Chapter 3: Honey Cakes and Headaches

"Princess, you can't go in today." The palace servant blocked my way outside William's study.

I hung my head.

Then the crash of something breaking came from inside, and the servant flinched, visibly shaking.

I was used to it. My sister loved smashing things, too.

I tried to peek inside, but the servant stopped me, his hands trembling. "Please go back. His Highness is having one of his episodes."

"He's sick?"

Then I couldn't leave.

I took the box of pastries from Mrs. Dorsey and pushed inside.

The study was a mess. William slumped at his desk, his black suit rumpled and out of sorts.

A lock of hair hung over his forehead, his eyes red and wild.

"Your Highness." I tiptoed in and called softly.

The servants inside scrambled out as soon as they saw me.

William looked up, eyes bloodshot, squinting as he rubbed his head.

Before I could get close, he growled, "Get out!"

Mrs. Dorsey rushed in to pull me away, but I shook her off, carried the pastry box forward, and blinked at him. "I made honey cakes today. Want one?"

He stared at me, hand pressed to his head.

"Does your head hurt?" I set down the box and walked around behind him. "Let me rub it for you."

Ignoring Mrs. Dorsey's shocked gasp, I massaged his head just like Mom used to do for Dad.

As I rubbed, I blew gently on his hair. "Does it still hurt?"

He didn't say a word.

Mrs. Dorsey had slipped out.

After a long time, William caught my hand.

"Who taught you that?" His voice was raspy, but strangely gentle.

"Mom. Dad used to get headaches, too."

Usually, he'd ask about Dad, but this time he didn't.

He just kept the honey cakes and told me to go back early.

Later, I learned he'd had these headaches since he was a kid.

Mrs. Dorsey told me everyone in the palace knew he went wild during his attacks, and lots of staff had been fired because of them.

"You must be careful," she warned, still anxious.

I shook my head. "If I don't help, won't he hurt even more?"

She gave up arguing.

The days went on.