Royally Screwed

The blanket wrapped around Kellin so warm and so soft, like it was a cloud hugging him and keeping him safe. Yet, he felt the bright rays of the sun urging him to open his eyes and he felt them flutter against his wishes, eyes taking in the room and vision coming into focus as he gave a yawn.

"Ah good, you're finally awake," Kellin heard a voice and he hummed, rubbing at his eyes and leaning to sit up a little bit more as he came to see Rian was sitting in one of the chairs in his bedroom and looking at the boy with a slightly tired expression himself, "You're as bad as His Highness sleeping in. Honestly, how can you two sleep away when there is so much work to be done?"

Kellin blushed at the thought of Vic, at what happened yesterday and what he felt as he left that ice cream place. So much confusion and so many feelings that he wasn't able to describe, he didn't knew if it was fear or if it was. . .something else. . .he shook his head, "Is Vic here?"

"No. He is to be at La Trinidad today and tomorrow. Won't be having any more of these tricks from the both of you."

"We're not playing tricks, Rian," Kellin replied and the man rolled his eyes.

"Of course you aren't. I suppose calling you 'Prince of the Americas' was all a fun little game, hm?" Rian asked and Kellin bit his lip, clenching onto the sheets tight.

"I-I didn't, Vic started it!"

"I know. He told that to Parliament himself. Kellin, they really do mean it when they don't want you to be a distraction. Any more of this and they might just send you home."

"I know, I really don't mean to. I just. . .don't know," Kellin said softly, fingers gently grasping the soft cotton and he heard Rian sigh again.

"Right, right. . .well, your first order of business today is to have your letter to your guardian written and mailed to America. Then-"

Kellin's eyes widened at the thought, "I can't! I can't tell him what is happening!"

"You must, Parliament requires it," Rian said with a frown and Kellin turned in his bed, "You don't understand. All of my life my stepdad has done nothing to me but make living unbearable and me unhappy while Jenna got everything she wanted and more. If they found out all of these things that I'm doing, all these things that I'm learning and all of these people I'm getting to know, they'll want to bring me back. All just to make sure that I'm not happier than they are. Rian, I can't write this letter, it's a sure ticket back home, please," Kellin plead and the advisor crossed his arms.

"Kellin-"

"Please Rian, please."

"I'm sorry but you must write a truthful and honest letter to your guardian. . .and if he sends you home because of it, it isn't Parliament nor His Highness' right to do anything about it."

"But--"

"You are only seventeen years old and still have not been legalized as a Miridian citizen. Your guardian still has a say in what he believes is best for you."

"Cleaning and cooking and being their slave is what he thinks is best for me! He doesn't care about me! He only cares if I bring him his food fast enough or if I shine his shoes well enough! He never cared about me and I'm happy here. I'm happy with Vic, I'm happy with Tony and Jean and Kim, I'm happy sleeping in this big comfy bed in this big room instead of my tiny bed in practically a closet. I'm happy getting fed good food instead of having to find whatever I could for dinner, I'm happy. And my stepdad is going to try and take it away from me if he had the chance," Kellin said, his eyes wide and hurting. Rian stared and drummed his fingers on the hardwood table, getting up and adjusting his tie.

"Have the letter done by noon. We have other things we must do," Rian replied and turned on his heel, walking out of the room without saying another word. Kellim looked after the man in shock, taking a pillow from behind him to scream into it and clench tight. He gritted his teeth, he just couldn't go back there, he was so much happier. He was happy, he was as happy as he was when his mother and father were still alive, it's been so long since he had this feeling of being wanted around and being liked and cared about and he didn't want to lose it so soon. He just couldn't go back, he just couldn't.

"Morning, Kellin!" the door opened and in stepped Tony, the man smiling cheerfully but expression faltering when he saw Kellin. He pushed in the tray of breakfast before walking over and sitting down beside Kellin on the bed, "What's with the sad face? Where's the ball of sunshine? Where's that smile?" Tony asked and Kellin sighed.

"The letter. Rian is making me write a letter to my stepfather."

"Well that's no reason to mope around."

"It is when he finds out that I'm actually happy here and he'll just find an excuse to bring me back home. I'm not supposed to be here, it's supposed to be my stepsister and when she hears about this, she'll throw a tantrum and since she's 'Daddy's Little Girl', he'll do anything to make her smile again."

