And just like that, it was time to set the teasing aside because once again, he needed to remind her of the position in which he'd placed her. She was a princess. She was going to have to get used to that.
He didn't like it anymore than she did.
Though he did understand what she was saying. He'd grown up in the castle, very used to having servants. But when he'd begun to chafe under the restrictions of his title, he began looking at things in a new light. It had taken a few years, but before he reached his teens, Felix had the same moral quandary that Ella was now voicing: how was it fair to force someone to do something just because you asked? As someone that valued his freedom as much as he did, the idea was anathema.
But he found the answer, and now it was time to pass it on to his wife. In serious tones he explained, "That is their job, Ella. To fetch for you, to care for you, to cook for you, to clean for you. It is why they are employed here. We should never be unkind, no, nor should we force others to do things that are objectionable or terrible. But the staff that works here relies upon us to provide employment. They work hard to keep these jobs, because there are others that would be more than happy to have them. We pay well, and there is prestige in working at the castle. For us controvert their opportunity to do what we are paying them to do is unfair. It would make them feel useless at best, and as though we are being charitable out of pity at worst. It's not cruel to send the servants to do their tasks. It is cruel to deny them the chance to prove their worth, not to us, but to themselves."
Felix gave her a gentle smile. "I understand why you feel as you do, truly. But as it is their duty to serve, it is now your duty to rule. Truthfully, I think they have the better of the bargain, but these are the roles we play. Do you understand, Ella?"