Streams of light sneaked it's way through the cracks of the curtain as I groaned, groggily rubbing my eyes. It's morning already...? I thought as I rolled over, preparing to go back to sleep.
"Sistwer!" a voice yelled before I felt a weight on my torso. I let out an "Oof!" before looking up to find my brother greeting me whilst hugging me.
"G-good morning." I said, rubbing my stomach that got assaulted first thing in the morning by Cain after he rolled to the side. "Mwoning sistwer! Daddy asked mwe to come get you. He swaid that there's maanny things to be done." Cain explained as he spread his arms at the word many before falling into my arms, hugging me.
"I see. Thanks for letting me know." I replied, gently stroking his hair which I've gotten so used to. Cain looked up to me and beamed before a maid came by worriedly to usher him out.
"I'm so sorry young miss, we couldn't stop him in time! We didn't want to wake you because you were still sleeping..." the maid said as she held onto Cain's shoulders. I stared at her before caressing my furrowed brows.
"Hmm... it's fine. Tell my nanny to come help me get ready. I'll be down soon." I said as I got out of bed to open the curtains. The maid replied with an "Of course." before leaving with Cain, leaving me alone in the room once more.
***
Once seated at the dining room table, breakfast was served in a fanciful manner. I watched as a variety of breakfast cuisine was plated before me, begging to be eaten.
"Lily." my father said, forcing my eyes to peel away from the noodle dish I was eyeing. "Y-yes?" I replied, trying to keep my eyes away from the beckoning of the noodle dish. It's been so long since I last ate pasta or rice... We always just eat bread or rich meat...
"-listening?" my father's voice rang before I shook my head, finally focusing on him. "Err... may you please repeat that, Grand Duke...?" I replied hesitantly, looking straight at him.
"... You seem distracted... So, I'll tell you later after breakfast. Come straight to my study later." my father said, turning his gaze towards his dinner plate. "... Yes, father..." I replied, finally grabbing onto the bowl of noodles.
Who knew a craving was stronger than my will to listen... This might be a problem in the future... I thought to myself as I indulged in the peppery and flavourful soup of the noodle dish.
***
Knock Knock
"Come in." my father said as I slowly opened his study room door. I smiled and bowed slightly at the two guards in front of his room before entering in.
Upon entering, I lifted my dress a little and curtsied with a slight bow. "I bid a good morning to my esteemed father." I said as I looked up at him with a smile.
"Hoho~ My little angel is growing up so well~" my father said as he stood up and walked towards me with opened arms. He then proceeded to crush me with a tight hug as I struggled to breathe.
"Fa--ther... breathe... hard..." I struggled as he finally released me from his grasp. "Ah! Sorry, my dear! I was too excited!" my father said as he gently stroked my back.
"I-it is okay... Why... have you brought me here?" I asked as I filled my lungs with fresh air. "Well, you're now 6 years old... A little late start but... It's about time for your lessons. Normally nobles start learning at five but... you were... pretty unruly last year so... What would you like to learn first? Of course you will still be learning everything later on but we'll prioritize the subject of your choice first." my father said a little too excitedly.
Is this... really something you should be letting me choose when I'm only 6 years old...? I thought as an awkward smile spread across my lips.
But still... it would be good to learn how to control my magic or learn how to defend myself with swordsmanship... but... when you think about it...
"Father... how many subjects can I choose?" I asked, looking up at him with sparkling eyes. "Hmm, for now two is best because I plan on finding only the best of the best teachers for you." my father replied.
A-amazing... He didn't even hesitate. And knowing him... With the ducal power on his side, what he said is surely what will happen.
"Well... then I want to learn ballroom dancing and swordsmanship!" I replied with a smile.
"Oh! Dancing! That's impressive! But are you sure... swordsmanship? Girls don't usually choose to learn it... Its not uncommon but it doesn't really interest them." my father asked again cocking his head to the side as he looked at me curiously.
"Yes! Swordsmanship is harder and requires years to master! So, I believe I should at least start that first! Also... if it isn't too much... can I learn it from Mr Aslan? With... Xavier?" I asked as I stared hopefully at my father.
The Duke gulped and finally gave in to my pleading eyes as he agreed. He told me that if it got too hard then I could stop but I told him I wouldn't and that I chose it knowing it would be hard.
***
"Well... I heard you are also going to be learning under Aslan. But why swordsmanship? Didn't you like magic?" Xavier asked as he accompanied me to the training grounds the next morning.
Xavier was in his apprentice outfit and holding his wooden sword against his shoulder as he stared at me with his hazel coloured eyes.
"Well, I did think of that. But I'll still be learning it when my father finds a tutor so that's no worry. I also wanted to spend time with you as well." I replied smiling.
Xavier's face flushed red as he opened and closed his mouth robotically. "Wha- wha-- what are you saying?! Are you teasing me?" Xavier yelped as he glared at me.
"No. Why is your face so red? Are you okay?" I replied almost instantly as I touched his forehead with mine.
Xavier turned beet red and jumped backwards saying the weather was just really hot. I shrugged and looked up at the trees sheltering us from the sun. It isn't that hot... is he sensitive to the heat?
"Young Miss Lily. Thank you for choosing me as your swordsmanship teacher. It is an honor to serve you." Mr Aslan said as he bowed, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Likewise, Mr... Sir... Hmm... Teacher." I replied, finally choosing a suitable term to call him with as I bowed slightly. And with that, it marked the beginning of my formal lessons in the dukedom.