A Boy Alone: The Lie

By Alan John Mayer

Delve into the truth; find it inside The Lie. Rally with the palace staff as Princilla stages her coup.

With the Queen and her consort off to visit the Queen’s sister; Princilla puts her takeover plan into play by casting her brother, Prince Aloneous out of the palace to live among the livestock.

Prince Aloneous doesn’t understand why his sister is out to destroy him. All he wants is to be loved, but with his parents gone and his sister determined to get rid of him, the only friend he has is his governess. Governess Joi Dyer recognizes the princess’s manipulative schemes and is determined to shield Aloneous from evil. Pick a side and grab your ringside seat to Entitlement’s battle royale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alan John Mayer
• Release date: Apr 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005398910

Alan John Mayer

Alan John Mayer was born in Casablanca, Morocco. As a child dependent of his U.S. Department of Defense father, he lived along the North African and European Mediterranean rim. Before graduating from high school, he had attended eleven schools on three continents. Growing up, foreign languages, foreign cultures, and change were the norm.At fifteen, he was trouble thrust into a series of foster homes; the fourth in the heart of Europe’s coal mining country—Germany’s post-war Ruhr Valley. He hopped a train to his favorite aunt’s house in the country. Not knowing what to do with a 15 year-old boy, on his paperboy and lawn care savings in the States, she arranged for him to visit former classmates of hers in several European capitals.In 1978, he began a life in Southern California and a journal. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and Television Production from the University of California, a Multi-lingual K-AdultTeaching Credential from the same, a Practitioner’s license from Earnest Holmes College in Los Angeles, and an M.A. in Childhood Development from the University of Life.He enjoys animals, the beach, gardening, and reading..

Book preview

The palace and grounds of Entitlement

CHAPTER I

Joi Shines Upon a Palace in Mourning

The 12:40 train to Bereavement rolled out of Entitlement Station without Carabella Needlepinch on board. Come, Miss Dyer, the chauffeur offered the new governess his arm. A little fresh air will make us feel better."

Joi tried to hide her emotions behind a hankie. One minute Miss Needlepinch was talking about going to live with her aunt in Bereavement, the next, she fell to the floor. I’m still in shock.

Mr. Crankshaft escorted the young Gracine through the terminal of talking heads, and ringing bells, interspersed with shouts, and cries. They passed through the sliding glass doors onto the collonade. We pass through this world for some reason or another, Miss Dyer, just as we pass through this door. The chauffeur walked the young governess to the Isotta Fraschini parked at the curb. Here we are. He opened the passenger compartment door. If you would step in, please.

"Mr. Crankshaft—"

Call me Crank, please, Miss Dyer; everyone does.

Crank—might I sit up front with you?

You want to sit up front, Miss—with me?

Joi nodded. If I may. I would rather not be alone right at this moment.

It would be my pleasure, Miss. Crankshaft closed the passenger door, and opened the front door. Make yourself comfortable.

Joi settled into the supple leather seats, and gathered her dress. I’ve never been in a limousine before, Mr. Crank. It seems so lonely in back—that big space.

I understand. Please, just Crank—no mister. Crankshaft closed the door, walked around the limousine, stepped into the cab, and closed the door.

Do you mind if we take a moment to pray for Miss Needelpinch?

I was going to suggest the same thing, Miss Dyer. They closed their eyes, and golden silence ensued. Two products of different states of Consciousness were meeting for the first time. I drove Carabella Needlepinch to the station, only for her to end up in the hospital, and I with a teenage new arrival from Grace, this Miss Joi Dyer. What a blessing, to have such an innocent young girl work among us.—Amen. The chauffeur opened his eyes.

Amen. Joi smiled. I hope she is going to be all right.

Whatever is for the highest good. He turned the engine over. Welcome to Entitlement, Miss Dyer. He shifted into gear, and drove off.

Nanny Needlepinch was from Terror?

Born and raised. She came to the palace at eighteen. She’s lived a full life here in Entitlement, nearly eighty years.

