Before They Came To Earth
Chapter 1 The History Lesson
I sit on the uncomfortable wooden chair my elbows resting on my desk. In front of me is a blank sheet of
paper on which I am suppose to be making notes on the lecture being given by Ostotho, my mother's oldest
and most trusted adviser. He is the head of the Upper Council and over 400 years old, he is also probably
the most boring person on the planet of Transsexual if his history lessons are anything to go by! To
counteract the tedium, I scribble some scientific equations on my pad. I adore science; the thought of
technology thrusting against the barriers of Transylvanian kind, exploring unknown possibilities gives me
an almost sexual thrill. I smile to myself. One more week. Only seven days until my induction to Delta City
Medical University and then I'll be free from the stuffiness of count life. No longer just Prince Francis
Furter, heir to the Transylvanian throne, surrounded by aged fuddy-duddies like Ostotho, my mother
Queen Amethyst and my tutor come guardian Riff-Raff. I'll be the real me, Frank, the young , intelligent,
handsome scientist with a taste for the finer things in life. Oh Goddess knows how I long to experience
living. Days full of intellectual debate, nights full of orgies and dark passion. Not that I am having trouble
finding the latter in the palace. I throw a knowing glance toward Gunta, the guard by the door. Muscular,
tanned, with a mane of golden curls, he's just my type. I love it when he on duty, it makes flirting so
exciting and dangerous. Knowing that we are suppose to be master and servant but daring to hint at our lust
for each other.
Gunta catches my gaze and holds eye contact for just a second too long. A tremor runs up my spine, I love
this game. Quickly I look back at Ostotho, who is pacing up and down stroking his long, grey beard,
waffling on about my great, great, great grandfather and his role in the War of Yidbank. He is paying no
attention to me. Slowly I turn back to Gunta and give him my most sexy look; lips pouted, eyes half
closed, right eyebrow cocked. He responses with a smile that send my temperature rocketing! He is willing
to play. Gunta leans on his staff and surreptitiously flexes those wonderful biceps of his. I recline in my
seat and take a few seconds to take in his marvellous physique, very nice indeed ! I pick up my pencil and
sexily trace it around the edge of my mouth. People have told me my lips are my best feature, well one of
them anyway ! I pretend the pencil is part of Gunta and slowly lick its length and kiss the tip. This is a
damn sight more fun then learning about my dead relatives ! My secret lover knits his brow and looks at me
hungrily.
' ooooo you sexy thing, you!' he mouths silently. I smile, trying hard to contain my laughter.
' You want more? Come to my room at midnight, big boy!' I whispered back with a wink. Gunta looks
away for a moment as if he's searching for an intruder, I notice he's playing with the handcuffs that hang
from his belt. He glances back at me, grinning naughtily. ' You want me to bring these? ' he murmers
fingering the cuffs.
I smile broadly and nod.
Gunta crosses his arms and stares deep into my eyes. I suddenly feel aware of how vulnerable I can be. My
gender may be male but I'm hardly what you call strapping. My feminine nature and slight build means I
could be easily taken advantage of if I wasn't in such a position of power. But secretly I like to be
dominated just a little. ' You know what I'm going to do to you?' smiles Gunta; ' I'm going to tie you up
and bend you across that bed. Then I'm going to rip off those silky, black panties you have on and…….. '
' Your Majesty? ' My mind had been so entranced by what Gunta was telling me I didn't realise Ostotho
was calling my name.
' Prince Francis, I asked you what was the name of great, great, great grandmother, the 475th Queen of
Transylvanian? '
I frown and wrack my brain for an answer but I know I haven't a clue. I look to the other members of the
Upper Council, Lady Ustica, my mother the Queen and Duke Hesker but they were giving me no hints.
' Queen Jith? ' I say vaguely.