"Meaning bringing you home so you're not with His Highness?"

"Yes," Kellin said and groaned, "And I have to write a letter and the only way I'll be able to even stay here is if my stepfather thinks I'm more miserable here than with them." All was silent and then Kellin heard Tony give out a laugh, the man ushering him out of the bed and over to the table to pick up the paper and the pen.

"Come on then, let's write your letter," he replied with a tricky smile, leading Kellin out of his bedroom in still his pajamas down the hall and down the spiral staircase. Kellin didn't know where the servant was taking him or what was he planning on doing with the letter but he could hear the sounds of the a furious man banging around in the kitchen that they were approaching. Tony paused, turning and giving a little smile, "Wait right here, I know just the perfect person to help write your letter."

"Tino? How is he going to help me write a letter?" Kellin said worriedly and Tony smiled, giving a wink.

"Well, let's just say it isn't your letter. Just wait right here, okay?" Tony replied and walked into the kitchen. Kellin rushed to the doorframe, peering inside as the servant approached Tino with a tall and eccentric walk.

"Morning Tino!"

"I don't have time for whatever you're trying to do, go away," Tino grumbled out and Tony gave a sigh.

"Let me guess, His Highness wanted you to prepare dinner for La Trinidad on last minute?"

"Yes! How dare he! That brat! It's one thing to ask me could I make a select number of specific and difficult dishes, it's another thing to make a select number of specific and difficult dishes without any time to prepare them and then have them get shipped off miles away to a castle and be expected that they stay hot and fresh! Why couldn't the chef at La Trinidad cook for him!?"

"You know he likes your cooking more, Tino," Tony replied and the man slammed fists on the countertop.

"Oh yeah? Well why doesn't he at least say so! Say 'I like your cooking', no better yet 'I love your cooking'. Because I for one, am amazing and that spoiled brat needs to see it or else I am gone!" Tino shouted and Tony held out the pen and paper.

"Which I why I'm gathering all the complaints of some upset workers to show to His Highness and maybe he'll start to feel grateful for the things that we do for him," Tony said and Tino nodded his head, slamming his hand on the countertop again.

"Yeah! Okay, start with me," Tino replied and Tony nodded his head, small smile coming to Kellin's face as the servant's plan was beginning to go smoothly into action, "I am tired of being a slave to some spoiled, arrogant prince that does nothing but disrespects me and everything that I have ever done for him like I am nothing but second rate! I am tired of having to do everything his way and I am tired of not getting the respect I deserve and I want to not have to bend over backwards for someone that won't even give me a decent 'Thank you!'. I'm sick of it here and if I don't start seeing changes, I'm quitting!"

Tony quickly scrawled down words on the paper before taking the paper tight in his grasp, "I agree, Tino. I'm going to show this to His Highness as soon as he come back from La Trinidad. And I bet that you'll be treated a lot more nicer and with the well respect that you deserve to have," Tony said with a smile and Tino nodded his head, returning to chopping up the vegetables as Tony exited the kitchen and pulled Kellin a good distance from the door so the chef did not overhear them, "And what's your stepfather's name again?"

"James," Kellin answered and Tony turned to write the name at the top of the paper, giving a tiny smile to himself at his cleverness.

"'Dear James, I hate it here. I am tired of being a slave to some spoiled, arrogant prince that does nothing but disrespects me and everything that I have done for him like I am nothing but second rate. I am tired of having to do everything his way and I am being mistreated and don't get any respect and I want to not have to bend over backwards for someone that won't even give me a decent 'thank you'. I'm sick of it here, I hate it here, it's horrible.'" Tony read aloud and then handed the letter to Kellin, "There you go, one letter that surely your stepfather will want to make sure you stay here and are 'punished'."

". . .But I have to write a letter to him at least once a month. How is Tino going to keep writing a letter thinking it's going to go to Vic? He's going to catch on."

"It's okay, there are more bitter workers around here that I could weasel a few letters out of. Now hurry on, go get changed and get that letter in an envelope, you got to be ready for your day," Tony replied and Kellin smiled at the man curiously.

"What's going to happen today?"

