I learned that when Queen Luna had pulled my father away to discuss my training lessons, they decided that it would be done at her manor under strict supervision. This then turned into Lona accompanying me there and making sure I don't become 'close' with any boys.
Luna didn't appreciate this, but my father wouldn't relent so she finally agreed. Why am I at their mercy?
I don't understand why they would think us children would be up to no good. I know that little kids get crushes, but it's usually innocent since they don't understand what it actually means to like someone. Perhaps one day I will understand this world, but it's certainly not today.
I followed Lona, William, and Dante out of the building trying to ignore the whispers and stares. I'm sure I'm going to hear about it from Millie later.
We approached an extravagant looking carriage. It was bright red with gold trim. I recognized it as the Royal's colors. My mouth dropped at it's sight. It was so bright and shiny that I could see my reflection. Not only that, but it was huge! The carriage required four horses to pull it, while mine only needed one or two.
William smiled triumphantly, "It's pretty great isn't it? Just wait until you see my place."
I felt myself get sick just from staring at the large carriage. Surely motion sickness gets better in larger transportation... Right?
They began to get inside the carriage. Lona began to shuffle me inside. I paused before entering, "Just how far is it?"
"It's around an hour. It's far but not too bad."
I felt like passing out. Why did he live so far away?! There's no way I can survive this nor can I pretend I'm perfectly fine. Of all the people, I certainly didn't want them to know my secret.
William tapped his finger impatiently, "What is wrong?"
I forced a smile, "Nothing."
Lona pushed me in, "Relax. You'll be fine."
I wanted to cry. Why can't anyone just pat me on the back? Why do they have to just ignore my pain and suffering?
I sat inside next to Lona and across from William and Dante. I was surprised to see how much room was in this carriage. I was certainly able to spread myself out comfortably. The one we have can only fit a few people and it can be cramped.
I felt the carriage lurch forward and began to move. It wasn't as smooth as I was hoping it to be. After the first few minutes I began to feel sick.
William spoke, "Once we get there I'm sure that my Mother will be waiting. She is looking forward to seeing you today."
I was using my concentration to focus on not vomiting, so I couldn't even give him my attention.
Dante spoke, "Are you alright?"
I nodded, "Uh... Yeah. How much longer?"
William answered, "We aren't even halfway there."
Play it cool, Seri. Play it cool. Try not to think about how everything is spinning.
Dante tilted his head, "Are you sure you're okay?"
I tried to nod but instantly felt my throat seize up. I quickly threw open the small window next to me and tossed my head outside. I could feel what should have stayed in my stomach escape.
William crinkled his nose and shouted, "Stop!"
Once the carriage stopped, I quickly rushed out the door and began to puke in the bushes.
They followed me out of the carriage. William held his mouth and looked away.
"What is wrong with her?!"
Lona sighed, "I apologize, Prince William for her behavior. She gets very sick in carriages. It's usually not this bad."
"Hmph. To think she is this sick just from a simple ride."
It's not a simple ride, you a**! It's still bumpy and uncomfortable!
I felt someone patting my back and looked behind me to see the smiling face of Dante. I quickly threw up again.
Once I got control of myself and started feeling better, I got back in the carriage.
William looked at me cautiously, "You sure you are okay?"
I groaned, "The faster we get there the better."
Dante motioned to the window, "I've heard that laying down and getting fresh air is helpful to those with motion sickness. Should we try it?"
"Why not."
I laid down and rested my head on Lona's lap as Dante opened the window slightly.
William shouted to the driver, "Alright. You can go now. Just get us there quickly."
"Yes, your highness." The driver answered and the carriage began to start moving again.
Dante was right. This was a bit better. Although I still feel a bit dizzy, it was much more tolerable.
After a while, William interrupted the silence, "We are here."
I sat up to see a giant castle come into view. My jaw dropped. This had to be three times the size of my own house. I can't believe I thought my house was huge! This place is a monstrosity!
"This is just where me and my mother are staying for now. My father lives at the Royal palace. I will move there once I'm finished with school."
I swallowed hard. Is this how the other half lives? This place has to be the size of a small town.
We stopped in front of the door and I immediately felt uncomfortable due to the sheer quality of everything in sight. I'm sure it would take me several lifetimes to be able to live like this.
As we stepped out of the carriage we were met by Queen Luna. Behind her stood two knights with serious expressions. I wonder why she needs to have knights if this is her home. I don't think the book mentioned any assassination attempts against Williams parents. Maybe it's just normal?