Ostotho groans and sinks into his chair. ' The name of the 475th Queen of Transylvanian is Vermackia, she
was married to King Gnuad in 6153 and they had four sons and four daughters. Honestly Prince Francis
you should know this.' .Duke Hesker looks at him out the corner of his eye ' Give the boy a chance,
Ostotho, He's only 18.' The Duke smiles at me lustfully. ' He's mind is on other things. Those young loins
long for the next conquest.' I stifle a shudder. I can guess what the Duke is thinking. Lustful I may be, but
not for the likes of Duke Hesker. Fat, greasy, with thinning grey hair, he is definitely not my taste!
' That may be the case but he still must learn his past.' Twitters Ostotho. He spreads his arms, motioning to
the vast number of oil paintings which hung on the wall behind him. ' You have a proud and noble
heritage,Your Majesty, and it is your duty as heir to the Transylvanian throne to know it.'
Lady Ustica gazed at me through her spectacles. ' Well, you know what they say? The Furter males don't
have the brains of the females! He's just like his father, obsessed with pleasure of the flesh! And look what
happened to him. Stabbed by a treacherous love nymph, in his own bed even.'
My mother looked slightly hurt. I can't tell if it's because of what Ustica said about me or my father. I
never knew my father, he passed from this life when I was very small. I only know him from what Mother
and Ostotho have told me. I gaze at the portrait of him which hangs on the wall. I have inherited his
piercing violet eye and chiselled bone structure but have my Mother's lush, dark hair. My mothers' elegant
voice cuts into my thoughts. ' Hesker is right.' She states ' My son is but a child. He has a lot on his mind
at present. It is his tutor's responsibility to make sure he knows these things. Send for Riff-Raff.' Gunta
clips his heels and bows ' Yes, Your Majestic one, I shall fetch him at once.' He crossing the chamber to
the large, orate doors. As he pasts I mouths ' I want you' playfully. Ostotho notices me this time and shake
his head. ' Right.' He sighs, standing up again ' As you seem to have forgotten all I've taught you, we will
start at the beginning. The Transylvanian class system.' I let out a groan and even my mother looks bored.
Ostotho stand and leans on the table. ' Now, Your Majesty tell me if you can, who is the Head of State of
this fare planet of ours?'
Easy, this I know! ' Mamma!' I say clear and sure. Ostotho groan and runs a hand down his face. ' Her
title, what is her title?' he mutters through gritted teeth . I nod in realization, I can appear such a bimbo at
times! 'Now, Don't tell me, it's on the tip of my tongue. My mother's title is…….. Her Supreme
Majesticness and Divinely Appointed Guardian of Transylvania Queen Amethyst. Am I right?'
Ostotho looks a little surprised at me knowing this. I recline and allow myself to look slightly smug.
' That's quite right. ' Ostotho states pointing at me. ' She as the first born of a first born Furter, is the
moral, spiritual and political leader of every man woman and child in this nation. ' The old man raises his
eyes to the celling of the Great Chamber and gazes at the golden carving of Our Holy Mother which
watches over us. 'She, like everyone in the know universe, was born from the womb of the Mother
Goddess, Rai. It is Rai who determining the destiny of us all, and gives each soul it's rightful place in
society. She has seen it fit to bless the Furters most greatly and you are forever in Her service. ' Ostotho
closes his eyes and stands silence for a moment. I am slightly worried that Ostotho himself has gone to join
Rai but then his eyes snap open and he continue his speech.
' Now, if Queen Amethyst , your mother is the head of Transylvanian society, who is the next in line? '
I sigh, reluctantly, I know this part too well, having had it drummed into me since I was five years old.
' That would be me I guess, Prince Francis Furter Prince Absolute.' I feel a heaviness inside me, like a
lead weight. Yes, I know my title all right, my duty to my planet. It hangs like a chattel around my neck.
No-one seems to understand the burden I'm under, how I long to choose my own path in life. I think about
the ruby birds my mother bought me for my last birthday, they sat in the silver cage in my bedroom for
months, huddled together like two scarlet pompoms quivering whenever I tried to pet them. Their song was
so beautiful and yet so sad. I got into so much trouble when mother found out I took them down to the
palace gardens and open the cage door. She didn't understand why I had to free them. For the love of Rai,
why doesn't someone open my cage and let me fly away?
