"So, why do you think you're suitable for this job?"
"I have got some experience in taking a good care of childrens. I have already done it quite a multiple times."
"That isn't much of a satisfactory answer. My daughter isn't just any other child. How can I believe you're gonna be the right choice for her?
"Well for that, I can assure you, your majesty, that I am eligible to provide princess with a proper schooling as well an overall guidance for her proper development. As you might have seen in my portfolio I'm a mechanical engineering graduate and even have some tutoring experience. I am quite capable of giving her the right education."
"Hmm....that's for her good. But, what about you? Why do you want to do this job?"
"First of all, it will already be a great honor for me to serve the royals of our nation, your majesty. And... It will help me gain a rich experience as well. On top of that....me as a young aspirant, I feel it will even help me achieve my dreams sooner."
"Pardon? Your dreams?"
"Yes, your majesty. I have always had interest in researching and development. It's part of my future..."
"So, this is actually a part time job for you. Right?
"Err...no, I mean, I will actually do this with my full dedication. I was only talking of my future for...."
"You want to do research but don't even have good observation skills."
Bewildered, "I..."
"Ms. Lauren....", frowned Nathalie, "you may leave now."
____________________
TERMS&CONDITIONS:
1. WELL- CULTIVATED AND EDUCATIONALLY QUALIFIED IN ANY FIELD OF PREFERENCE.
2. SHOULD BE IN THE RANGE OF AGE GROUP 20 - 30 YEARS, SEX- FEMALE, STATUS- UNMARRIED
3. 24 × 7 PRESENCE IN THE PALACE (ALL FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE PALACE)
4. CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORDS
5. JOB TO BE PERFORMED UNTIL LIFETIME *
6.....
____________________
"This is not at all any problem for me, your highness, I would like to serve unbidden. Even if I have any future goals, that would never interfere with my faithfulness to you." confidentially said the other candidate in queue.
"There should not be any future goal in first place. "
"Very sure thing, your majesty. My words didn't mean that. I would take a very good care of that."
"I see...and what about the last condition, I hope you agree to that as well."
"Yes, your majesty, I would always keep my family and my job all apart. It would never become a thorn in my job."
"Are you sure....", her eyebrows arched, "....that it meant exactly the same, Ms. Watson?"
____________________
TERMS&CONDITIONS:
1. WELL- CULTIVATED AND EDUCATIONALLY QUALIFIED IN ANY FIELD OF PREFERENCE.
2. SHOULD BE IN THE RANGE OF AGE GROUP 20 - 30 YEARS, SEX- FEMALE, STATUS- UNMARRIED
3. 24 × 7 PRESENCE IN THE PALACE (ALL FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE PALACE)
4. CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORDS
5. JOB TO BE PERFORMED UNTIL LIFETIME *
6. ALL CONNECTIONS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO BE TERMINATED.
7. FAMILY HISTORY AND INFORMATION MUST BE CLEAR AND CLEAN. INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED AUTHENTIC EVEN IF AN ORPHAN.
*contract might be terminated earlier only by the approval of her royal majesty.
____________________
She continued, "It meant", her gaze strong, emphasizing each word, "No connection that means nothing until the contact ends. No meetings and no sharing of words."
It was like cold water splashed on her face, " But, how can I....", she hesitated but now it became clear to her that it wasn't a royal job but an agreement to royal bondage.
"Should I take that as a yes?"
She stood up, bowing, "Apologies, your majesty. I'm afraid if I'm worthy of it. Let me take my leave. Thank you!" She left a sigh of relief on her departure. Obviously, she was saved. After all who will take this bait to be imprisoned forever like that? May be some orphan....but will she approve of them? Who knows....
With her departure, it was already the 82nd candidate since 4 days. Not a single one stayed longer than 10 min inside, which lept on decreasing later. Frans even gave her advice to give the conditions some loose. But it wasn't something he will understand. After all it was all for her Emmarian. Not even a letter about her should leave the palace especially when it will be someone she's giving permit to be all along with her.
Emmarian when left alone may again find something she shouldn't. But as the head of the state, she even got responsibilities. She can't be by her side for all along. Hence, it could only be the best solution possible for then. Make someone trustworthy or at least bind them to be so who can keep a good control of her emotions....as far as she's not mature enough. This was indeed the only way possible she could see.