That’s more than four of my lifetimes.

Miss Needlepinch would have a heart attack the day you arrive.

I got rather emotional back there, Mr. Crank, but—

No mister, Miss Dyer; just Crank.

I’m sorry. I forgot. I got emotional, then I realized the truth.

And the truth is?

The truth is, whenever I have lost someone, it is myself I feel sorry for, not the other person. I know when we pass, we go to a better place.

Crankshaft stopped at the cemaphore. This performance, here on earth, is the dress rehearsal, Miss Dyer.

Trying to fill in for someone who invested eighty years with the royal family would be a terrible omen under which to enter a new position.

"Miss Needlepinch is strong. This is not her first attack, and Miss Wohlmut will be there to help, and guide you. Have you worked with children before?"

In the orphanage. Since I was five. I was a pod leader.

Well, you started young, Miss Dyer. He drove down Contentment Lane, and passed the blossoming dogwood trees. Here we are, up the lane.

Joi inhaled Entitlement. "This is lovely. Smell that aroma. Miss Needlepinch said Annie Wohlmut submitted her resignation. She’s getting married."

No one has seen a ring, Miss Dyer. Miss Wohlmut has resigned before, but she never leaves. The prince is going to love you.

"Prince Aloneous—I can’t wait to meet him. My concern is princess Princilla. Teenage girls can be a challenge. I should know; I’m a teenager myself."

"You are quite young to take on such a responsible position. Here we are. He turned into the drive, and pulled up to the gatehouse. Security has taken every precaution to keep your arrival secret, Miss Dyer."

Why?

A pretty young lady like yourself? A mob would gather.

The guard saluted, and the gates fanned open.

Joi smiled at the ducks crossing the lawn, and watched two squirrels playing chase. I smell honeysuckle, and—what is that? She pointed to the road.

That is a mother armadillo, with her pups.

They live on the grounds?

It looks like it, unless they are visitors.

Joi turned around, as the gates closed behind them. Look—a butterfly.

There are over fifteen hundred species of animals living on the palace grounds. That includes insects and birds.

Why would anyone want to leave? It’s like living in a live zoo.

Miss Needlepinch left the grounds only to go to town, except when she joined the royal family on Tour in ’24.

Joi took in the beauty of the garden, as the chauffeur pulled up to the portico, and pulled the brake. Miss Dyer, he looked into the rear view mirror. I wish for you to get off to a good start with Her Majesty.

I want to get this royal thing right. I have never been around royalty.

I would suggest you avoid using contractions.

Yes, Miss Needlepinch told me about Her Majesty’s quirk about contractions. Most peculiar. Thank you. I will remember that.

"Here comes Abel Handsforth. He is our under butler. Try not to let him sweep you off your feet, Miss Dyer."

Nanny was right.

Right about what?

"Nothing, I’m—I mean, I am thinking out loud." Miss Needlepinch was right when she described him as eye candy.

Crankshaft pushed a button, and the boot popped open. Take my advice, Miss Dyer; professional and personal relationships seldom mix well."

Handsforth opened the door, and extended a hand. Welcome to the palace, Miss Dyer. I am Abel Handsforth. If there is anything I can do for you, please, do not hesitate to call upon me.

Thank you, Mr. Handsforth.

Miss Dyer, if you need to go anywhere, anyplace, let me know. If I am off call, I will be happy to drive you. If I am on call, we will make an arrangement.

Thank you, Crank.

Welcome home, Miss Dyer. The chauffeur nodded, and walked awy.

Are you ready, Miss Dyer?

Yes. Thank you.

This way, please. Handsforth led her up the stairs into the vestibule. Your suitcase and hatbox are in the foyer.

Joi was amused by her distorted reflection in the curved brass walls flanking the steps, as she followed the under butler up the steps, into the foyer. What a job to keep these walls so shiny, she said. It must take hours at a time.

Polishing the brass walls is the worst chore. He led her through the foyer. The prince enjoys polishing. Mr. Tibbons teases him he will take our jobs away.