' Quite right. ' twitters Ostotho. ' When it's your mother's time to return to the celestial embrace of Rai,
you will take your rightful place on the Transylvanian throne as the 500th ruler of Transsexual. '
' Yeah, but what if I don't want to? ' I ask nervously ' What if I'm no good at being king? Can't someone
else do it? You're so old and wise, wouldn't you make a better ruler? '
Ostotho splutters and throws his hands up. ' It is not a case of whether you want to do it or not, you don't
seem to comprehend what I telling you. It is you destiny to be king. Rai has placed your soul in the body of
a Furter, you should be greetful. Many a lowly underling in the dank filth of own society would give their
eyes to live your life for just hour. But they have unworthy souls, dirty and evil. You must set a example to
all Transylvanian kind . '
Ostotho voice softens slightly. ' I know that what is expected of you seems immense. I know your very
young, but that's is why the Upper Council exists, Duke Hesker, Lady Ustica and I are here to guide you.
We have tutored your mother when she was your age, we have given her fair and just advice throughout her
life and we will do the same for you. '
Lady Ustica lent forward in her chair and gazes at me with pale blue eyes. ' You are the seed of all
Transylvania. ' She says gently. ' Allow us to nurture you. Shower you in our knowledge and you will
blossom.'
I lower my gaze and sigh deeply. I feel such a disappointment to everyone, maybe I should try hard. ' I will
do my best in the name of Rai. ' I murmur quietly.
Just then the door swings open and Gunta enters with my tutor, Riff-Raff close behind. Gunta turns to my
mother, ' Riff-Raff Alucard, Royal tutor and guardian of Prince Francis, Your Majestic One. ' He
announces as Riff-Raff bows deeply. I smirk; Riff is such a stuffy old buffoon his humbleness amuses me
no end. ' Your ever faithful servant, Your Majesty. How may I be of service? '
My mother clasps her hands in front of her. ' Riff-Raff,' she says abruptly ' I understood you were teaching
my son his family history, why doesn't he know it?'
My guardian shuffle and looks uneasy, ' I do my best, my Queen, but the fact of the matter is Prince
Francis doesn't listen. Why, only last night I told him to study and this morning I found out he had slipped
out his bedroom window and spent the entire evening in a bar.'
I grin knowingly. What Riff's says is true, well you're only young once. My mother looks furious, I thank
Rai that I'm not the only one in trouble. ' It's is your duty to make sure he doesn't 'slip out'. I trust you
with my son's well-being, when in your care he is your responsibility, Riff-Raff. Anything could have
happened.' She leans forward and glares at Riff. ' And if it does, I would have you hung, beheaded, drawn,
quartered, minced up and fed to the Royal horses !'
Riff bows his head submissively, ' I understand Your Majestic One. It shall not happen again. '
I wiggle in my seat and grin ' Riff-Raff's in trouble, Riff-Raff's in trouble.' I sing quietly. My guardian
glares at me over his shoulder. I stick my tongue out in defiance, I don't care, what can he do to me?
Ostotho approaches Riff and stares at him as if he were a piece of dirt, ' You see, Prince Francis, this is
exactly what I mean. This sorry individual is a perfect example of why the Furters need to show the lower
classes how to live. It is this slackness and ignorant that displays to all Transylvanian kind why the Furters
are superior. '
My mother nods and applauds slightly ' A perfect illustration Ostotho, but I believe that's quite enough
lessons for one day, you and your fellow Council members are excused. Riff-Raff, you too may go about
your business but don't think I have forgotten this incidence, you are docked a week's pay, be greatful it's
not more.'
Riff bows once again and scuttles out the door. The members of the Upper Council follow him one by one
leaving me and my mother alone.
I being to collect my notes and turn to leave when I hear my mother's clear elegant voice call me. '
Francis, walk with me back to my chambers. ' I groan, damn, I knew I was going to get in trouble for
sneaking out! My mother steps down from her throne and crosses the marble floor towards me. Her flowing
sea green robes and long dark hair billow around her as she approaches and I can't help but be reminded
she is not only my mother but my ruler. She reaches my side and slips a slim pale arm around my own.