The next one will be the last candidate for today and she will take this task again the next day. She picked up the last file, rummaging across its pages.
Natalie Borisovna Petrova....the name quite interests her. But, she got Russian nationality. Age-24, graduation completion from the United States, too many achievements in extracurricular too, definitely an eye catching portfolio. But, If she'll be ignorant too then she had to repeat the same thing again she had already done a dozen of times.
"Your majesty, may I get in?" Came a full bodied voice from the entrance.
Nathalie nodded and beckoned her to sit. So, this was Nathalie Borisovna. She got typical Russian sharp facial features, captivating height but there was also her noticeable well posture. When she walked, her natural red colored pony swung, screaming her ethnicity.
The moment she sat, the table jersey and an artifact kept lost its balance moving to the ground. But, she got a hold of it before it could fall. Darn it, she thought, probably not a very good first impression.
"You got good reflexes." She heard the Queen's voice, while still the artifact in her hand and her head down.
With a faint smile, she kept it back, "I have some athletic experience"
"I see, Ms. Petrova . Then I'm sure your eyesight probably be doing pretty fine and you would have already gone through all the conditions provided."
Even though it somehow sounded sarcastic, she kept her calm, "I have, your highness. And....I can assure you I'll stand well to all of them." Nathalie with all that past experience didn't show much of reaction which to Natalie was indeed a little bit agitating.
"If so then....might I know why do you say so?"
"Because this has already been my dream to serve in the royalty which really isn't that feasible in today's era and this opportunity to me is totally a one time chance in a lifetime.
"Actually, my family has a history of serving the Russian monarch in the past and even today my whole family serves in the army. On the contrary, me serving again in a royal family will be like a tribute to my ancestors."
"Even though if it's some other nation. Won't it be called betrayal to your own land in the eyes of your ancestors?"
"May be it will. But....to me it to me, it's would be just like serving a queen and a princess who represents their nation just like it used to be in their time. The place has changed but so has the time, so I don't think it will be actually a worry." She answered unexpectedly well even though she wasn't expecting it.
"And what about...." She paused with an expecting reaction.
"The sixth condition? Ah, you might have noted, your majesty, from my parents to all my brothers, they all are serving in the military. Hence, cutting connections for the meantime of the contract won't be an issue to me."
"You won't be sad?"
Her smile dropped, another unexpected cross question, "I'll be not, your majesty."
"Well...."
"And about the name, I'm really sorry for that as it's pretty similar to yours. But I can get it changed if you'll say to avoid future confusion."
"There's no need for that, Ms. Petrova . You're hired. Congratulations...."
____________________
"Our princess is just like some angel out of heaven...." remarked Ane, " So pretty, so unique....you will love meeting her, Ms. Petrova . Her highness is also full of surprises. So...."
Ane was continously speaking, mostly about Emmarian, endlessly praising. While behind her was Natalie, following her who was taking her to no one other than the princess herself. It was real quick, faster than she ever imagined. The moment she was appointed, the queen asked everyone else's to leave the room for only two of them to talk. First surprise. Then she said she'll be shifting right today and so she'll only be required to bring her personal documents or a few things leaving everything else behind. The contact will be signed right after she returns which will have all other extra terms and conditions. Second surprise. But before that, she'll be allowed to meet the princess to whom she'll be guided by the Headservant Ane, waiting outside, and that's what brings her here. Third....
But, even before that, just a while ago, the queen explained her job to her which she didn't understand well to count it as the fourth surprise.
"I guess you already know the basic jobs you need to do." Nathalie said, "Even if you don't, you'll be guided by Ane later in the future. But ,one thing that nobody else other than me will tell you and the thing you're meant to take care of the most is what I'm going to tell you now. So, Ms. Petrova , you must hear them well and should never even dare to forget them nor share with anyone else. You're listening, right?"
She nodded slowly as her stress on each word really made it sound serious.
"You'll be with Emmarian for the most of the hours and so it will be your duty that you make sure....Emmarian never gets too depressed or sad for it can hurt her. But, you should also not let her to be extremely happy or excited as that can hurt her too."