Prince Aloneous likes to polish brass?

"He likes to polish anything, whenever the regents are out. I will introduce you to our housekeeper, Mrs. Bissiby. She will show you to your quarters."

Thank you, Mr. Handsforth.

This way, please. I heard about Nanny Needlepinch. What a shame you had to go through her dying in your arms. She was quite a human being.

Dying?

She passed away in the hospital—I’m sorry. I thought you knew.

No. But I assumed, when I last I saw her. May she rest in peace.

First footman Fenewick Twickenham set his prayer balls aside, and bowed. Miss Dyer, I am Fenewick Twickenham. If you should need anything, please, do not hesitate to call upon me.

Thank you, Mr. Twickenham.

Just Twickenham, Miss. He nodded. I placed your suitcase and hatbox in your bedchamber.

Thank you.

Palace butler Orderic Tibbons stepped into the ladies’ wardrobe, and kissed her hand. Miss Dyer, it is so good to see you again.

Hello, Mr. Tibbons. She curtsyed.

Welcome home. It saddens me to inform you the hospital called; Carabella Needlepinch has passed away. I am sorry you had this experience on your first day with us.

One moment she was telling me about her aunt’s house on the sea, the next moment she collapsed. It came as quite a shock.

"I am going to have to break this news to Her Majesty. She will not like being last to know. Nanny Needlepinch was like a mother to her, as well as to Her Majesty’s twin sister, princess queen Erica of Discord. Excuse me for going on. You must want to freshen up. I will let Mrs. Bissiby know you are here, that she can show you to your quarters."

Thank you, Mr. Tibbons.

If you will excuse me, Miss Dyer. Mr. Tibbons sent Mrs. Bissiby to the ladies’ wardrobe, and proceeded to the morning room, where he found Queen Pristine Goldspinner seated by the fire, alongside her consort, Defender of the Faith, Godwyn Bonheur. Your Majesty, Your Highness, I have troubling news.

What is it, Tibbons? Has the new governess arrived?

Yes, Ma’am. Mrs. Bissiby is showing the young lady to her quarters now.

What is it, Tibbons? I can read your face. Something is wrong.

The new governess is rather disturbed, Ma’am.

Disturbed?

Is she not happy with the accommodations?

Has she even seen them?

No, Sir, not the accomodations. Carabella Needlepinch had a heart attack at the station, and passed away in the hospital at two minutes past one.

Oh my God. Pristine rose from the chair. Nanny is gone? I begged her to stop drinking, but she would not listen.

My condolences, Ma’am. He nodded. Consort.

Pristine bit her knuckles. I cannot meet the new governess now, Tibbons. Perhaps tomorrow, or the next day.

Offer Miss Dyer our apologies, Tibbons.

Yes, Sir.

See to it she is welcomed. Perhaps a tour of the garden might comfort her.

Carabella Annette Hochfeld Needlepinch

Born in Armory, April 1, 1830

Passed in Entitlement, May 6, 1929

R.I.P.

She is survived by her aunt, Bessie Needlepinch

niece Doris Needlepinch

and the royal family of Entitlement

CHAPTER II

What Do We Do With the Body?

Godwyn poured Brandy into two snifters, and handed one to Pristine. Take this. It will calm your nerves, he said. I imagine Tibbons is already making arrangements, so now seems as good a time as any to decide whether we forward the body to Bereavement, or send it to Terror.

You cannot be serious, Godwyn.

She came to us from Terror, Pristine.

You know Nanny never wanted to go back to Terror, Godwyn. Pristine set her snifter on the table. We will bury her in Memorial Park, with Grandpa Poldemire, GranMarguerite, and the rest of the family. How could she pass on when she was just starting a new chapter in life? I knew alcohol would be the end of her. She would not put it aside. I asked her to quit so many times. She told me she had. Oh Godwyn, I turned her into a closet drinker."

You did no such thing. Nanny was in control.

I literally caught her drinking in the closet, once.

She was ninety-nine, Pris. She lived a full life.