Silently we leave the court room and proceed down the long passage that leads to her quarters. I am
nervous. I know any moment she will begin to lecture me on how inappropriate it is for a Prince Absolute
to be hanging around in bars. I gaze down at that regal face with it's milky skin and azure eyes framed with
dark lashes and notice, for the first time the tiny lines around her eyes and mouth. A strange feeling creeps
over me, I realise that I am looking down at my mother, that I'm towering at least four inches above her. It
seems odd and slightly sad that this is the woman who once could cradle me in her arms as she sung to me
a lullaby. I can remember when this gown, that long ebony hair, those kind, loving eyes, had been my
world. In her arms I felt so safe and warm, I couldn't believe that there was anything but her in the
universe. And now she seems so small and frail.
' I know why you slipped out last night. ' she says finally keeping her eyes straight ahead.
I tense, here it comes, the lector. ' I know, Mamma ,' I sigh ' It was wrong of me, it won't happen again'
My mother turns to me and smiles gently, ' You don't think I realise do you? What's it like to be young.
But I remember.' A dreamy look comes over her face. ' When I was your age, oh the things I would do! I
once disguised myself as an erotic dancer and performed at Mantel's, that was a bar in town. My nanny had
to hunt me down and literally drag me of stage!'
I look at my mother amazed, it hard to picture someone so regal in a strip club. ' Really Mamma?' I ask
My mother turns away from me and sighs ' That was over two hundred years age Francis. Before I had
you, before I met your father Quarn. Things were so different then.' She stops in her tracks and turns
towards me.
' Forgive me Francis, I forget. I forget you are becomes a man, that you are no longer my baby boy.' She
reaches up and cups my face in her hand ,brushes my hair with her fingertips. ' So beautiful. ' She whispers
sadly ' So handsome , so strong and yet so naïve. ' She looks down at her hands ' Francis, you have
reached the age when I must tell you about love. '
I toss back my head and laugh. ' Mamma, I've been active since I was fourteen. I know of the pleasures of
the flesh. '
Mother takes my hand and smiles. ' You see, you are naïve!' she laugh quietly ' The desires you enjoy are
lust. The Transylvanian body needs sex like it needs food and water, it means nothing but this, but love, the
love of soul mates. ' she begins to fiddle with the golden ring on her finger ' Our Holy book speaks of
when Rai created the Transylvanian race. It says She took the stars from the heavens and split each one in
two making one half male and one half female. It is written that in each of us is a longing to find the person
whose star we are born from, it's the only way to make us whole . Only the can sex blossom into new life
and we can fully understand ourselves. '
I bow my head. ' But how can you tell when you've met your soul mate. '
My mother smiles up at me. ' You'll know, it's something deep inside. I knew when I met your father. ' she
gazes away from me as if she is directly looking into the past. ' He was so handsome. ' she murmers ' Like
a knight from a storybook. Tall, strong, he quite swept me of my feet. Yet I knew he would never hurt me,
that he would always protect me and our children. ' Her voice trailed of at the end and I can see the tears
forming in her eyes. ' I thought the universe had ended the night he died, I couldn't believe we were to be
apart. I wanted to die too. ' She turns back to me and places her hands on my shoulders, ' But then I
remembered he hadn't completely gone I still had part of him, our beautiful, baby boy. ' She smiles sadly.
'He would've adored you, Francis. I'm so proud of you, going away to become a doctor. I'll miss you. '
She puts her arms around me and holds me close. I return he embrace knowing that I'm the only thing she
has left. ' I'll miss you too, Mamma. ' We pull apart and gaze at each other. I look deep into my mother's
eyes and see the mixture of love and sadness there. ' Try and be good for Riff-Raff, Francis. I know you
don't like him but he does his best. And I want you to take this. ' She slowly removes the gold ring from
her figure and slips it into my hand. ' It has been wore by the last 347 queens of Transylvanian, I'm trusting
you to find the 348th. '
I grin, ' I'll do what I can. ' I murmer quietly.
