Pageboy

A silly little thing inspired by a song that got stuck in my head.

They both just call me pageboy. I call them good Sir Leon and Lady Goodwin. At least out loud. In my thoughts they are Leo and Lily. I glance down at the letter in my hand. Do I dare? I’ve already read one of their letters. But that was an accident, wasn’t it? Leo had forgotten to seal the last letter. Rather than bother him (he gets grouchy when pestered, besides, I’m supposed to be discreet) I went to his chambers to seal the letter lest any curious people should come across it.

Curious people like me.

Maybe it wasn’t as much of an accident as I make it out to be. I had the best intentions, but the letter had had such a sweet opening: “My love, news of you gives me the strength to push through these trials that beset us so easily.” The rest of the message was equally well worded, and equally full of love. Parts of it sounded like an apology: “Such unfortunate events could not be avoided, and I humbly beg pardon for any and all insults my family may be responsible for.”

I know that Leo and Lily aren’t supposed to be in contact. Lilith is the King’s ward, and Leo’s family perpetrates contention between two warring factions of court. King Greg simply must retain neutrality, or the kingdom will shatter. Even a pageboy could see that.

When Leon had first asked me to deliver a message to Lily, I had thought nothing of it. This could be an effort to negotiate peace with the other faction. This could be a reply to a previous argument or discussion. After that first delivery to the castle, the correspondence had exploded. At least one letter was sent every day, sometimes multiple letters a day. It doesn’t take a King to figure out what’s going on there.

When I’d read that letter, though, it all became so real. Before, it had seemed hypothetical. They maintained perfect composure around each other, never saying or doing anything out of place. Even when one of them hands me a letter to deliver, it is with the uttermost indifference, as if it were simply a request for the royal cobbler to fashion a new set of shoes.

The words contained in that letter though… the sentiment. If they are truly that in love, I am in awe that neither has given it away.

You know what, enough reminiscing. Enough dawdling, if I’m going to open this, it had better be now. I soften the wax over a candle in the servants quarters. Everyone else is asleep at this hour. Leo had asked me to deliver this one quite late. Once the wax is just malleable enough, I gently pry the seal open. The letter inside is as follows.

“My Dearest Lilith,

My heart yearns for the moments we spend alone. I cannot believe that anyone else can bring me the happiness in a lifetime, that you bring me in a moment. I agree that something needs to be done and I believe that your solution is the best available, and I will implement it within the week. I will meet you in the rose garden at the usual time tonight. More can be said there.

Lovingly yours,

Leo”

Tonight… that could be any moment now! I hurriedly reseal the letter to the best of my ability, then I’m running to the king’s castle. The guards let me through without comment, I’m a page, what harm could I do? I run up to Lady Goodwin’s room and knock on Lady Goodwin’s door.

“Ah, I’ve been expecting you,” she greets me.

“For you My Lady”

“Hold on a moment pageboy,” she calls after me as I start to leave. I see that she had opened and read the letter. Oh Lord, what if she knows I read it. I take a few steps until I’m standing in front of her.

“I just wanted to thank you. You’ve done everything for Leo and I. It means the world to us, it really does. Thank you, and goodbye,” it spilled out of her like a confession.

“You’re, uh, welcome. What do you mean goodbye?” I ask.

“Leo and I… we’re leaving. He has and ambassador's position in the next kingdom over. I’m going with him. Tomorrow.”

A huge smile breaks across my face, “Best of wishes for the both of you. Might I be so bold as to make a request?”

“What would that be, pageboy?”

“My name’s not pageboy, you can call me Al”