"Oh, something His Highness told me before he left this morning. Don't want to spoil the surprise though, go on and get ready," Tony said with a smile and Kellin quickly wrapped arms around the man in a warm happy hug before turning on his heel and rushing off to his bedroom. He showered and quickly changed into comfortable clothing, only hoping the place he was supposed to be going to wasn't extremely fancy and took an envelope from a small stationary box sitting on his desk to put the letter in and scrawl out his stepdad's address in America on the front. He licked it shut, letter firm in his grasp as he exited the hall and went in search for the advisor.

Kellin wandered around the halls for a good time, feeling strange at the thought of knowing that Vic wasn't going to just pop up and surprise him. Kellin glanced up, seeing the advisor exiting out of a room and he quickly ran over to catch him.

"Rian! Rian!" Kellin shouted out and Rian turned, Kellin handing the man the letter and he looked at it confused.

"Yeah," Kellin said, little nervous as Rian took the envelope glancing over to Kellin with shifty and suspecting eyes before tucking it into his coat pocket.

"Well. . .that wasn't so hard, was it? And I'm sure your stepfather will let you stay if he believes you are on your best behavior. . .now then. . .His Highness requested that I accompany you to Hundred Acre so let's be on our way," quickly turning on his heel and Kellin followed after him with curious expression.

"Hundred Acre?"

"Yes."

". . .Like in Winnie the Pooh?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Rian said sharply and Kellin tried to keep in step with the advisor as they began to head out of the main entrance and to the black vehicle awaiting them.

"You must know, the book? A stuffed bear? Christopher Robin? And Tigger and Eeyore-"

"Please enough. I do not have time for this childish nonsense. I am only doing this as a favor for His Highness. We shall take a quick tour and then leave, you still have your studies and we aren't going to let this little trip get in the way of our agenda," Rian replied with a huff, getting inside the car and Kellin slowly getting in afterwards. He looked upon the man as the vehicle started and began to make its way down the path, silence between them two and Kellin looking back down.

"I'm sorry if I'm such a bother to you," Kellin murmured.

". . .Excuse me?"

"Just. . .I must be very troublesome for you to take care of along with Vic. . .I'm sorry."

Rian gave a sigh, rubbing his forehead, "It has always been troubling to take care of His Highness. He was so much like our late king, having so many bright ideas and so headstrong and took matters into his own hands to get the job done. And it seemed he only grew more unruly after his father passed away."

"Because he misses him."

"Well there was a reasonable time to mourn after the funeral, now he shouldn't be acting so childish all because-"

"I still miss my parents, Rian. You can mourn but that won't stop you from missing someone. Especially someone like your father. . .and Vic never really had a childhood-"

"But he is almost nineteen! In America and Miridia, he is seen as a young adult and it is about time he begins to act like a young adult. I won't be having any more of this behavior from him, it needs to stop or else Parliament will do something about it," Rian replied and Kellin gulped.

"What will they do?"

"His Highness already knows and you two being caught and placed on the front headlines was his first warning that he needs to clean up his act. Kellin, His Highness must be a prince and I'm sorry but he can not recapture that childhood he missed out on at this moment in time. Not when there are so many important things to do," Rian replied and Kellin leaned back into the seat, taking in a sigh and looking out the window as they were passing by a golden-colored brick wall with the tree leaves poking out from over the top. Kellin felt his heart beating in slight anticipation as they made a right into a driveway, waiting for the steel gate in front of them to open up and let them inside. They parted a few seconds after, the car continuing on down the now dirt road until the pathway was beginning to grow shrouded by trees and the sun streamed in through little open spots that shone through the branches.

The car rolled to a stop, Rian getting out and Kellin getting out as well to look around at their surroundings. The air was warm, a cozy warm though not humid and Kellin could hear the sounds of birds chirping and nesting in the trees. "Come along, don't laze around," Rian replied, walking ahead and Kellin quickly followed after the advisor.

They walked through the woodland area, past the countless trees and bushes until Kellin could begin to see a brighter patch of sunlight out in front of them as they made their way into the clearing. And the first thing that Kellin saw was like he was standing on a thousand acres. So much grass and so much land to run around and play in, Kellin spotting up ahead cows grazing and sheep on the other hillside. His smile grew big and wide, "Is this the farm?"

"Yes but we have-Kellin!"