Chapter 1 The History Lesson
I sit on the uncomfortable wooden chair my elbows resting on my desk. In front of me is a blank sheet of
paper on which I am suppose to be making notes on the lecture being given by Ostotho, my mother's oldest
and most trusted adviser. He is the head of the Upper Council and over 400 years old, he is also probably
the most boring person on the planet of Transsexual if his history lessons are anything to go by! To
counteract the tedium, I scribble some scientific equations on my pad. I adore science; the thought of
technology thrusting against the barriers of Transylvanian kind, exploring unknown possibilities gives me
an almost sexual thrill. I smile to myself. One more week. Only seven days until my induction to Delta City
Medical University and then I'll be free from the stuffiness of count life. No longer just Prince Francis
Furter, heir to the Transylvanian throne, surrounded by aged fuddy-duddies like Ostotho, my mother
Queen Amethyst and my tutor come guardian Riff-Raff. I'll be the real me, Frank, the young , intelligent,
handsome scientist with a taste for the finer things in life. Oh Goddess knows how I long to experience
living. Days full of intellectual debate, nights full of orgies and dark passion. Not that I am having trouble
finding the latter in the palace. I throw a knowing glance toward Gunta, the guard by the door. Muscular,
tanned, with a mane of golden curls, he's just my type. I love it when he on duty, it makes flirting so
exciting and dangerous. Knowing that we are suppose to be master and servant but daring to hint at our lust
for each other.
Gunta catches my gaze and holds eye contact for just a second too long. A tremor runs up my spine, I love
this game. Quickly I look back at Ostotho, who is pacing up and down stroking his long, grey beard,
waffling on about my great, great, great grandfather and his role in the War of Yidbank. He is paying no
attention to me. Slowly I turn back to Gunta and give him my most sexy look; lips pouted, eyes half
closed, right eyebrow cocked. He responses with a smile that send my temperature rocketing! He is willing
to play. Gunta leans on his staff and surreptitiously flexes those wonderful biceps of his. I recline in my
seat and take a few seconds to take in his marvellous physique, very nice indeed ! I pick up my pencil and
sexily trace it around the edge of my mouth. People have told me my lips are my best feature, well one of
them anyway ! I pretend the pencil is part of Gunta and slowly lick its length and kiss the tip. This is a
damn sight more fun then learning about my dead relatives ! My secret lover knits his brow and looks at me
hungrily.
' ooooo you sexy thing, you!' he mouths silently. I smile, trying hard to contain my laughter.
' You want more? Come to my room at midnight, big boy!' I whispered back with a wink. Gunta looks
away for a moment as if he's searching for an intruder, I notice he's playing with the handcuffs that hang
from his belt. He glances back at me, grinning naughtily. ' You want me to bring these? ' he murmers
fingering the cuffs.
I smile broadly and nod.
Gunta crosses his arms and stares deep into my eyes. I suddenly feel aware of how vulnerable I can be. My
gender may be male but I'm hardly what you call strapping. My feminine nature and slight build means I
could be easily taken advantage of if I wasn't in such a position of power. But secretly I like to be
dominated just a little. ' You know what I'm going to do to you?' smiles Gunta; ' I'm going to tie you up
and bend you across that bed. Then I'm going to rip off those silky, black panties you have on and…….. '
' Your Majesty? ' My mind had been so entranced by what Gunta was telling me I didn't realise Ostotho
was calling my name.
' Prince Francis, I asked you what was the name of great, great, great grandmother, the 475th Queen of
Transylvanian? '
I frown and wrack my brain for an answer but I know I haven't a clue. I look to the other members of the
Upper Council, Lady Ustica, my mother the Queen and Duke Hesker but they were giving me no hints.
' Queen Jith? ' I say vaguely.