In the end, she was a quitter.

I would not say that. Godwyn reached out. Hand me your glass. Let me pour you another.

Not yet, Godwyn.

Come; it will settle your nerves. Godwyn handed Pristine a refill, and raised his glass. To Carabella Needlepinch, may her spirit rise to great heights.

To Nanny. Pristine raised her glass. At least, we had a proper goodbye. Carabella was like—

—a mother to you.

Not only to me; to Erica, as well.

The average life expectancy of a female Terrorist is sixty-eight years. Any Terrorist would say Nanny overstayed her visit on this plane by thirty-one years.

That is because the Terrorist is under constant threat of attack from Fear.

So sad to go into mourning the very day the governess arrives. When Tibbons gave me the news Nanny had passed, I started doodeling to clear my mind, and I came up with this. Godwyn handed Pristine a drawing. You can see how disturbed I was by my unsteady hand.

Pristine took the drawing, and looked at it. What a thoughtful man you are, Godwyn—my G.L. But your parents are still alive.

Right now, my love, my Queen, you and I are orphans in the storm of life.

Mrs. Bissiby checked her reflection in the service hall wall mirror, and walked down the service corridor, and stepped into the ladies’ wardrobe. "Miss Dyer, I am resident housekeeper, Feodora Bissiby. Welcome to the palace."

Joi curtsyed, held out a hand. Thank you, Miss Bissiby.

"Firm handshake; I like that in a woman. Call me Mrs. B. Everybody does."

It is a pleasure, Mrs. B. I am honored to become part of your household.

Allow me to show you to your quarters, Miss Dyer. The footmen have carried your luggage upstairs. So, Miss Needlepinch passed away, such a shame, just as she was beginning a new life. May she rest in peace. She led the governess to the foyer. We will take the stairs up. She shook her head. Miss Needelpinch truly loved those children.

Quigley descended, and stopped when he saw the housekeeper, with the young woman. Mr. Quigley, I want you to meet our new governess, Miss Dyer. Miss Dyer, this is Quigley.

The footman bowed. Welcome to the palace, Miss Dyer.

Joi smiled. Hello, Mr. Quigley.

Miss Needlepinch passed away just now, Quigley.

Oh, how awful. God bless her soul. May she rest in peace.

"May she rest in peace. Call the florist please, put in an order for five hundred Bereavement lilies, then gather Twickenham and Fetchett to arrange."

I will do so immediately, Mrs. B. He nodded, and descended the stairs.

And send Twickenham up to Miss Dyer’s room with a basket of fruit.

Yes, Ma’am. The footman disappeared down the corridor.

Are you the housekeeper for the entire palace, Mrs. B.?

I am. I oversee all wings, main floor to the attic.

That sounds like an awful lot of work.

I get help from all of the maids. We work as a team. How was your journey in, Miss Dyer?

A bit bumpy, but the scenery was beautiful.

Mrs. Bissiby stopped, and sighed. How unfortunate for death to overshadow your arrival. Nanny Needlepinch was like a mother to the Queen.

"Yes, Mr. Crankshaft—I mean Crank. He asked that I call him Crank. He seems anything but cranky to me. One minute, Miss Needlepinch was telling me about her aunt’s house on the sea, the next, she lay unconscious in my arms."

You were with her, as she drew her last breath, Miss Dyer. You must be an angel.

Hardly, Mrs. B.; I don’t think so.

We must settle you in. Here are your quarters; third door to your right. You will be working with Annie Wohlmut. Miss Annie has everything under control for now, so you can take your time freshening up, and after dinner, if you wish, I can introduce you to staff, and perhaps the heirs.

That would be lovely. I can’t wait to meet the children.

Miss Dyer, the housekeeper selected the right key—a caveat, if you will. When speaking in Her Majesty’s presence, try to avoid using contractions.

Miss Needlepinch told me the same. Thank you for the reminder, Mrs. B.

Your quarters are on the family floor. Not even I have that privilege, Miss Dyer. Your quarters are freshly papered, and painted. The dressing gong rings at six-thirty. Dinner is at seven. Have you eaten?