Kellin was already running to the cows, the biggest smile of childlike wonder on his face as he laughed and the animals continued to graze and mingle as Kellin circled round them. There were some that were brown, some that had brown patches and some babies along with their mothers that Kellin couldn't help but give an aw to. Then Kellin ran away from the cows to go to the sheep and baby lambs, trying to come to the slowly as to not scare them away and once he was close enough, he let his hands go through the soft wool and gently pet and rubbed them. Kellin gotten onto his feet, turning to see Rian running up behind him out of breath, "Don't ever run off like that again," he said in between a couple of quick breaths and Kellin turned beaming as he saw up ahead what looked like a small set of barn houses and it was like Rian's request didn't even reach Kellin's ears as the boy turned to run over there as well.

There were pigs and chickens in the little sectioned off quarters near the houses, Kellin leaning over the wooden fence to watch the chickens cluck and run and flap their wings as they squawked about. And following behind them, little baby chicks tweeting and chirping a cute little song that Kellin couldn't help but smile at. He saw a farmer tossing the feed out for the chickens to peck at, the little chicks trying to hurry over and get some food and he gently picked one up in his grasp with Kellin watching every single movement. He heard Rian coming next to him, letting out an exhausted groan. "Kellin, please do not run off again."

"I'm sorry, I'm just so excited!"

"It's just a farm."

"But I've never been to a farm before. Look at them," Kellin said and pointed at the little chicks, "Aren't they so cute?"

"Yes yes cute. Excuse me! Sir!" Rian shouted out and the man glanced over at them, beard bushy and hair wild as he walked over to the fence with chick still in his palm. Kellin watched the tiny little bird with such wide eyes as the man approached.

"Yes?" he asked, voice rather hoarse and Rian cleared his throat.

"I'm from the Royal Palace, His Highness' advisor, and I am accompanying-"

"Can I hold him?" Kellin asked, interrupting Rian and the advisor gave him a stern look. The farmer smiled, gesturing for Kellin to hold out his hands and the boy did, the farmer letting the small chick fall into Kellin warm grasp and stand upright once more. The feathers were soft and fluffy, he could feel the chick shaking a bit in slight nerves but he brought it close to him, "Hi there, little fella. You're cute."

"Got a lot of chicks, lots of chickens," the farmer noted and Kellin smiled as the little chick chirped and Rian rolled his eyes.

"Yes yes, as I was saying, I am accompanying His Highness' guest on a tour of Hundred Acre and if you would be so kind as to-"

"Do you want to hold him, Rian?" Kellin asked and Rian sighed.

"No I don't."

"He's really fluffy and cute though."

"I don't want to, Kellin."

"Please? Look, he likes you," Kellin said and held the chick out more for it to begin pecking at the golden decorations on Rian's coat jacket sleeves thinking it was feed. Rian sighed, holding his palms out begrudgingly and Kellin let the bird go into the advisor's hands. The chick walked around a bit, more squirming in Rian's grasp before it eventually nestled right in the middle of his palm and closed its eyes, "Aw, he fell asleep."

"Well what am I supposed to do with him, er, it?" Rian asked and the farmer jutted a thumb over his shoulder.

"You can put him right back into the hen house so his mother will take care of him Come on, I'll show the both of you," he said and opened the wooden gate. Kellin rushed in, the chickens flapping their wings in slight fright as Kellin bolted through the area and the little chicks scattered around. Kellin got to the ground, chicks slowly approaching him but scared and he let his finger run over each one of their heads gentle and soft. "You like the birds?"

"I suppose," Kellin replied to the farmer and he crouched down beside him.

"Well if you're staying here long, you should go to Francesca. Lots of birds up there," he replied and Kellin looked over at the man in curiosity.

"Francesca?"

"Yeah, the town Francesca. There's lots of birds on Francesca Grounds too, suitable since our late king loved all kinds of birds."

". . .What is there at the Francesca Grounds?" Kellin asked and the farmer scratched his head, almost like he was a bit awkward to answer this.

"Well. . .the old estate is there, that's where the Princes' grandmother lives. And well. . .His Majesty was laid to, uh, rest in Francesca Grounds," the farmer admitted quietly and Kellin felt like a breath caught in his throat.

"Vic's father is buried there?"