Obviously she agreed right on the spot, but even after this while she didn't understand her clearly. She could have crossed questioned but was warned already not to ask anything else and just follow the command. That's how all these high status people are after all, she knows. But, who cares....she had to get this job and she had it finally. That is what matters the most. After all it was the only way she...."Ms. Petrova ? You're listening?", it was Ane who pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Yes, Ane....", she got excited, "I am."
Ane nodded with her evergreen smile on her face, "I understand Ms. Petrova . It all might be very sudden for you. But, trust me this is such a great opportunity. You might not have any idea that how much everyone of us here desire to be close to the princess and you're really lucky to be with her."
"Pardon? Is princess not allowed to meet even people in the palace? I mean....I've actually heard about the Queen's special care towards her."
"Not exactly....", she stopped and so did Natalie, "She's indeed kept distanced from much of the outside world, but inside the palace we had the quite freedom to be with her. But...." , sighed, "....since a last few days, her majesty has got even stricter, In fact even her highness herself seem to be in her room for long. I'm afraid it might be because of the last time she felt sick."
Sick. That hit Natalie's spot. Is it related to what her majesty said earlier..."Is her highness having some disease."
"No, Ms. Petrova. This is something only I could tell you as it's just me who sees her weekly health reports and she is healthier than most of the kids her age. It's just that she yet fell sick quite frequently. And the last time she did, it was longer than usual. I think this made her majesty worry and hence she hired you as a caretaker."
"That means it might not be something to worry much...."
She nodded,"Ms. Petrova, since all these years I have been taking care of her highness and would still continue to do so. But, since you'll be now even closer to her, you'll be more responsible than others. So, if you have any doubts, you can freely ask me."
"Sure thing, Ane. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you. And....", she pointed to a door beside, "Is this the princess chamber?"
"Oh yes! I was about to say that. You can finally meet the princess. I'll excuse you then."
And so she greeted her and left, leaving Natalie standing alone in front of a large red colored door.
She knocked and waited for some response. Then she knocked again, this time introducing herself. No response again. She did the same, louder but it was still silent. Standing along in such a huge corridor is already intimidating and then this. Should she find Ane, but she would have been already gone far by now, she thought. There might be guards nearby but instead of finding them she may get lost herself.
Amidst talking, Ane forgot to introduce her directly to the princess too. She knocked again but the result was same. That was all she could do. So, she knocked over again, calling for her even louder and thus this time came a voice, "Stop it!", princess? "Don't you know that after not getting any response, it's obvious enough that the other person doesn't want to see you. So, just leave!"
Natalie was bewildered at the sudden remark. It was definitely the princess, a child's voice. But, what's with the anger in her tone. Should she leave? But, how could she....she was asked by her majesty to meet her. It's her job. And now since she know that she's already inside and safe, she should definitely go and get to know her. At least to report to the queen.
She took heavy but quick steps heading in. But, the room was quite dark yet everything was pretty visible. What on earth this little girl was trying to do! She looked around locating all kind of things but not the princess. The things around were infact even stranger as it at no cost looked like some kid's room, especially the book rack racked up with all standard physics and mathematics books. Now, either she has come somewhere wrong or this child is literally something. Just then she heard some rustling sound from the couch. So, there she was....wrapped in a blanket and sleeping in or may be hiding from her. That doesn't matter, she knows she's awake, so it got no issue to have a little chit-chat.
She has her birthday coming and so she should be about 7 years by now. Will that be an age to show tantrum, especially when you're a princess. But, technically they are disciplined even more. Still this little instinct of her was telling this is not gonna be simple at all.
"Your highness, I'm Natalie Borisovna Petrova and I've been sent by her majesty, your mother to have a good care of yours. My very warm greetings to you princess...." She bowed slightly waiting for her response. Nothing again, this dead play.
"Are you done?" Same voice and tone, "Then just leave! I don't need any care of yours. Just leave for real!"
Geez....why on earth she's like this. That can be only one thing or may be not. The princess is spoiled and her majesty probably after getting sick of her wanted someone to get her straight. Well, if that's the case, she might not be a wrong choice. Army people know the best disciplining techniques.
"Why are you still standing here? You're Russian right? Просто оставьте меня в покое, мисс Борисовна! (Just leave me alone, Ms. Borisovna!)
"You get it now, right?"
"You speak Russian?"
"Why? Can't I? Or do you speak some other language? Your name likely suggests Russian origin ..."