I had a sandwich on the train, and a piece of pie.

"I will send Pinguine up with the trolly. She will be happy to get out of the kitchen. Do you like roast beef?"

Joi was mesmerized by the sheer grandeur of the corridor, and the view out the window from the sitting corner. What lovely mountains.

That is Mount Majesty, and before it, The Troubled Forest.

You have a bedchamber, a study, a parlor—connected to the playroom, and lavatory. She inserted the key into the lock, and opened the door. Oh—Handsforth said he would air this out two days ago. She walked to the window, drew the sheer aside, and opened it. A light breeze waffed the sheers. The painters only just finished.

Joi took in a deep breath, and smiled. I love the smell of fresh paint. This is lovely. She removed her hat, walked to the window, and started taking off her gloves. What a lovely view of the mountains.

That is Mount Majesty, and in the foreground, the Troubled Forest. Mrs. B. opened a door. This is your lavatory.

Miss Dyer set her hat, purse, and gloves on the dresser. With how many girls do I share?

This is your private lavatory.

For me, alone? I have never had a bathroom my own—and it has a mirror? I’ve never had a mirror in all my life. I’m used to sharing with twenty girls.

Where did you grow up, Miss Dyer?

In Pawlish—at the Dyer Falls orphanage. Does Miss Annie have a space this nice?

Oh no. Miss Annie has a view to the north. You lucked out. Miss Annie would have taken these quarters, but the consort insisted they go to you.

This is a dream come true.

Mrs. B. passed under an arch. This is your study.

This is charming; how quaint.

Mrs. B. opened another door. This is the nanny’s parlor, which you share with Miss Annie, and the heirs. It connects to her quarters through that door.

This is huge. Joi studied the cornice work. How tall is the ceiling?

Twelve feet. The playroom is over here, and the prince’s quarters beyond.

Where is the prince?

Miss Annie has taken the children to the zoo in Contentment.

Oh my gosh—a rocking chair—may I try it?

This was Miss Needlepinch’s rocker, Miss Dyer. It is now yours. Rock on.

Joi took a deep breath, eased herself into the rocker, and started rocking. I can feel Miss Needelpinch’s energy in the wooden rests, as if she is speaking to me of all the years she said she’d been blessed here. I think I’ll be very happy here.

Miss Dyer, I remind you of your speech. Her Majesty has a strange aversion to the use of contractions.

"Oh—yes. You already did—the contractions things. I’ll have to remember that—I will remember. I want to start off on the right note."

Mrs. B. gave a thumb up You did it, she said. You said ‘must not,’ rather than using a contraction. You are off to a fine start, Miss Dyer. Now, I imagine you would like to be alone. She walked back to the bedchamber door. I will send Pinguine up with that tray. Beginning tomorrow, or tonight, if you wish, you will take meals in one of the dining rooms with the family, unless otherwise requested.

At Her Majesty’s request, I imagine?

Either party. You will find a palace bulletin outside your door every morning at six. It will let you know what events are taking place, when, and where. If you need anything, ring. The call button is on the nannys’ table, in the parlor.

I feel Nanny’s presence in this room. Joi walked around. It may have been renovated, but Nanny’s energy permeates the woodwork, the windows—even the ceiling. I wonder how many nights she lay here in bed, gazed up at the ceiling, and wondered what would be.

The bed is new, Miss Dyer.

Thank you, Mrs. B. In spite of having lost Miss Needlepinch this morning, I feel surprisingly at peace.

The ocean air will do that, coming in across the parfumerie fields. Death is a shock one can ever be prepared for, Miss Dyer, but it can bring peace. I will leave you now. She opened the door. Dressing gong at five thirty, dinner at six. Welcome to Entitlement, Miss Dyer. Mrs. B. walked out, and closed the door.

Joi removed her cape, and draped it over the chair. She kicked her shoes off, tossed herself onto the bed, and listened to the swans, quacking, outside on the lawn. This is heaven. She stretched, and closed her eyes.

