I woke up to the gentle touch of my maid, Beatrice, as she whispered, "Good morning, Princess Aurelia. It's time to start your day." I rubbed my sleepy eyes and sat up on my bed, stretching my arms and legs. Beatrice helped me get dressed in my finest clothes and brushed my hair until it shone in the morning light.
I was then introduced to Countess Ingrid from the House of Thron, who would be my etiquette teacher. The Countess was known as society's "golden flower" during her time due to her almost perfect social etiquette and beauty. I was both excited and nervous to start my lessons with her.
As we arrive at the grand hall where the class will take place, Countess Ingrid greets us with a warm smile. "Good morning, Your Highness. It's an honor to meet you," she says, giving a small curtsy.
As I gazed upon Countess Ingrid, I couldn't help but feel captivated by her beauty. Her porcelain skin was flawlessly smooth, and her high cheekbones accentuated her features perfectly. Her blonde hair was styled elegantly, cascading down her back in soft waves. Her eyes, the color of the clear blue sky, were framed by long lashes that fluttered as she smiled warmly at me. She was dressed in an exquisite gown that was intricately embroidered with golden threads, highlighting her slender figure.
I return the gesture, feeling a bit nervous. "Good morning, Countess Ingrid. Thank you for teaching me today," I say politely.
Countess Ingrid takes a moment to look at me from head to toe before speaking. "You have grown so much since I last saw you. You are already showing great potential, Your Highness," she says, nodding approvingly.
I feel a bit flustered by her words, but I try to maintain my composure. "Thank you, Countess Ingrid. I will do my best to learn from you," I say with a smile.
After the introduction, Countess Ingrid started the lesson by demonstrating how to properly sit in a chair with a straight back, feet flat on the ground, and hands resting gently on her lap. I watched intently as she spoke, taking in every detail of her posture and movements.
"Now, Princess Aurelia, would you like to try?" Countess Ingrid asked with a kind smile.
I nodded eagerly and stood up from my chair, trying my best to mimic her posture. It was more difficult than I thought it would be, but I did my best to keep my back straight and my feet firmly on the ground.
"Very good, Your Highness," Countess Ingrid praised me, "but let's try it again. Remember to relax your shoulders and keep your head held high."
I tried again, feeling more confident as I settled into the proper posture. Countess Ingrid continued to guide me through the correct movements, and I found myself enjoying the lesson more than I expected.
"Princess Aurelia, it is crucial that you understand the significance of good manners and social etiquette," Countess Ingrid said, looking at me sternly. "Your behavior reflects not only on you but on your family and your kingdom as well. It is your responsibility to uphold the dignity and prestige of your position as a princess."
I nodded in agreement, realizing the gravity of what she was saying. "Yes, Countess Ingrid. I understand."
"Good," she continued. "Now, let us move on to the proper way of sitting. Remember to keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet firmly planted on the ground. This will help you project an image of poise and elegance."
Countess Ingrid demonstrated the correct posture, and I tried to imitate her as best as I could. It was harder than it looked, and I found myself slouching several times.
"No, no, Princess Aurelia," Countess Ingrid scolded gently. "You must keep your back straight at all times. Imagine that there is a string pulling you upwards from the top of your head."
I tried to follow her instructions, but it was difficult. My muscles were not used to being held in such a rigid position.
"Good effort, Princess Aurelia," Countess Ingrid praised. "It will take time and practice to perfect it, but I have no doubt that you will eventually get the hang of it."
As the morning wore on, Countess Ingrid moved on to teaching me how to walk properly, emphasizing the importance of a graceful stride and a light step. She even showed me how to hold my skirts in a way that added to the elegance of my movements.
I was surprised at how much there was to learn about something as simple as walking, but I was determined to do my best.
As the morning wore on, Countess Ingrid moved on to teaching me how to walk properly, emphasizing the importance of a graceful stride and a light step. She even showed me how to hold my skirts in a way that added to the elegance of my movements.
I was surprised at how much there was to learn about something as simple as walking, but I was determined to do my best. By the end of the lesson, I was feeling much more comfortable with the movements and postures that Countess Ingrid had taught me.
Countess Ingrid then proceeds to give me a brief lecture on the importance of proper manners and social etiquette. I listen intently, taking notes on the things she says. Despite my nervousness, I find myself fascinated by her knowledge and grace.
As the class goes on, I slowly start to feel more at ease. Countess Ingrid's teaching style is gentle and patient, making it easy for me to learn. I began to understand why she was known as society's "golden flower" during her time.
The Countess was a strict but patient teacher, and I could tell that she was truly invested in making me the best princess I could be. I admired her poise and elegance, and I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.
After hours of practicing, I was exhausted, but I knew that it was just the beginning of my journey to becoming a proper princess. The Countess gave me some homework to do, such as memorizing the proper way to address a queen and a duke, and I promised to do my best.
Before I know it, the class is over, and Countess Ingrid bids me farewell. "Thank you for your time today, Your Highness. I look forward to our next lesson," she says with a smile.
