A Change of Station :Chapter 5

5 years later......

As Ethan ran through the palace courtyard, his laughter echoed off the stone walls. He was chasing a poor goose, who was running helplessly for help. The goose's frantic honks filled the air, and Ethan couldn't help but laugh as he gained on his feathered quarry.

Just as he was about to catch up, someone grasped his collar, lifting him off the ground. Ethan's legs kicked futilely in mid-air as he was suspended, his laughter dying on his lips.

"Ethan?" a deep voice inquired, amusement dancing in its tone.

Ethan's eyes locked onto the guard's, and he replied, "Yes, sir!"

The guard's grip relaxed, and Ethan found himself standing on solid ground once more. "Why are you chasing that goose, hmm?" the guard asked, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Ethan launched into a breathless explanation, recounting the events that had led to the chaotic goose chase. "I was washing the dishes outside the palace kitchen, all of a sudden this goose came by my side, pooped, and ran as if I did something to it, sir!" he rambled.

The guard's expression transformed from amusement to outright laughter, and he doubled over, holding his sides. Ethan's face scrunched in confusion, unsure what was so funny.

As the guard regained his composure, he grasped Ethan's ear, giving it a gentle twist. "How many times have I told you not to lose focus and yet here you are?" he chided, his voice tinged with affection.

Ethan winced, rubbing his ear. "But the goose, sir..." he protested.

The guard's expression turned stern, and he pointed toward the palace kitchen. "Leave the poor goose be and go finish your task. Have you finished washing those plates?"

Ethan's face scrunched in thought. "What plates?" he replied, earning a sigh from the guard.

"The ones you were washing before you decided to chase after that confounded goose!" the guard exclaimed.

Ethan's eyes lit up with recollection. "Ohhhhhhhh, it's still there—ouch!" The guard twisted Ethan's ear once more.

Ethan arrived back at the kitchen, only to be greeted by a soaking wet blast of soap water. "You imbecile, where have you been running around? Go wash those dishes!" the old lady roared angrily.

Ethan's eyes stung from the soap, and he stumbled backward, tripping over his own feet. "But you didn't have to pour the water on me," he muttered.

The old lady turned to face him, a scowl on her face. "What did you say?" she demanded, her voice laced with venom.

Ethan repeated his words, rushing them together in a nervous jumble. "I Said You Did Not Have To Pour Me Water."

The old lady's face turned red with rage, and she grabbed Ethan's little hand, dragging him inside the palace as he tried pulling away, only to be slapped across the cheeks.

"I've had it with you!" the old lady exclaimed.

She stopped in front of the throne, where Queen Evie sat, a smile on her face.

"Oh, my, what's all the ruckus about?" Queen Evie asked calmly, dismissing the visitors with her hands.

"Your Majesty, I beg you, punish this child. He needs to learn," the old lady said pitifully.

"And what did he do?" Queen Evie asked calmly.

The old lady's voice trembled. "He yelled at me, Your Majesty."

Ethan immediately protested, "No, I did not!"

Queen Evie's eyes sparkled with interest. "What do you mean, child?"

Ethan explained, "I was told to wash plates, which was too much for a boy my size, but it's a normal thing, 'cause she hates me." He pointed at the old lady.

The Queen's expression turned stern, her eyes narrowing. "Is this true, Mrs.?"

The old lady bit her lip, nodding her head.

Queen Evie's voice took on a firm tone. "Doing that to a small child at your old age, I think I would have to take this job away from you."

Ethan thought for a moment before speaking up. "I do not wish to see the old lady sad, so please, Your Majesty, let her keep her job, but I would like to be assigned to another position in the kitchen, anywhere far from her."

"Ok, you may be dismissed" Telling the old woman

The old lady bowed leaving the throne room bowing down, side eyeing Ethan.

"What's your name child?"

"Ethan, your majesty"

"Ethan, I like your boldness. You said you want another position"

Ethan nodded saying yes happily, the Queen smiled

Queen Evie's face broke into a warm smile. "Alright, child. I think I have just the thing. How would you like to be my son's royal servant?"

"How would you like to be my son's royal servant?"

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