As my mother had said, a meeting was organized with all the instructors, that meant, that Hero would enter the castle for the first time, just this thought made me nervous. Sometimes I felt impure and immoral when he loved me in an unholy way, in places that would be considered unclean by any respectable person. Wait, does this mean that I am not a respectable person? What I think didn't matter, but what the whole kingdom would think if they knew about these things, about the things we do together, I would certainly be pointed out everywhere and my reputation would be known even in the enemy kingdom.
Before the meeting, Oliver, Liana and I went back to the wall of Victoria's house, but all my friend could capture was Virginia complaining about the poor work done by the servants.
- Let's go, the meeting's about to start. - said Oliver.
- Can you join the meeting? - asked Liana, as we walked home.
- Yes we can, but I don't like it, I prefer to stay in my room. - replied Oliver, throwing a rock away.
- I like to participate, I like to stay abreast of the issues. - I say.
- You have to participate, don't you, little sister? After all, you will take the throne.
- I don't know why it can't be you. - I say.
- Because you're the oldest, remember? - he says, laughing.
- I'd rather not even think about that now. - I try to push away the thought of the possibility of losing my parents and being forced to take the throne in their place.
...
We were all gathered around the long oak table in the meeting room. I had persuaded Oliver to join the meeting with me, and he had very begrudgingly accepted.
Hero, Mariah and Remo were on the opposite side from where Oliver and I were sitting, my father and mother were seated each at one end of the table. Hero looked at my whole body, I felt the skin of my face on fire, my cheeks were as red as the tablecloth. I tried to look away and focus on another face, but then my eyes met Mariah's, and I was sure she knew about us.
- Let's get started," my father said. - said my father. - I want to know how your students are doing in class. First you, Hero.
- My class has progressed quite a bit, Your Majesty. - Some, of course have difficulties to hit the target, but Olivia for example, is excellent, she managed to hit the target on the first try. - I lowered my gaze, embarrassed.
- That is wonderful! Olivia is really talented. - was proud, my mother.
- It's a shame that I can't say the same about Olivia's performance in my class. - bloody Mariah!
- Mariah, Olivia told me about the disagreement you two had. Do you want to talk about it? - my mother asked.
- Her Highness made fun of me during class just because I drew her attention. - she said ironically.
- You held my arm tightly, did you forget your place? - I said in a defiant tone. I noticed when Hero shook her head in disapproval.
- Olivia... - said my mother, in a warning tone.
- The best thing to do is to put the past behind you. From now on, work harder in class and obey your instructor, Olivia. - my father said, and I just nodded my head in agreement. - Mariah, stick to the role you have been assigned to play and don't abuse your authority, don't touch Olivia or any other student, is that clear?
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Mariah looked at me with anger in her eyes. I smiled mockingly.
- Your turn now, Remo. - said my mother.
Oliver, who had been quiet until then, took advantage of Remo's speech to whisper in my ear:
- It's like a circus in here, that's why I prefer to stay locked in my room.
- And miss all the fun? No way!
Hero didn't look at me again during the rest of the meeting, surely he must be upset because of his friend. What can I do? I love him, but I won't let her step on me.
At the end of the meeting, he got up with his companions and left without giving me a single farewell look, Hero knew how to be cruel when he wanted to be.
- I think someone didn't like the way you spoke to Mariah. - commented Oliver, as we walked to our rooms.
- Hero needs to stop protecting that one. - I took a deep breath, stress at bedtime gives you wrinkles around the eyes.
- I won't even tell you what I think about all this, because you already know. Good night, sister. - I said, walking into her room.
After I went to bed, I still lay awake for a while, thinking, reflecting on my feelings for Hero. Did I love him so much, to understand and accept that he cared more about Mariah's feelings than mine? I didn't know, but soon I would.