The next morning at eight, wearing a maroon dress, Miss Dyer descended the grand staircase, eager to get to work. On the landing, she stopped, and gazed into the foyer. The vases are filled with lilies, she thought; all is quiet. She proceeded down the stairs, and stepped into the hall, as Mr. Tibbons approached.

The butler nodded. Good morning, Miss Dyer. Did you sleep well?

Good morning, Mr. Tibbons. What a heavenly bed I slept in. I have only ever slept on a cot. Miss Needlepinch’s energy is so powerful, I felt like she was there protecting me. I know I should be wearing black, but this is all I have.

You look fine, Miss Dyer; quite appropriate.

Where are the children?

They had an early breakfast, and went to the park with Miss Wohlmut. If you are ready for that tour—perhaps after breakfast?

That would be wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Tibbons.

Two hours later, Mr. Tibbons stopped at the base of the stairs. I am sorry this tour was so gloomy, Miss Dyer—with the palace in mourning, but you did get to meet some members of staff.

Yes, delightful people. When can I meet my young protégés?

Today, but first, Mrs. Thorneroft has set up an audience for you to meet the Queen.

An audience for me to meet the Queen? Joi gasped—When?

In ten minutes.

Joi gasped. "I’m honored. I mean—I am honored. I must remember to think the King’s English before I speak."

CHAPTER III

An Audience with the Queen and Her Consort

Miss Dyer stepped into the parlor, and curtsyed. Your Majesty, Your Highness. I am so pleased to meet you.

Pristine extended a hand. Miss Dyer, finally we meet. You know the consort.

I do. Good morning, Sir.

Good morning, Miss Dyer. Please, take a seat.

I find myself drawn to this particular chair. May I sit here?"

By all means; that is Princilla’s favorite chair. How do you find your accommodations, Miss Dyer?

I could not be happier, Ma’am. I have never had so much space to myself. I have never had my own lavatory.

Now you do. Pristine smiled. We want you to be happy.

Thank you, Ma’am.

Mr. Tibbons will bring the princess down momentarily. Later you will meet the prince, and Miss Wohlmut.

Your Majesty, the prince is six?

I believe he is five.

Godwyn turned to the Queen. Pristine—Aloneous is six.

Are you sure, Godwyn? My Lord—you are right.

They grow up so quickly, Ma’am.

They certainly do. I completely forgot the prince’s last birthday.

The door opened, and Mr. Tibbons announced the princess, "Her Royal Highness, princess Princilla Agarapina Marguerite Goldspinner."

Princilla entered, and curtsyed. I am Princess Princilla, and you are sitting in my chair.

Oh, forgive me, princess. Miss Dyer rose from the chair. I will move.

Stay where you are, Miss Dyer. Princilla, you can sit in any chair.

"But I want to sit in my chair, Papa Majesty."

I will move. Miss Dyer rose to her feet, and extended a hand. Hello, Your Royal Highness. I am honored to make your acquaintance.

Princilla sat down in her favorite chair. I told them; I do not need a nanny.

"Princilla, Miss Dyer is your new governess."

She is here to look after you, Princilla.

The princess sneered. I told you, I don’t want a governess.

Watch your contractions, Princilla. You do not want to get on MaMajesty’s bad side.

I heard Nanny died. Princilla turned to her father. Is that true?

Who told you that, sweetheart?

Everybody is wearing black—except for her.

This is the darkest dress I have. I’m sorry. I was not expecting a funeral.

She should have been more prepared. The princess turned back to her father. So did Nanny die?

Yes, Nanny Needlepinch passed away. Your mother and I have been waiting for the right moment to tell you.

I’m not a child. You coulda told me. Nanny Needlepinch was mean. She pulled me off my merry-go-round by my hair once.

Princilla, you know that is only half the story.

I’m glad she died. I don’t need a governess. I have a lady’s maid.

"Your mother can easily reassign Miss Edwina to another task, Princilla. I expect a bit more empathy from you."