Queen Luna rushed over to me and hugged me tightly. I could see her knights tense up at this action. She looked at me happily, "It's so nice to have you here!"
I smiled back at her, "I'm so happy to see you Queen Luna! You look even more beautiful than you did before."
She giggled, "You are such a sweet talker." She looked over at William and hugged him while kissing his head. "William baby! I've missed you as well!"
"Mother! Stop it! This is embarrassing!"
"Oh relax. Seri doesn't mind."
I do.
Dante greeted her, "Queen Luna. How are you?"
She glanced at him and have a weak smile, "I am well. And you Dante?"
"I am also well. Thank you."
I watched the exchange curiously. I'm not sure if I saw correctly, but there appeared to be some tension between the two of them.
Queen Luna spoke to all of us, "Well. I need to get back to my work. William, how about you show her around? Then you can train until dinner time."
"Yes mother."
We all politely bowed to her as she left.
William spoke, "Sorry about her. She can be a bit too much."
I shrugged, "I've dealt with worse."
Trust me. She has nothing on my father.
I began to follow William and Dante inside. They began to walk throughout the corridors pointing out certain things. I didn't know William knew this much history. I think I might fall asleep listening to him.
I've never really cared for history. It can be interesting, but I just can't get myself to focus on it. Of all my grades I've ever received, my history grade has always been the worse. Occasionally I would sometimes fall asleep during an exam.
As we walked through a hallway with portraits on the wall, I stopped at one that caught my eye. William noticed I stopped and walked back over to me.
"That is King Cicil. He was rumored to be a ruthless but fair king. He was the only one to become king that wasn't born into royalty."
"He looks oddly familiar."
"Well he shouldn't. He lived hundreds of years ago."
I furrowed my eyebrows in deep thought. Why did this portrait look so familiar? I can't help but feel like I forgot something important. Ah, it's on the tip of my tongue. What was it? Sh*t. I can't remember. Oh well, I'm sure I will remember later.
We continued down the hallway. I felt as if we'd been walking forever. He stopped and pointed down the hall, "That is my room. Across the hall is Dante's."
"Dante's?"
Dante nodded, "Yes. I live here. You didn't know this?"
I had completely forgotten that Dante lived with William. Why was that again? I recall that they were related somehow.
"If it's not rude to ask, why do you live here?"
"My parents died when I was younger. Even though I was a distant cousin, Queen Luna took me in."
Seems like a classic character's backstory. I can't say I'm too surprised.
He gave a fake smile, "I have been living with them since."
I carefully looked at him. I feel like more is at play here, but what is it? In the book I could have sworn there was something scandalous about his situation. When he became older he began to resemble the King and rumors began to spread. I shouldn't mention anything though.
"I thought you two were just very close friends. I didn't think you lived together."
William spoke, "You really didn't know? We arrive at school together and leave together."
"I guess I just didn't pay attention."
Would normal people notice this? Plus I always arrive much later than them.
William crossed his arms annoyed, "Tch. You need to be more observant. One day you'll be so absent-minded that you will just walk off the side of a cliff."
"Huh? We have cliffs here?"
He frowned, "No. It's a figure of speech."
"Oh."
Dante smiled at me, "Well I suppose we've shown you everything important inside. We should go see the garden and start training. Unless you'd rather listen to William share some more history?"
I shook my head, "No thanks. Let's go."
I followed them outside and they led me to what looked like a solider training ground.
Dante smiled, "This is where I practice."
"Where is your teacher?"
"I don't have one."
"Why not?"
William interrupted, "He could beat every single teacher who came. He doesn't need one."
I glanced at the smiling Dante. I was right. He really was a demon. This author gave him too much freakish strength. If this wasn't a novel I'm sure it would be impossible.
"For some reason, I get the feeling you are thinking poorly of me."
I met Dante's intense stare and jumped, "No! I'm just impressed."
Yeah, impressed that you are a monster.
He grabbed a wooden sword and walked over to me. He held it out, "We will start easy."
I went to grab it and felt my hand fall under it's weight. I struggled to hold it just by the handle.
"What the f*ck is this?! Mahogany?!"
"Don't curse." William reminded.
Dante gave a sadistic smile, "We will start by swinging it 100 times."
100 times?! I can barely lift it!! Seriously. Why did I want to become a knight again?