"No. I'm Russian. I was just surprised to see a young girl to know it. I'm still flabbergasted."
"And what do you want me to do about that? Can't you see I'm drowsy?" And she tucked herself back into the quilt, again disappearing into the couch.
Natalie smiled, "Of course, your highness. You can go back to sleep and....we can talk again whenever you feel active for I can't leave you now as per her majesty's decree. I've to take care of you after all from now on."
"Take care, huh?", murmurs from inside the quilt, "Or to spy on me and curfew my freedom. I don't know if you know, but you make me sick."
Curfew....and spying. Seems like she herself don't know her own job, "I'm sorry princess but I don't think that's what I'm meant to do. I'm sure you have some misunderstanding."
"It's not me who's wrong? So, don't even try persuading me." Emmarian didn't need to hear this stranger for she knew already that this all was happening because of what she said to Nathalie that night. This wasn't fair. She always told her that she'll be also allowed to go out and be free once she gets mature and smart enough. Amd fir that she herself continously worked on improvement. But now she's doing this! A janitor in a name of a babysitter. She's not even a crawling baby anymore. This was literally something she ever expected that Nathalie won't keep her word. She was feeling drastic like being sent to the dungeon or something. She hasn't even confronted Nathalie about it yet as she hadn't shown up since then and now this lady...."I won't take it... nor you. I also want to go out and have my own life. She promised me. Did you listen? Go and tell Nathalie."
Obviously some huge confusion was stirring up here and Natalie could detect that. But right now its was more important to calm her at first and as according to the basic candy rule to lure the kids....give them what they want and think about the rest later. And she definitely doesn't want to be under someone else's guidance. So....
"Princess!" Natalie spoke up, "I know what you're worried of but, it isn't something worrisome at all. No one will cage you up. In fact, you'll soon become free and then, I no longer will be there. Her majesty remembers her promise. It's just that it's a process you have to go through. You know, once you become mature...."
"I know." Emmarien interrupted, "Nathalie promised me ....mature and smart...."
Promise? She did? Eureka, "Exactly! The promise....you know princess I'm here for exactly the same. I'll teach you a lot many things and once you're done, you'll be free."
"Is it?" Her face still seemed doubtful to Natalie, "What will you teach me?"
"Well, everything. Different subjects, sports and even self defense. You can learn even more languages if you like. I'll be your planner for that."
"That's it!" She jumped out of the couch, "So, we can do it in a week or so right.", in a robotic voice , "I already know all main languages, so we can drop that step. Rest you can take of." Was that a order and what's with the week thing? This child... "Shall we begin now, Natalie?"
"Now?! What now?", her eyes popped out, "Her highness, such things take time. And weren't you lethargic just a while ago?"
"I was because I was sad then. Now, I feel fully charged up."
"Still, you'll get tired. It's an exhausting task."
"That's not an issue for me. As long as you don't make it boring for me, I won't be sort of energy."
What on earth is she taking about? Does she speak some alien language?, "Alright!" She grasped and took a deep breath, "Your highness, I got it that you're excited. And even if you got some unbelievable energy, I, Natalie Petrova, is just a normal human and I do get tired. It's not a not sweat free for me. Forgive me, but it will take some time to plan everything for you."
"But, that will take long...." She sighed.
"But such things indeed take time and...." briskly, "Once it's all done, everything will be as per your will. I swear. My promise!"
"You promise?", Natalie nodded swiftly, "Then....fine with me. Can I call you Nat....Natalie's too long for me?"
That was a sudden switch in her tone to Natalie, "No problem, your highness....in fact it will even cause less confusion."
"Yes. But, please call me by my full name only. I don't like my name to be shorten."
"No problem. I would address you as her highness, anyway."
"No need. We're going to see each other more now. Call me by my name. I don't like that term anymore now, anyhow." Suddenly, she looked straight into her eyes, "And I'm sorry for my behaviour earlier. I mistook you for real."
It was then Natalie noticed her eyes clearly for the first time. And they were beautiful, almost bewitching her. She was really somehow very attractive.
KNOCK! KNOCK! The door banged breaking in their conversation, "Princess, your lunch is here!", it was undoubtedlyAne, "I'm heading in!"