Princess Princilla—

"You are supposed to address me as Your Royal Highness, or Mistress Princilla."

Forgive me, Mistress Princilla—instead of thinking of me as your governess, why not think of me as your sister.

You are too old to be my sister.

Miss Dyer is not much older than you, Princilla.

"I told you, Papa Majesty—I want a baby sister."

I see, Mistress; you want someone to boss around.

I do not. Princilla was struck. The only person to ever read her mind was Count Russell. You lie.

I understand your feelings. I, too, wanted a baby sister, but sometimes life doesn’t give us what we want. It gives us what we need.

You can governess to my dolls.

I understand. In time, I hope you will come to think of me as your friend. It would make things so much easier on everyone.

Princilla studied Joi’s face. Her eyes are blue, like mine, she thought, and her hair is blonde, too. Maybe, if I am nice to her, I can get her to do as I say.

Godwyn rose to his feet. I think this is going to work splendidly.

Princilla rose from the chair. MaMajesty—may I be excused now?

Not yet, Princilla Sit down. Miss Dyer, now seems as good a time as any to introduce you to the prince.

Do I have to come along? I already know him.

Let her go, Pristine.

All right. Princilla, curtsy for Miss Dyer, and you may be excused.

Princilla curtsyed before the governess. It was nice to meet you, Miss.

Thank you, Mistress Princilla. I look forward to getting to know you.

Princilla mumbled, and sneered on her way out. I don’t want a governess.

Mr. Tibbons held the door open for the three. They stepped into the corridor, and walked across the hall to the playroom. Gowen Fetchett stopped walking, and lowered his head, as they passed. Miss Dyer, the princess can be temperamental.

Godwyn held a straight face. At times, it is best to ignore her.

I was brought up to ignore undesirable behavior.

Then you and Princilla should get along famously.

Princilla watched from behind a palm planter, as they approached.

The Queen walked past. Nanny Annie is in the parlor with the prince now.

I do not want to sound like the proud father, but Aloneous creates some interesting buildings with his interlocking blocks. This is the time of day her likes to create.

What sort of buildings does the prince build?

Pristine walked. Last year, he built a gas station, a hotel, and a bank.

He also built a replica of the town hospital, and the library.

But they looked wrong, Godwyn. He left off important details.

He is a child. For a child, he shows talent. His latest craze is skyscrapers. He is building one six feet tall.

That is quite a skyscraper for a six year-old.

I gave Aloneous explicit instructions he is not to climb that ladder without a footman or Miss Wohlmut spotting him. Here we are—the nursery.

The door opened. Quigley bowed his head, and stepped aside.

Quigley, have you met our new governess?

I have, Ma’am. He nodded, on the stairs. Lovely to see you again, Miss.

Annie Wohlmut heard the commotion, set her book down, and rose to her feet, as the trio entered. Your Majesty, Sir, Miss, she curtsyed.

Miss Wohlmut, meet your new colleague, Joi Dyer. Miss Dyer, this is Annie Wohlmut.

Miss Annie extended a hand. I am so pleased to meet you, Miss Dyer, and know help has arrived.

Joi reached out. Delighted, Miss Wohlmut.

Miss Annie turned to the Queen. Ma’am, Sir, my condolences for your loss—our loss. I was beside myself when I heard the news. How terrible this must be for you, Miss Dyer, stepping into a new position, your first day."

Thank you, Miss Annie. It was quite a blow.

Carabella was looking forward to living by the sea. It’s all she talked about for weeks.

We shall all miss her. Me must keep up the faith, and send blessings her way, that she be taken to the most High.

Miss Annie, I hear you are engaged, and will be leaving?

The nanny smiled. Engaged yes, leaving, no.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

I would like to introduce Miss Dyer to the prince.

Of course, Ma’am. She led them to the playroom. I have not told the prince about Nanny’s passing. I am not sure he can handle it right now. Say nothing, please.

Go ahead, Miss Dyer. Pristine stepped aside. Miss Dyer poked