". . .Well. . .yes. . .I mean, I only know about it because of the funeral precession and stuff. No one is allowed on the Francesca Grounds though, only members of Royal Family so his grave and Lady Flores are not disturbed by the public. . .almost feels like yesterday that day happened, never has our country been so sad and hurt, but we pulled together and we began to help and love each other so much more after that day happened," the farmer murmured, letting a fingertip run over a chick's soft head and Kellin looked down at the little birds pecking at the dirt. Where his father is buried, it must hurt Vic so much to even think about that place, however beautiful it must be. But at least he had the power to visit his grave, Kellin could count on both hands the number of times he was able to go down to the cemetery to put flowers on his mother and father's graves without his stepfather snapping at him to come back. He liked when he could have those days there in that quiet cemetery, Kellin sitting right there on the cool grass sometimes in silence just thinking about the memories or maybe talking as if they were just sitting there right in front of him, silently listening to their son as he went on about his day and the funny little things that happened at school and how he was doing so much more better in Math to his father and how he learned how to cook his mother's special asparagus soup but it still was missing that warming touch she always knew how to give.

Kellin would just talk, those short moments were the moments Kellin just felt so free and happy even amongst all the tombstones. And maybe it was a delay, maybe it was a distraction but Kellin never cried at the cemetery. It was only when he was back at the McDougalls', back in his tiny room did he realize what he had done and feel the remorse and sadness and longing to just see his parents one more time and tell them how much he loved them and wished they never had to leave him.

Rian approached the two of them, dusting his hands and giving a small huff, "Well let's go on our tour. Time is of the essence."

The tour of Hundred Acre felt like Kellin was walking through the little book he used to read when he was just a boy. There were just too many similarities around that he couldn't help but stop and take notice. There was a 'nice place for picnics' in a little sunny meadow, an area with big stones and rock that Kellin climbed on and Rian chided at him to get back down before he hurt himself, a tree with buzzing bees that from what the farmer (who introduced himself to Kellin as 'Phil' though Rian wouldn't call the man by that name other than 'Sir') said made the most sweetest tasting honey that any one would want to climb up and dare to try and take a taste. There was a small house on the hill where Phil lived along with other ranch hands and was too far out for Rian's liking to walk over there and greet everyone like Kellin wished but maybe later for another day he'll meet the other people.

There was a carrot patch that Kellin chirped even looked like Rabbit's Garden and Phil joked that there were a lot of rabbits that lingered around this area, the man smiling along with Kellin as they crossed over the stepping stones and passed by a sandy pit where Kellin was sure Roo would play. So many things about this place buzzed Kellin's mind, Vic was right about him liking this farm and the boy only wished that the prince was right by him so he could excitedly chirp how that plain and empty part of the plains looked like Eeyore's Gloomy Place or that stump was such a nice little 'Thoughtful Spot'. He knew that Vic wouldn't grow bothered by it, he knew that Rian was maintaining very little tolerance with Kellin's excitable behavior and the man was very quiet during the entire tour as Phil explained the area and Kellin would take in each sight in wonder and awe.

The three of them walked over onto a bridge, Phil stopping to gesture down at the small river beneath them, "This is Poohsticks Bridge-"

"Just like in the story!" Kellin replied happily and Phil smiled.

"Exactly. You know, His Highness loved those books. Don't know if he still remembers them though. Anyways, this bridge is nice and sturdy. Lasted ever since His Highness was four years old."

"Do you play the Poohsticks game?" Kellin asked and Rian scoffed.

"What is this game?" the advisor asked and Kellin grinned, rushing off the bridge for a split second to break off three branches from a tree near by. He rushed back up and handed one stick to Rian while the other stick to Phil and walked to the side of the bridge where the river was upstream. Phil was already by his side, already knowing about this little game while Rian slowly came beside Kellin after and was inspecting the branch in his hands, "What are you planning?"

"Well, you play Poohsticks by dropping your stick into the river. And then you go onto the other side and see which stick makes it under the bridge the fastest and whoever stick does is the winner," Kellin explained and Rian scoffed once more.

"How preposterous."

"But it's fun! Please Rian, it'll be fun," Kellin urged and the advisor bit his lower lip.