Ostotho groans and sinks into his chair. ' The name of the 475th Queen of Transylvanian is Vermackia, she
was married to King Gnuad in 6153 and they had four sons and four daughters. Honestly Prince Francis
you should know this.' .Duke Hesker looks at him out the corner of his eye ' Give the boy a chance,
Ostotho, He's only 18.' The Duke smiles at me lustfully. ' He's mind is on other things. Those young loins
long for the next conquest.' I stifle a shudder. I can guess what the Duke is thinking. Lustful I may be, but
not for the likes of Duke Hesker. Fat, greasy, with thinning grey hair, he is definitely not my taste!
' That may be the case but he still must learn his past.' Twitters Ostotho. He spreads his arms, motioning to
the vast number of oil paintings which hung on the wall behind him. ' You have a proud and noble
heritage,Your Majesty, and it is your duty as heir to the Transylvanian throne to know it.'
Lady Ustica gazed at me through her spectacles. ' Well, you know what they say? The Furter males don't
have the brains of the females! He's just like his father, obsessed with pleasure of the flesh! And look what
happened to him. Stabbed by a treacherous love nymph, in his own bed even.'
My mother looked slightly hurt. I can't tell if it's because of what Ustica said about me or my father. I
never knew my father, he passed from this life when I was very small. I only know him from what Mother
and Ostotho have told me. I gaze at the portrait of him which hangs on the wall. I have inherited his
piercing violet eye and chiselled bone structure but have my Mother's lush, dark hair. My mothers' elegant
voice cuts into my thoughts. ' Hesker is right.' She states ' My son is but a child. He has a lot on his mind
at present. It is his tutor's responsibility to make sure he knows these things. Send for Riff-Raff.' Gunta
clips his heels and bows ' Yes, Your Majestic one, I shall fetch him at once.' He crossing the chamber to
the large, orate doors. As he pasts I mouths ' I want you' playfully. Ostotho notices me this time and shake
his head. ' Right.' He sighs, standing up again ' As you seem to have forgotten all I've taught you, we will
start at the beginning. The Transylvanian class system.' I let out a groan and even my mother looks bored.
Ostotho stand and leans on the table. ' Now, Your Majesty tell me if you can, who is the Head of State of
this fare planet of ours?'
Easy, this I know! ' Mamma!' I say clear and sure. Ostotho groan and runs a hand down his face. ' Her
title, what is her title?' he mutters through gritted teeth . I nod in realization, I can appear such a bimbo at
times! 'Now, Don't tell me, it's on the tip of my tongue. My mother's title is…….. Her Supreme
Majesticness and Divinely Appointed Guardian of Transylvania Queen Amethyst. Am I right?'
Ostotho looks a little surprised at me knowing this. I recline and allow myself to look slightly smug.
' That's quite right. ' Ostotho states pointing at me. ' She as the first born of a first born Furter, is the
moral, spiritual and political leader of every man woman and child in this nation. ' The old man raises his
eyes to the celling of the Great Chamber and gazes at the golden carving of Our Holy Mother which
watches over us. 'She, like everyone in the know universe, was born from the womb of the Mother
Goddess, Rai. It is Rai who determining the destiny of us all, and gives each soul it's rightful place in
society. She has seen it fit to bless the Furters most greatly and you are forever in Her service. ' Ostotho
closes his eyes and stands silence for a moment. I am slightly worried that Ostotho himself has gone to join
Rai but then his eyes snap open and he continue his speech.
' Now, if Queen Amethyst , your mother is the head of Transylvanian society, who is the next in line? '
I sigh, reluctantly, I know this part too well, having had it drummed into me since I was five years old.
' That would be me I guess, Prince Francis Furter Prince Absolute.' I feel a heaviness inside me, like a
lead weight. Yes, I know my title all right, my duty to my planet. It hangs like a chattel around my neck.
No-one seems to understand the burden I'm under, how I long to choose my own path in life. I think about
the ruby birds my mother bought me for my last birthday, they sat in the silver cage in my bedroom for
months, huddled together like two scarlet pompoms quivering whenever I tried to pet them. Their song was
so beautiful and yet so sad. I got into so much trouble when mother found out I took them down to the
palace gardens and open the cage door. She didn't understand why I had to free them. For the love of Rai,
why doesn't someone open my cage and let me fly away?
