Battle of a Bastard

Staring at the silk shoes covered with leather in my hands all my hopes of becoming one of the Knights of the kingdom sunk again. So much for being told I would be king oneday when I am not even a knight. I signed hopeless.

I always waited for the day I will join the Knights since I was very little. I knew I would make a fine Knight because I have been good with the sword since I was a lad.

All the times I have come forward when new Knights are being recruited, I was rejected without even being tested. It's still something I can't quite figure the reason behind it.

I have been the King's servant boy since I was twelve. King Harry wasn't even crowned king at the time yet.I was made to be a servant boy for King Harry since we were both twelve. I practically grew up in the palace.

****

My parent were both servants in the palace before I was born. My dad died when my mom was five months pregnant. My mom died just after bringing me to the world or so i was told.

And since then Mrs Helen had taken care of me like her own.I really like her, she's a mother to me no matter what anyone says.I grew up with her alone since she was a widow.

She was always telling me I will be someone great when i come of age which of course I still am not anything close to great.

"You know, when you were born,I had your fortune read by a fortune teller just after your mom passed away"i recall her saying.

"And I was told you would be king someday,you have royalty blood running through your veins" she would continue when I just stare carelessly at her.

I dont know why should would possibly think I would believe her. I mean,my parents were both royal servants before they passed away so what makes me royal.

Mrs Helen has been telling me this cock and bull story since I was old enough to understand the human language.

She even took me to different fortune reader once when I was eleven to get my future read again and the fortune reader told me the same thing Mrs Helen has been telling me for ages which of course I know all is crap.

"Hey" I felt a tap on my shoulder which brought me back to present.I turned my head and there she was looking right back at me. Her long blond curly hair hung on her shoulder and blue eyes like the deep sea which I always get lost in.

Charlotte was a maiden of the queen and we had known each other since we were both very young.

And to be honest I had a huge crush on her since I was eight years old and judging from the way she always smiles at me and starts conversations I think she's into me too. At least that's what I believe.

"What are you doing standing there with King Harry's shoes" Her words brought brought me back from my reverie.

"You know how he gets when you take long to do what he asks of you" she continued when she noticed me trying to put words together to say.

"I...I..was just thinking if I..I had le..left anything ou..out"I stammered miserably.

Anytime she talk to me I tend to stammer which is soo uncool since I am ot even a stammer by default.

She smiles and walks away.

****

"There you are,I was starting to think you have forgotten your place" King Harry said with a bit of anger and sarcasm as soon as I entered his chambers.

"I had to clean the blood stain from the shoes" I replied trying to hold back my hate for him. He was soo different from the former King who of course was soo kind and understanding to his subjects.

He looked at me as if daring me to say more.I kept mute to avoid losing my head.

The blood stain was Sir Lance's blood who was an advisor of the king.

King Harry had slit his throat himself in the counsel hall for having told him his subjects are cursing at him and saying his not the rightful heir to the throne beyond the palace walls which of course the former part is believable.

King Harry was one of the worst Kings I have ever come across,not that I have come across alot.

On my way to the quarters I heard whispers a little above me.I don't know what made me move towards the direction of the sound.

"I heard his not the real heir to the throne"a woman who I recognised from the royal kitchen was whispering to the other two women whom I didn't recognize.

"They say the queen couldn't birth a child for the former King so she gave birth with her lover and made it seem like it was the King's "the second lady added.

"O...o...I heard the former king had a child with one of the maidens..." I didn't let the third lady finish her sentence and I walked away. Obviously they are just spewing gossip they hear from people who are not fans of King Harry.

How ridiculous can that be..I thought to myself on my way to my chambers.

I mean,I get that they hate him but saying he is not of royal blood is just too much.

"Heyy,my king you are back" Mrs Helen said with mockery laced through her tone.

She calls me her king anytime we are alone.I did not like her calling me that and since she never gave up on it,I kinda got used to it.

"Gudnite"i pegged her cheeks and went into my room. I plumped heavily on my back and placed my arm beneath my head.

I looked up at the ceiling and different thoughts started playing with my brains.