All is well after the suspected death of Princess Amelia and Princess Alexandra. A palace wall surrounds King Cedric's palace, with guards in every gate and corner of the place. The gate remained closed from visitors outside the kingdom, and even from their people. He had to make sure his palace is safe, especially his family, from Midas. Although guests are not allowed, everyone in the palace is allowed to go in and out.
In those twenty years, there never was a ball held in the kingdom. Sure, they were invited to neighboring kingdoms for balls, but King Cedric didn't want any more celebrations to be held in Crystalia. He banned any royal celebration to be held in his palace. The kingdom was never the same ever since.
The princes, now grown up, carried on with their royal duties. But they don't take their lessons seriously and would much rather prefer doing their past-time hobbies. Prince Alexander, on the other hand, takes them seriously in preparation for his time as the next king. As the eldest and the heir to the throne, he has no time for hobbies other than reading and writing in his favorite spot at the palace library. Prince Charles loved to practice swordfight with the palace staff and his tutors. Prince David learned archery and horseback riding and would practice at the wide fields outside the palace walls with his horse. Prince Stephen loved to go out and explore, wanting to know his kingdom outside the palace walls better.
But they all share talents in music that they got from the king and queen. There are days when one or all of them would be in the music room and play instruments. It was one of their past-time hobbies as a family. Even King Cedric or Queen Adela would sometimes be alone in the room playing an instrument.
One morning, the king, the queen, and the eldest prince are having breakfast, with the three princes running late. They arrive three minutes later, and King Cedric watched the three with pursed lips. He had to discuss something with his sons.
"Good morning," Stephen greets everyone in the room.
"You're late," Alexander scoffs.
"It's just past three minutes. Nothing too serious."
Alexander kept himself from rolling his eyes at his brother. Sometimes, they get on his nerves with late arrival or noise at the dining table.
Cedric clears his throat. "Glad for you three to join us. I have something to discuss with you four."
He waits for the princes to be seated and to be served their food before he spoke.
"It's been pointed out to me that your behavior is not proper. Other people have been observing you lately whenever we come to visit kingdoms."
"You don't socialize much with other royalty," Adela added. "Well, except for Charles. He's been quite good with socializing."
"Is it really necessary to talk to other people?" David asks.
"Of course. You have to make connections with other people. It can help our kingdom in times of help. And of course, the time will come when you all have to get married to princesses."
"Do I really need to marry a princess?" Alexander asks.
"Yes, Alexander, as heir to the throne," Cedric replied.
"But I don't think Alexander has to marry a princess to be king of Crystalia," Charles said before taking a bite of his food.
"It's a law, Charles. He has to marry a princess to become king. Now, we have visitors, and she and her daughter will live here until you four behave properly as princes."
"What are they here for?"
"To tutor you."
Stephen furrowed his eyebrows. "Isn't our classes enough?"
Cedric's eyebrows were furrowed slightly. "You need extra tutoring for your behavior. And you don't take your classes seriously."
"We are serious, father," Stephen defends.
"I mean not just spending your time on your hobbies and meeting princesses. You have to be prepared for your royal life. And please, be punctual. Punctuality starts at breakfast, and you three failed this morning."
The three bowed in embarrassment. "Sorry, Father."
A castle guard comes into the dining room. "Your Majesty, the duchess is here."
~~~
"Do you know who the duchess is?" Charles leans and asks Alexander in a whisper as they stood still, waiting.
Alexander answers without looking at his brother. "I have never heard of her, or her daughter at the very least."
"Maybe this girl is the one you're going to marry."
Alexander chuckles sarcastically. "I don't think so."
"Why are you-"
"Catherine, Charlene, I'd like you to meet my sons." Cedric and Adela walk in with two ladies. "This is my eldest son, Alexander."
Alexander takes the duchess' hand and kisses it. "Pleasure to meet you, your Grace."
Catherine smiles discreetly. "Charming."
Alexander moves on and greets the daughter of the duchess. "Pleased to have you here, my Lady."
"Thank you," Charlene kindly smiles as she lets Alexander kiss her hand.
"My lady." Charles bows in front of her, and Catherine nods her head once. At the back of Charles' mind, he felt judged by her. But upon greeting Charlene, he felt as if maybe he's thinking too much. Charlene smiles sweetly and innocently, a complete opposite of her mother.
The two princes received the same treatment as Charles', with Charlene making them feel comfortable after her mother's rather curt nod and stare.
Adela speaks up. "Right. Now that we got to meet everyone, let me take you ladies to your room and we'll have a tour of the palace after."
"Sounds delightful. Thank you, your Majesty," Charlene answers politely, and Adela smiles at the younger lady's politeness.
The three ladies leave the room, while Cedric talks to the four princes.
"Behave properly. And do what the duchess tells you. She'll know what to do."
"Yes, Father." The princes replied.
The king leaves the room, leaving the princes in the big room.
"Is it just me, or Duchess Catherine is judging us?"
"Not just you, Stephen."