' Quite right. ' twitters Ostotho. ' When it's your mother's time to return to the celestial embrace of Rai,
you will take your rightful place on the Transylvanian throne as the 500th ruler of Transsexual. '
' Yeah, but what if I don't want to? ' I ask nervously ' What if I'm no good at being king? Can't someone
else do it? You're so old and wise, wouldn't you make a better ruler? '
Ostotho splutters and throws his hands up. ' It is not a case of whether you want to do it or not, you don't
seem to comprehend what I telling you. It is you destiny to be king. Rai has placed your soul in the body of
a Furter, you should be greetful. Many a lowly underling in the dank filth of own society would give their
eyes to live your life for just hour. But they have unworthy souls, dirty and evil. You must set a example to
all Transylvanian kind . '
Ostotho voice softens slightly. ' I know that what is expected of you seems immense. I know your very
young, but that's is why the Upper Council exists, Duke Hesker, Lady Ustica and I are here to guide you.
We have tutored your mother when she was your age, we have given her fair and just advice throughout her
life and we will do the same for you. '
Lady Ustica lent forward in her chair and gazes at me with pale blue eyes. ' You are the seed of all
Transylvania. ' She says gently. ' Allow us to nurture you. Shower you in our knowledge and you will
blossom.'
I lower my gaze and sigh deeply. I feel such a disappointment to everyone, maybe I should try hard. ' I will
do my best in the name of Rai. ' I murmur quietly.
Just then the door swings open and Gunta enters with my tutor, Riff-Raff close behind. Gunta turns to my
mother, ' Riff-Raff Alucard, Royal tutor and guardian of Prince Francis, Your Majestic One. ' He
announces as Riff-Raff bows deeply. I smirk; Riff is such a stuffy old buffoon his humbleness amuses me
no end. ' Your ever faithful servant, Your Majesty. How may I be of service? '
My mother clasps her hands in front of her. ' Riff-Raff,' she says abruptly ' I understood you were teaching
my son his family history, why doesn't he know it?'
My guardian shuffle and looks uneasy, ' I do my best, my Queen, but the fact of the matter is Prince
Francis doesn't listen. Why, only last night I told him to study and this morning I found out he had slipped
out his bedroom window and spent the entire evening in a bar.'
I grin knowingly. What Riff's says is true, well you're only young once. My mother looks furious, I thank
Rai that I'm not the only one in trouble. ' It's is your duty to make sure he doesn't 'slip out'. I trust you
with my son's well-being, when in your care he is your responsibility, Riff-Raff. Anything could have
happened.' She leans forward and glares at Riff. ' And if it does, I would have you hung, beheaded, drawn,
quartered, minced up and fed to the Royal horses !'
Riff bows his head submissively, ' I understand Your Majestic One. It shall not happen again. '
I wiggle in my seat and grin ' Riff-Raff's in trouble, Riff-Raff's in trouble.' I sing quietly. My guardian
glares at me over his shoulder. I stick my tongue out in defiance, I don't care, what can he do to me?
Ostotho approaches Riff and stares at him as if he were a piece of dirt, ' You see, Prince Francis, this is
exactly what I mean. This sorry individual is a perfect example of why the Furters need to show the lower
classes how to live. It is this slackness and ignorant that displays to all Transylvanian kind why the Furters
are superior. '
My mother nods and applauds slightly ' A perfect illustration Ostotho, but I believe that's quite enough
lessons for one day, you and your fellow Council members are excused. Riff-Raff, you too may go about
your business but don't think I have forgotten this incidence, you are docked a week's pay, be greatful it's
not more.'
Riff bows once again and scuttles out the door. The members of the Upper Council follow him one by one
leaving me and my mother alone.
I being to collect my notes and turn to leave when I hear my mother's clear elegant voice call me. '
Francis, walk with me back to my chambers. ' I groan, damn, I knew I was going to get in trouble for
sneaking out! My mother steps down from her throne and crosses the marble floor towards me. Her flowing
sea green robes and long dark hair billow around her as she approaches and I can't help but be reminded
she is not only my mother but my ruler. She reaches my side and slips a slim pale arm around my own.