"Thank you so much for the lesson, Countess Ingrid," I said with a smile, "I've learned so much today."
"It was my pleasure, Your Highness," Countess Ingrid replied, "you have a natural grace and poise that will serve you well as a princess."
I nod and curtsy, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a great teacher. As I leave the grand hall, I feel a sense of pride and determination to become the best princess I can be.
After my etiquette class with Countess Ingrid, I wandered around the palace and ended up at the knights' training ground. The sound of clashing swords and the shouts of knights filled the air as I approached. I saw my brother Aelfhere in the midst of the Golden Knights, the royal knights of the kingdom known for their skill and loyalty.
I watched in awe as they practiced various combat techniques and strategies. It was a thrilling sight to see the knights move with such grace and precision, their swords flashing in the sunlight.
As I walked towards my brother, I noticed the young boy standing beside him. My brother turned to me and said, "Aurelia, meet Elix. He is the younger brother of Sir Marcus, the Golden Knights Captain." I gave a small smile and a nod in acknowledgment.
Elix had a lean and agile build, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. His blonde hair was cut short, giving him a somewhat rugged appearance. He wore a set of black leather armor that hugged his form and carried a longsword at his side. Despite his youthful age, Elix held himself with quiet confidence, and there was a seriousness about him that made him seem older than his years. Despite the negative memories he evoked in me, I couldn't help but notice that Elix was undeniably handsome.
But as I looked at Elix, memories of the past came rushing back. I remembered how he had betrayed me by helping Elvina with her evil schemes. I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy around him.
Trying to put my past feelings aside, I decided to be cordial and said, "Hello Elix, it's nice to meet you." Elix gave a small bow and responded, "Princess Aurelia, it's an honor to meet you."
I could tell that Elix was trying to be respectful, but I couldn't help but feel a bit wary around him. I decided to change the subject and asked my brother, "How's your training going, Aelfhere?"
My brother smiled and replied, "It's going well, Aurelia. The Golden Knights are tough, but I'm learning a lot from them." I could see the excitement in his eyes and couldn't help but feel proud of him. As we continued to talk, Elix remained quiet and just observed us. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease around him, but I knew that I had to give him a chance and judge him based on his actions in the present, not his past mistakes.
As Aelfhere continued to train with the Golden Knights, I couldn't help but watch in awe as they moved and danced with their swords. Their skills were truly impressive, and I could see the admiration on my brother's face as he worked to keep up with them.
After a few minutes, the knights noticed my presence and one of them stepped forward. "Greetings, Princess Aurelia. I am Marcus, leader of the Golden Knights. It's an honor to have you here with us today."
I smiled shyly, feeling a bit intimidated by their presence. "Thank you, Sir Marcus. Your sword skills are truly impressive."
Sir Marcus chuckled. "We do our best, Your Highness. But if you'll excuse me, we must return to our training." With a nod, he signaled for the others to continue their practice.
As I watched, I noticed Elix standing off to the side, watching me with a guarded expression. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease around him, knowing what he had done in the past. But at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to him than met the eye.
Eventually, Aelfhere finished his training session and approached me with a grin. "What did you think, Aurelia? Impressive, right?"
I nodded, still feeling a bit in awe of the knights. "Yes, they're amazing."
"Aurelia, what brings you here?" he asked with a smile.
"I just wanted to watch the knights practice," I replied, still mesmerized by the sight.
"Well, would you like to join us?" Aelfhere asked, gesturing towards the knights.
I hesitated, unsure if I was skilled enough to train with the Golden Knights. "I don't think I'm good enough," I said.
Aelfhere chuckled. "Nonsense. Come on, I'll teach you a few moves."
With that, I found myself in the midst of the Golden Knights, learning from my brother and the other knights.
"A duel?" I echoed my brother's suggestion, a small smirk forming on my face. "I'm ready for it."
Elix's expression didn't change, but I could tell he was tensing up. Perhaps he was remembering the last time we had crossed swords.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Sir Marcus chimed in, his brow furrowed in concern. "Princess Aurelia, you are a delicate flower of the court, not a trained fighter."
I rolled my eyes at Sir Marcus's comment, feeling a bit insulted. "I may be a princess, but I can hold my own in a fight," I retorted, tightening my grip on my sword.
Aelfhere stepped in before the Captain could say anything else. "Let's do it then," he said, grinning at me. "Elix, get your sword."
Without another word, Elix walked over to the rack of swords and selected one, his movements fluid and precise. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration for his skill, even if he had betrayed me in the past.
We took our positions at opposite ends of the training grounds, and the knights formed a circle around us, watching intently. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me.
"Ready?" Aelfhere called out.
I nodded, my eyes fixed on Elix. He nodded in return, his face expressionless.
"Begin!"
With that one word, we charged at each other, swords clashing in a shower of sparks. The sound of metal against metal filled the air as we moved, each of us trying to gain the upper hand. I could feel the sweat starting to form on my forehead, but I pushed myself harder, determined to come out on top.