"All you're doing is just dropping a stick into a river! What fun is-"

"It's what you make out of it, you don't need fancy toys and gadgets for fun. You just need to have a good imagination and this is all the fun you need," Kellin replied and Rian's lips curled, looking like they were trying to fight between a frown and what Kellin assumed to be a small smile. Kellin faced the railing, holding his own branch out and the two men did the same, "Okay, ready. . .set. . .go!"

And with that, they dropped the sticks into the water and the three rushed over to the other side of the bridge. Rian was looking over, trying to see if his stick was going to come out first but at the same time trying to look disinterested with the entire thing. Phil was humming to himself, calmly waiting and watching the slow flows of the river take course. And Kellin was still beaming in excitement of this all, knowing that if Vic were here the prince wouldn't stop chatting and bouncing around until a stick came out. If it was his, then he might celebrate with a crooked smile and swoop Kellin into his arms. If he lost, then he might pout and demand a rematch, as many as he could until he won. Vic gave a small sigh, wondering what the prince was doing now. . .

"Oh look! That one is mine! Mine had a leaf!" Rian shouted out, pointing to a stick that was slowly floating down stream and the man began to smile big at the victory but then blushed and cleared his throat. Kellin's stick came in afterwards then last came Phil's and Kellin smiled over at the blushing advisor that was trying to regain his composure, "W-Well come on then, you had your fun. Time for your studies."

"But can we see the other animals, Rian? What about the pigs or the horses?"

"Oh well if you want to see the pigs, there's a whole new litter of piglets that were born a couple of days ago. Little teacup pigs, thinking about selling them and-"

"Can we see them? Please? Please?" Kellin asked and Rian pinched the bridge of his nose.

"But then you'll want one and that is strictly-"

"But Vic said you can have a royal pet."

"Well yes you can but-"

"Please Rian?"

The advisor stared at Kellin, stared at those big green eyes and gave a pitiful sigh, "Fine, show us the pigs. Then we go back to the palace."

And Kellin's smile just grew bigger.

They were all small, tiny and cute. Some were spotted and some were dusty pink and trotting around in the hay barn as Kellin got down to his knees and smiled at them all.

"Now Kellin, remember we're just looking, we're not here to buy any-"

"Oh well actually, there's this really small one, kind of the runt of the litter and don't think will get that much on the market so. . ." Phil began and Kellin looked over his shoulder with jaw agape.

"You mean I can have one?"

"Well that one, yes. Any other pig you're going to have to pay for it. Also buy their food and keep them groomed and well taken care of," Phil replied and Kellin grinned.

"I never had a pet before. I always asked my mom and my dad for a puppy but they never could get one. . .please Rian, please can I have it?"

"Uh, which one of these pigs are you talking about?" Rian asked, trying to sound so nonchalant and Phil walked over, surveying them before reaching down and picking up a small little pink pig with a speckled snout and carried it over to Kellin.

"This one, she's the runt of the litter. She's good though, very very good," he replied and crouched down to hand to Kellin. The pig snorted and squealed, Kellin rubbing her head gently and holding her close to his chest as he rested a chin gently atop her head. He looked up at Rian, the man looking down at Kellin with a sigh, "Please can we keep her Rian?"

"But Her Majesty-"

"I'll take good care of her, Rian. I promise, I-I'll feed and groom and teach her how to go to the bathroom and make sure that she doesn't cause any problems for you at all, I promise," Kellin said and then held the little piglet up to the advisor, "Look at how cute she is."

"She's a pig."

"A cute pig," Kellin said defensively and Rian pinched the bridge of his nose. "Please? Please? I promise Rian, I won't get in your way with Vic. Anything that he needs to be doing, I'll leave him alone and just play with her, please? Please?"

"Kellin. . .ugh," the man ran a hand through his hair and looked at the small pig in Kellin's grasp as her snout scrunched and her eyes squinted. Rian bit his lip and glanced at Kellin, "You promise to not be getting into any more trouble?"

"Promise, Rian."

". . .And you'll take after her?"

"Yes, I won't slack off on her, I'll take really good care of her," Kellin replied, looking over his shoulder at Phil to give the farmer a reassuring glance and back at Rian. The advisor crossed his arms, tapping his foot and humming as he thought over the pros and cons while Kellin just held onto his hopefully future pet. A pet pig, how unique was that. Wouldn't be getting anything like this back with the McDougalls in America. Rian rubbed his forehead before looking over at Phil.

". . .I guess we're taking her."