" Oh sweet melody, whisper in the ears of soldiers, cry o' heart for fathers, brothers and sons,
Weep for women and weep for men, The war beat drums the war beat drums" The first prince took a deep breath after he finished reciting a poem.
Prince Nathaniel, Princess Rosali and I all clapped as I eyed off the sweets on the table. Rosali was gripping my arm like a vice unable to let me go, most likely wondering if I would slip away again should she turn her head.
We had spent a good chunk of this morning practicing the many forms of aristocrate entertainment while work from the maids and butlers was being carried out near us in the back garden.
We had done everything from sword fighting, to reciting poetry which we were doing now. We had also done a few paintings.
The theme was magic.
Rosali had drawn a magic event known as " the magic merger" It looked a lot like an aurora borealis. I found out what happened was that the yin and yang energy in the atmosphere would be projected from the light of the sun in certain spots, the royal family would go and visit on holidays.
Nathan painted a "spirit river". It was where a high earth energy river would meet a high water energy sea. It reminded me of when back on Earth fresh water would mix with salt water making brackish areas. A spirit river would change colours in particular spots. Nathan was the best at painting, it was so vivid I felt like I could step inside it.
Leopold on the other hand drew a magic battle scene. Fire and water magic were flying everywhere from two grand spirit beasts. The looks on each of the beasts were very pained. I felt sad looking at it.
Mine was too embarrassing to show people so I tried my best to hide it. Rosali was finally able to stare at my painting and she starting laughing. No one would make out what it was I blushed in embarrassment.
I have never really been artistic, I couldn't explain that it was when Cupid had saved my life from the darkness and the massive animal that had come and burned away the darkness so I merely said that I couldn't think of anything.
Only Nathan took my painting said stared at it a little longer trying to figure it out. It was kind of him but I couldn't wait to get it back and throw it in a fire.
I also had to listen to Rosali tell me off for running away and saying that they, Rosali, Nathan and Leopold would all support me no matter what. I found it all rather bittersweet what they were saying.
They were in some ways equal parts the walkway to my own personal gallows and a dagger that could unbind my arms to set me free. I had glanced at Rosali a few times wondering if, should the moment ever arrive, She would be able to let me go.
I honestly couldn't see it.
Being her only real friend her whole life and being raised to marry just me had taken a toll on her. How could I expect her to change her ways when she was raised, taught and fed enough garbage from both our families to think that I was the only way to her happiness.
I honestly felt bad for her.
This morning as they arrived they gifted me a new sword for some reason. I had no need of a new sword. This particular sword was one laced with fine jewels. It was completely useless to use and could at best be used an a paperweight. I decided to ask grandfather to mount it on the wall.
I thought worse comes to worse and high school doesn't work out I could always sell it off.
" What are they building over there? " Leopold asked as he sat down to sample some of my grandfathers tea.
Today it was a rose and vanilla flavor. The tea sat very well with the cakes that the chef here had made.
Every time I ate tea and cakes I thought about cupids picnic. I really wanted to eat that food again.
" A training area for my wood magic" I said in response looking over.
" A training area? " the princess said next to me.
" Mm is it strange? How do you all normally train?" I said in response looking over the three.
" Daddies guards take me to the wind drop valley, The wind is so strong there that a rogue rock can pierce through your leg!" Rosali said proudly.
[ No wonder she is a monster in battle! ]
" What about you?" I said to Leopold.
" Monthly trips to an active volcano, it has a lot of fire energy so it is perfect for practice!" Leo replied and smiled.
" And you?" I said to Nathan.
" Dragon Water lake...the dragons filter water energy.. So um it is good for my water magic" Nathan responded.
[ Is this family crazy?! Active volcanoes, waters filled with dragons and rock splitting winds?! ]
" They don't sound very safe" was all I could muster in response.
Nathan, Leo and Rosy all laughed energetically.
" I guess not next to a garden in your backyard " Leopold giggled.
Footsteps were heard behind us and a big hand had landed on my head. It ruffled my hair for a little while. I turned around to see Riku who was holding a parcel.
" RIKU!" I shouted!
I got my arm out of Rosali's grip and hugged the man with low brown hair in front of me who was smiling. He had to hold the package up as I had almost knocked it out of his hand.
" It had been a little while, hasn't it Yuki. " Riku said as he put an arm around me.
After a moment we let each other go and he kneeled down to my height before handing me the package in his hand.
" A little gift from my family" He said before looking over at the royals.
He stood up and with perfect grace and elegance did a bow before greeting them all.
" Your lessons with me start tomorrow, I was just filled in by your grandfather. Please do not do something so silly again" Riku said in a stern tone.
He walked up to my ear and gently said " I am sorry for your loss, if you ever need to escape for a while, my brother and mother miss you. Please find us next time instead. You are always welcome."
With the package in my hand I hugged him again.
[ I really needed to hear that ]
" Right I need to go now to prepare for the lesson plan your grandfather has asked for me to teach. I will leave you with your friends." Riku said.
" Do you really have to go? You just got here!" I said letting him go.
" Mm" Riku said and nodded.
He bowed to the royals and said his final goodbye before leaving.
I walked back over to everyone at the table and say down.
" You are pretty close to your teacher" Rosali said with an eyebrow raised.
" Mm he is one of the best!" I said energetically.
" Perhaps I should get father to hire him then" Rosali replied quickly.
My happy mood sunk but I tired not to let it show.
" I think if you need someone to teach you math as well as court rules and politics he would be perfect for you Rosali" I said in return.
The royals all eyed off the package I had in my hand. I could tell they wanted me to open it. I sighed internally and undid the plan packaging.
Inside there was some homemade jam, a warm hand knitted tunic and a piece of wood that had been carved to look like a Kithun.
I figured that the Kithun was made by Riku's brother and my face turned into a broad grin. It wasn't the most perfect carving that I had ever seen. But all the small nicks and cuts in the wood showed me that someone had spent a lot of time on it.
The tunic was made by some unknown spirit beast wool. It looked close to a sheep's wool but it was matte black with my initials sewn into the hood section. I thought about how great it would be to wear on cold days and I felt really warm inside.
My family had never done anything like this so I was grateful.
[ His family is so nice! ]
There was also a letter that I decided to save for later so I slipped it into my robes pocket.
There was a strange mood at the table for some reason but I tried my best to ignore it as I admired the things that I had been given.
" Can I have a ..a.. Look?" Nathan said pointing to the Kithun carving.
I nodded once before handing it over.
" I want to see the tunic!" The princess said as she took it from me and Leo then asked to try the jam.
[ Were they jealous? No that is stupid. Which royal would be jealous of handmade goods from a lower class family?]
We had asked a maid to bring some fresh bread as we all tried the new Jam I was given. It was sweet but not to sweet. I could tell that Riku's mother had tried her best from our last conversation to make something that matched my pallet.
Even the royals seemed to enjoy it.
Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye.
I said my farewells and walked them to their carriage.
As they were leaving I swear I heard the princess say.
" Next time we bring him stuff we made!"
I shook my head.
[ The princess can be really sweet and stupid sometimes! ]