Earning the Love of a Princess-Chapter 258: Violet: The Perks of Being Number Two

She looked up at Prince Johan, genuinely curious about the man. It could’ve been him sitting on the throne and wearing the crown, but for a simple accident of birth. Instead, the chance had slipped through his fingers.

And every son that King Edward had, placed him further and further away from the throne. In that sense, being a second son must be even worse than being a second daughter, Violet mused.

Surely he must resent the twist of fate that had made him emerge second from his mother’s belly? Surely he must be grieved about all he could’ve had, but didn’t?

But there was no bitterness that she could see in the prince’s eyes. In fact, he looked merry. Drunk, but merry.

"Ask me the question I can see that’s on your mind, Lady Violet. Go on." Johan said with a cunning smile.

Aren’t you jealous of your brother when he has so much more than you, her mind screamed? Doesn’t the jealousy eat you up inside?

Instead, she asked very quietly, "Do you ever wish you’d been born to be king instead?"

"Not at all. Not anymore, at least." He waved a servant over impatiently for another goblet.

"So you did once envy your brother!" Violet said.

"Of course. Especially when we were boys. I knew we were being groomed for different roles and that Edward’s was the more important one. I wasn’t ignorant." Johan snapped. "It was only as I grew older however, that I realised the burdens my brother and I carry are also very different. And I’d far rather shoulder mine than his." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Violet nodded as she digested his words.

"I help Edward as much as I can, of course." the prince continued. "He rewards me with his trust in return. But sometimes, girl, you’re better off being close enough to power to benefit from it, than staggering directly under its weight. Every privilege has its price. And my brother’s crown is a heavy one to wear."

Violet’s gaze flicked from Prince Johan, slumped lazily on his chair and sipping wine, to King Edward, who looked like he was arguing with one of his advisers. Part of her wanted to refute Johan’s words. How could he truly not be resentful? Not even in the deepest corner of his heart?

Then again, during her admittedly short time at court, she’d never seen any signs of bitterness or envy from him. Everyone knew Prince Johan was staunchly loyal to his brother and held great prestige and sway because of it. In fact, it was said he had more influence over King Edward than the queen herself. Johan was always surrounded by courtiers risking his famous temper to curry favour, so that he might put in a good word on their behalf to the king.

He was an extremely wealthy man in his own right, owning vast tracts of rich land and dozens of manor houses.

Probably the greatest difference Violet could see between the two brothers was that the younger one also seemed more...free. That was the best way she could describe it.

While the king spent long days at countless meetings with his ministers and clerks, or supervising battlement drills, the prince seemed to have ample time to hunt and feast.

King Edward was bound by marriage and not too happily, it appeared sometimes. In contrast, Prince Johan was twice widowed and saw no point in marrying again as he already had a son and heir. Instead, he openly kept a string of beautiful mistresses.

King Edward’s face was lined by the heavy burden of his responsibilities, his fair beard and temples already fading to grey. The prince still held on to his ruddy good looks and mop of thick golden hair.

"I see what you’re saying, Your Grace." Violet said carefully. "But the situation between Ilse and I is different."

"How so?"

"The futures of your brother and you were set out from the moments of your births. Ilse and I are still struggling to determine ours. And if we both chase after the same prize, only one of us can win."

Johan shrugged. "What future are you talking about - a man, I assume? You’re here for the same reason as every other noble wench. To secure a good marriage."

"Well, yes."

"Are the two of you currently fighting over the same man’s attention?" Johan drained his goblet with a mighty gulp.

"No." Violet jerked back. "Nothing like that at all."

"Then I don’t really see the problem." The prince was shaking his head. "Isn’t it quite possible you’ll both succeed and marry well? The success of one of you doesn’t automatically mean the other sister fails."

"But what if Ilse does better?" Violet’s voice grew small again.

"Define better, girl."

"A wealthier, more powerful husband than mine. What if I marry a viscount, but she marries a duke?" She knew how petty she sounded. She knew that she should consider herself lucky to marry well, regardless of what Ilse did.

But she couldn’t.

"So she may or may not end up richer. Wouldn’t you rather end up being happier though, Lady Violet?" Johan’s smile turned even colder. "Or is that not enough? Are you one of those unfortunate souls who’s happiness feeds only from the misery of others?"

"No! Well, I mean...I love my sister!" she protested hastily.

"But you need to see her fall in order for you to feel like you’ve risen. You love her less when she’s above you and more when you can place your foot on her throat." Johan’s assessment of her feelings was merciless.

Still, it was accurate.

"You don’t understand, my lord." Violet found herself desperate to explain herself, to make someone see things her way. "All my life, Ilse has made me feel like the lesser twin. Less pretty, less talented, less charming. For once, I just want to be considered the one who’s more."

"Considered more by who?" he rumbled.

"By everyone!"

"What the fuck do you care what others here think of you? Because I assure you, the number of people who care what you think about them in this world, is very very small." The prince adjusted his cuff links with clumsy fingers, obviously feeling the effect of the wine. "If I were to worry about every courtier’s opinion of me, I’d never find the strength to rise from my bed every morning."

"Oh. So you know...er, what others think...of you, Your Grace?" Violet tripped on her own words.

Johan laughed. "I’m known for my unpredictable temper, aren’t I? No one’s ever sure what’ll set me off in anger. They’re right. And do you think I give a fuck about such opinions? I do not. Because I live my life to please myself, not others."

"So you’re unbothered if those around you, don’t, uh, have the best opinion about you?" she asked. "Isn’t it uncomfortable to be surrounded all day by those who don’t like you?"

"They don’t have to like me, they simply have to serve me with the respect my title commands. Life isn’t about being well regarded and you’re a fucking fool if you think it is. It’s about filling as much of your time with what makes you happy and not worrying about anyone else."

"That sounds..." Violet frowned a little. "...well, selfish. To live life for your own pleasure, without considering those around you."

"Selfish?" Johan raised his brows and stared at her with a sneer. "Says the girl who would be happy to stomp over her own twin sister if it means she’d reach her goals sooner."

Violet looked down at her lap, her face so hot that even her ears burned. She fiddled with the edge of the sash tied around her waist.

"Lady Violet!" Queen Celia’s voice suddenly cut through and rose above the banquet noise. "You and your sister are to accompany me back to my apartments immediately!"

Violet leaped out of her seat with a start and spun around to face the queen, a few seats down the high table. She was still sitting on her gold draped chair, but there was no sign of Kathryn Danner.

"Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll fetch Ilse right away." Violet’s belly sank with disappointment at no longer being able to talk to Prince Johan, even if the conversation was forcing her to examine her own beliefs in a way she didn’t enjoy.

She knew, however, that being asked to accompany the queen to her chamber was a sign of favour. Turning back towards the prince, she said awkwardly, "Thank you for your advice, my lord. I’ll give it much thought."

He swirled the wine in his goblet slowly and smirked up at her. "Good night, Lady Violet. I hope you take my advice and find a path to contentment that’s all your own, rather than fight others to be on their same path."

Violet nodded slightly and bowed. She’d heard every word he’d said. She just needed to decide whether to truly listen or not.