrielle looked to the ground.
"I knew it," Hattie chirped, "You like His Majesty."
"Well I-I… I think His Majesty is handsome and kind and when my eyes meet his… His intense blue eyes… I get butterflies and melt away everytime… Every time I see him I get tongue tied. Sometimes I wish… I wish he would hold me like he did once before… But I don't think he'll pay me much mind… We don't talk much… And I don't see him often though I wish I could…" Gabrielle confessed, her cheeks turning red.
A smile came on Ansel's face, as he left, undetected.
"That's all so gushy but His Majesty loves Hattie… I mean they talk several times a day, which is more than you, and we see him all the time," Nylah jeered, "You should see the way he looks at her."
"Oh stop," Hattie giggled, giving a light slap on Nylah's shoulder, "Milady just poured out her feelings for His Majesty in front of us and her maid. You don't need to embarrass her any further."
"I'm not her maid," Jospehine snapped, gritting her teeth.
"Oh then who takes care of Milady," Hattie gasped, hiding her deceit in a friendly tone, "I can't believe His Majesty forgot to give you a maid Milady. His Majesty never has done anything of the sort like that to me… It's why I have Nylah. She was a gift directly from His Majesty to me, to make sure I was taken care of. You pour thing. I'll make sure to tell His Majesty to give you a maid before we go off on our daily walk around the castle."
"Actually, I have a servant that takes care of me," Gabrielle mumbled, "And he's quite kind so you don't have to say anything to Ansel.'"
Hattie gritted her teeth, holding back her frustration.
"He," Hattie inquired, "His Majesty gave you a male servant? How improper! Who is this male servant?"
"Cobsworth," Gabrielle answered.
"Cobsworth," Hattie exclaimed, thinking, 'I've been wanting Cobsworth to serve me for years and His Majesty would never allow it, yet this floozy waltz in here and His Majesty just allows Cobsworth to serve her? I'm going to ruin her.'
Hattie looked away, hiding her bitterness, she said, "That just simply won't do. His Majesty runs out of maids and just gives you his leftovers. I mean to send Cobsworth to someone as special as you… Just unacceptable. I'll talk to His Majesty about getting you a proper maid."
"But I…"
"You don't have to thank me Milady, I want to help you," Hattie interrupted, leaving the room, while Nylah followed behind her.
"Cobsworth, he put Cobsworth in charge of her… What are we going to do Hattie," Nylah worried.
"We're going to act in phase 2 of our plan, and put this floozy in her place," Hattie smirked, "Don't worry about a thing, when I'm done with her, His Majesty will have no interest in her whatsoever."