As soon as her hands stilled, Celine turned her gaze to the drawing she'd made, showing an expression of doubt as she stared seriously at the paper.
'What would that be? A lizard?'
It shouldn't have been that, she faced the tapestry again, quickly noticing a detail she had left out, returning to drawing as soon as she noticed it, now, facing the drawing again, she thought:
'Does this thing have wings...?'
– Miss Celine? – The teacher's voice came suddenly right beside her.
Turning her face, she looked at the teacher, who was looking seriously at the drawing she had done, pointing to the sketch she asked – What is this?
'I would also like to know teacher, isn't it the teacher who should teach me things?'
Obviously, she wouldn't say it out loud, she just thought, forgetting to give an answer to the teacher, who, noticing the young woman's mind wandering away again showed a slightly more irritated expression, nudging the princess to get her attention.
She asked – Princess, cite for me which kingdoms border Nairot's trade.
Celine stared at her for a while, finally snapping back to reality and giving a quick answer:
– Nairot borders the great kingdoms of Waterfall, Tegia, and Friegenia, and the smaller kingdoms of Baria, Fenymia, and Almalorantia.
The teacher, observing his convinced expression, asked again:
– Their biggest trade route?
Celine was even quicker, explaining briefly about the subject:
– In fact, its largest trade route is mainly supported by the coastal capital of the Kingdom of Kelet, which thanks to this route also trades with Nairot, the route passes through four towns in Kelet before splitting into two, the first major route going to the realm of Waterfall, where it splits again, one going to the northern realm through the capital of Waterfall, Nosea, and the other down to the capital of Nairot, Menione, which guides its trade to Baria, Almalorantia and Fenymia, and the second-longest route going south into the kingdom of Friegenia, which, continuing down a little further, reaches the small kingdoms of Tsimian, Mishan Guo, and finally ending at the coastal capital of the small kingdom of Tegia.
Her expression was serious, there wasn't a single error in her words.
Tabitha, apparently impressed with her student, raised her eyebrows and flashed a small smile.
– Very good – She said, returning to the front of the room she sat in her chair – Very good Celine, this was your last class with me, you will travel to Fenymia this afternoon, right?
Celine nodded, confirming the teacher's question.
– Right! You can go now, rest a little longer for your trip – She said. Just as the princess was leaving the room, she spoke again – And I suggest you do not draw in your notebook while you are in class there, your highness has definitely not met a truly strict and grumpy teacher yet.
Celine smiled and apologized, saying goodbye to the teacher, she tried to quickly go back to her room.
Suna accompanied her with hurried steps:
– Princess... – She was panting as she tried to say something – Why are you walking in such a hurry?
Celine wanted to come back soon to sketch again in her diary the symbol she saw, that notebook is in the study room so the teacher could review any notes she had made, and although it was her last day of class with teacher Tabitha, she still needed to leave the notebook there. Hearing Suna's words, Celine stopped and waited, smiling a little embarrassed, she took Suna's arm and the two walked side by side back to her room.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
In the study room, Tabitha looked carefully at Celine's sketch, paying special attention to detail.
'Why would the princess draw this symbol all of a sudden?'
Tabitha kept her gaze fixed on the drawing, not noticing that someone had entered the room and approached her.
– Tabitha? – It was a sweet voice, the teacher looked up and when she realized who it was, she quickly lowered the book and bowed respectfully.
– My lady, do you want anything from this servant? – She told to the tall, slender woman who was in front of her, this was the most powerful sorceress of the nine kingdoms, Isleen, her sharp eyes stared not at the teacher, but at the symbol sketched in the notebook.
The sorceress didn't respond, directing her gaze to the top, she stared at one of the tapestries, not sparing a single glance at the others, she fixed on this one, the same one Celine had taken a while to notice.
Narrowing her eyes she gestured to call one of the guards who was at the door, as he approached she said:
– I ordered the tapestries removed from the hallways, but I don't remember when I told you to bring them here...
Tabitha glared at her Lady, lowering her head shortly thereafter. 'This has nothing to do with me' she thought.
The guard was silent for a moment, Isleen finally turned her gaze to him, waiting for an answer.
Realizing that he was now in the great witch's line of sight, he replied:
– I'll take care of it right now my Lady.
Isleen nodded and the guard was allowed to leave.
– How's Celine's progress? – She asked, now in a gentle tone.
Knowing that she was the only one there and that the question was directed at her, Tabitha lifted her head and explained:
– Celine is very smart, has quick thinking and probably a photographic memory.
Isleen nodded slightly – I heard from the servants that she seemed a little distant today...
Knowing what her Lady was trying to say, Tabitha replied:
– She seemed a little dazed during class, her gaze wandered away all the time, probably to something troubling the princess's mind, this servant can't guess what it might be.
Isleen nodded again – Celine won't be studying here anymore, so feel free to come home.
Smiling, Tabitha shook her head – I appreciate the kindness of the Lady, but I already consider this palace as my home, I have nowhere to go.
– Right, thanks to the teachings you gave my daughter, I'll give you the care of the library.
Tabitha's eyes seemed to glow, making a curtsy she thanked.
Isleen took Celine's notebook, which contained the sketch, and left. As soon as she reached the hallway she went to the window and opened it. Facing the notebook, she opened it again to the page where the symbol was drawn, running her fingers lightly across the lines.
Sighing, she closed the book holding it in one hand before burning it. The flames came straight out of her hand, leaving only ashes, which flew with a small breeze that had passed there.
Isleen looked out over the landscape, fixing her gaze on the horizon.
A few minutes later she lowered her head and left, heading for Celine's room.
...