Silently we leave the court room and proceed down the long passage that leads to her quarters. I am
nervous. I know any moment she will begin to lecture me on how inappropriate it is for a Prince Absolute
to be hanging around in bars. I gaze down at that regal face with it's milky skin and azure eyes framed with
dark lashes and notice, for the first time the tiny lines around her eyes and mouth. A strange feeling creeps
over me, I realise that I am looking down at my mother, that I'm towering at least four inches above her. It
seems odd and slightly sad that this is the woman who once could cradle me in her arms as she sung to me
a lullaby. I can remember when this gown, that long ebony hair, those kind, loving eyes, had been my
world. In her arms I felt so safe and warm, I couldn't believe that there was anything but her in the
universe. And now she seems so small and frail.
' I know why you slipped out last night. ' she says finally keeping her eyes straight ahead.
I tense, here it comes, the lector. ' I know, Mamma ,' I sigh ' It was wrong of me, it won't happen again'
My mother turns to me and smiles gently, ' You don't think I realise do you? What's it like to be young.
But I remember.' A dreamy look comes over her face. ' When I was your age, oh the things I would do! I
once disguised myself as an erotic dancer and performed at Mantel's, that was a bar in town. My nanny had
to hunt me down and literally drag me of stage!'
I look at my mother amazed, it hard to picture someone so regal in a strip club. ' Really Mamma?' I ask
My mother turns away from me and sighs ' That was over two hundred years age Francis. Before I had
you, before I met your father Quarn. Things were so different then.' She stops in her tracks and turns
towards me.
' Forgive me Francis, I forget. I forget you are becomes a man, that you are no longer my baby boy.' She
reaches up and cups my face in her hand ,brushes my hair with her fingertips. ' So beautiful. ' She whispers
sadly ' So handsome , so strong and yet so naïve. ' She looks down at her hands ' Francis, you have
reached the age when I must tell you about love. '
I toss back my head and laugh. ' Mamma, I've been active since I was fourteen. I know of the pleasures of
the flesh. '
Mother takes my hand and smiles. ' You see, you are naïve!' she laugh quietly ' The desires you enjoy are
lust. The Transylvanian body needs sex like it needs food and water, it means nothing but this, but love, the
love of soul mates. ' she begins to fiddle with the golden ring on her finger ' Our Holy book speaks of
when Rai created the Transylvanian race. It says She took the stars from the heavens and split each one in
two making one half male and one half female. It is written that in each of us is a longing to find the person
whose star we are born from, it's the only way to make us whole . Only the can sex blossom into new life
and we can fully understand ourselves. '
I bow my head. ' But how can you tell when you've met your soul mate. '
My mother smiles up at me. ' You'll know, it's something deep inside. I knew when I met your father. ' she
gazes away from me as if she is directly looking into the past. ' He was so handsome. ' she murmers ' Like
a knight from a storybook. Tall, strong, he quite swept me of my feet. Yet I knew he would never hurt me,
that he would always protect me and our children. ' Her voice trailed of at the end and I can see the tears
forming in her eyes. ' I thought the universe had ended the night he died, I couldn't believe we were to be
apart. I wanted to die too. ' She turns back to me and places her hands on my shoulders, ' But then I
remembered he hadn't completely gone I still had part of him, our beautiful, baby boy. ' She smiles sadly.
'He would've adored you, Francis. I'm so proud of you, going away to become a doctor. I'll miss you. '
She puts her arms around me and holds me close. I return he embrace knowing that I'm the only thing she
has left. ' I'll miss you too, Mamma. ' We pull apart and gaze at each other. I look deep into my mother's
eyes and see the mixture of love and sadness there. ' Try and be good for Riff-Raff, Francis. I know you
don't like him but he does his best. And I want you to take this. ' She slowly removes the gold ring from
her figure and slips it into my hand. ' It has been wore by the last 347 queens of Transylvanian, I'm trusting
you to find the 348th. '
I grin, ' I'll do what I can. ' I murmer quietly.