____________________
24th December, 2006
Emmarian's birthday and also the Christmas eve. It was almost late at night but still the whole city was still rejoicing on the occasion of her birthday, many even waiting for the Christmas bells to soon ring in the season. The same state was of the whole palace, filled with colors. But, that of Emmarian was quite opposite....quiet as her. The queen was busy entertaining important guests and family members, as usual, but this year this didn't made Emmarian alone as she already had Natalie by her side to accompany her.
Emmarian was in bed and Natalie was patting her head softly, both of them having a good quality time. "And that's how Ane is, sweet and generous. I love her. And, then there's Grace, Linda, Thomas, Willem and so many. They all are so humble people. I'll make you meet them as days go by. But.... there's one more and the only one in the entire palace whom I literally don't like at all or say it's the hatred from the both sides.."
"There someone like that? I thought our sweet princess wouldn't have any haters at all..." she giggled.
"I thought the same but may be he's just a different specie.....Pieter Johannes Frans ."
"Haartsen? You mean that assistant of her majesty?", baffled.
"Yes. It's him. Always trying taunting me in every way possible? So, I don't reply to him well either."
"Hmm....and is there someone else, your..err...Emmarian?"
"Actually there is....he's not someone who lives here but frequently visits me, Dr. Denis Haartsen."
That reminded her of Ane's words that how she has been falling sick pretty often, "You mean the one who treats you when you go ill?"
"Sorry?", she looked puzzled, "Who told you that? Why would he treat me? He just like meeting me. And....no need to worry about my health so much. I have not fallen sick even once in my life. Not even slightest of cold. Even the cuts go away quickly."
Nathalie chuckled, "Yeah, my bad, I might have misheard. How can our princess ever go sick? It's totally out of her league."
"You think I'm lying?", pouting, "You can ask Nathalie."
"I didn't. I was serious." She couldn't make the little heart break, "By the way, I wanted to ask you. Why do you call her majesty by her name? Shouldn't you call her mother?"
"It's because I call everyone by their names. Why have multiple ways to call the same person. I find it a gratuitous effort. Also, she's not my mother."
"What?Wait.", bejeweled, "What?!"
"It's true. You would have find sooner or later being with me. But, I trust you. So, keep this a secret for me." It was really sudden. And she was still processing while Emmarian continued, "In return, I can keep your secret sealed too. So, tell me Nat, why did you agree to do this job. Sorry, but I saw the agreement that day while you brought it here. I always wanted a family and you're ready to abandon yours."
Her words didn't sound like coming from a seven year old. But, it really made her open her heart, "Well, Emmarian, I think you'll be the first person I'll disclose it to here. My secret. My family....has already abandoned me. So, it wasn't me at first place. It's just that they are really perfect people and I didn't quite fit there or say the timing didn't match."
"Don't even ever tell that to Nathalie.", she cut her, "She won't stand any shortcomings, especially if it will be yours. And I don't wanna lose you. I really like you ".
Natalie smiled but it showed her hiding pain, "That's not true, dear. I was a perfect daughter too of my perfect parents . It's just something I can't share with you. It's all about time, after all.
"And with time I must say its time for you to go to bed."
"But, I'm not sleepy. You can go to bed if you like...."
"Bu,t kids like you should be in bed by now and for that I've the classic solution.....story time! C'mon get in," cozying her up properly in the bed, "So, once there lived a king and a queen who had a beautiful daughter with snowy white skin and red blushing cheeks...."
"Snow white?", Natalie paused, "Please....no classic Disney princess, I know all of 'em. And not those children book stories either. I'm seven, Nat."
"Of course.", should have already guessed by the number of books she had, "So, I'll tell you a Russian one and I'm sure of you never heard of it before." And it was indeed a folklore Emmarian never came across and so, she took a deep interest in. But, an interest never meant slumber for her. She closed her eyes getting immersed in the story but when it stopped for a while, she found Natalie already dozed off. Natalie was relaxed as for her Emmarian was sleeping safe and sound, unknown she.
She didn't disturb her and serpently came out of the bed. And from there she went to the one huge painting on the wall but it was actually a simple sliding door. She swept into it where lay an selca of the layout of her room, with the difference that it wasn't a bedroom but the secret place wherein only she was allowed, what she demanded for a year ago from Nathalie, her lab.