As the fight wore on, I found myself getting lost in the rhythm of the fight. It was like a dance, each of us moving in perfect harmony with the other. I could see the determination in Elix's eyes, but I refused to back down.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I managed to get in a solid hit, and Elix stumbled backward, his sword clattering to the ground. The knights erupted into cheers, congratulating me on my victory.
Breathless and sweating, I turned to face Elix, extending my hand to help him up. He took it without hesitation, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.
"Good fight," he said, and I could hear the sincerity in his voice.
"Thank you," I replied, feeling a sense of pride swelling within me. I had just defeated my soon-to-be knight guard in a duel, and I knew that this was only the beginning of my journey to become a skilled warrior.
I had just finished a grueling training session with the knights, and I was on my way back to my room. My clothes were sweaty and covered in dirt, but I didn't mind. As a warrior princess, I was used to getting dirty and sweaty.
As I walked down the hallway, lost in thought about my training, I suddenly saw my mother, Queen Twyla, walking towards me. The look on her face, when she saw me, was priceless. Her eyes widened in shock, and she looked like she had seen a ghost.
Before I could even say hello, my mother scolded me, "Princess Aurelia, what on earth have you been doing?"
I couldn't help but smirk. It was always amusing to see my mother's reaction to my warrior ways. "Training, Mother," I replied nonchalantly.
My mother huffed and puffed, clearly not amused. But I couldn't resist teasing her a bit more. "Don't worry, Mother, I'll make sure to take a bath before dinner," I joked.
That's when my mother's face turned from horrified to disgusted. "Aurelia, please, spare me the details," she said, covering her nose.
I burst out laughing. My mother could be so dramatic sometimes. As we continued walking, I couldn't help but notice the looks we were getting from the other people in the castle, but my mother's reaction was always a sight to behold.
Finally, we reached my room, and I said my goodbyes to my mother. "See you at dinner, Mother," I said with a grin.
My mother just shook her head and walked away, clearly still in shock from our encounter. I couldn't help but chuckle as I entered my room.
Just then, my thoughts were interrupted by a knock on my door. I got up to answer it, wondering who it could be. When I opened the door, I saw one of the castle maids standing there, holding a pile of clean clothes.
"Your Highness, I have brought you some clean clothes," she said, bowing her head.
I smiled at her and thanked her for the clothes. As she left, I quickly changed into a fresh outfit. It felt good to be clean and fresh again.
As I sat back down on my bed, I couldn't help but think about my mother's reaction to my warrior ways. She had always been a bit squeamish about dirt and sweat, but I knew deep down she was proud of me. And as long as I continued to train hard and become the best fighter in the kingdom, nothing would stop me.
As I entered the dining hall, I saw my brother Aelfhere with a scowl on his face. I knew what had happened earlier that day, and I couldn't help but find the whole situation amusing. Our mother had scolded him for making me hold a sword, and it seemed like he was still feeling the sting of her lecture.
As we took our seats at the table, I caught Aelfhere's eye and gave him a sly grin. He scowled back at me, clearly not amused. Our father, King Asjborn, noticed our exchange and raised an eyebrow.
"What's going on with you two?" he asked a hint of amusement in his voice.
I couldn't resist. "Oh, nothing much, Father. Just enjoying the fact that Aelfhere got scolded for making me hold a sword."
Aelfhere shot me a dirty look, but our mother intervened before he could respond.
"Aurelia, that's not funny. Your brother was only trying to teach you something important," she said sternly.
I tried to hide my smile, but it was no use. I burst out laughing, unable to control myself any longer. Aelfhere rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed with my antics.
As the meal progressed, the topic of conversation turned to Aelfhere's recent sword-fighting training. He had been spending all of his spare time practicing, and his dedication had not gone unnoticed by our father.
"I must say, Aelfhere, I'm impressed with your progress. You're becoming quite the swordsman," King Asjborn remarked.
Aelfhere's face lit up at the praise. "Thank you, Father. I've been working hard."
Our mother added her own praise, clearly proud of our brother's dedication. "You're doing a great job, Aelfhere. I'm proud of you."
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. I had always wanted to learn how to fight with a sword but had never been allowed to due to my status as a princess. I looked over at Aelfhere, who was basking in our parents' approval and felt a pang of annoyance.
But then I remembered the moment earlier that day when Aelfhere had tried to teach me how to hold a sword. I had felt powerful and in control and had enjoyed the thrill of the moment. Maybe it was time for me to start taking my own training seriously.
After dinner, I sought out my brother to talk to him about his training. He was surprised when I asked him to teach me how to handle a sword, but he agreed nonetheless. We spent hours that night practicing in the courtyard, me clumsily trying to mimic his moves and him patiently correcting me.
As the night wore on, I began to feel more confident in my abilities. I could feel the weight of the sword in my hand, and I relished the power that came with it. Aelfhere was a patient teacher, and he encouraged me to keep going even when I made mistakes.
By the time we finally stopped for the night, I was exhausted but exhilarated. I knew that I had a long way to go before I could call myself a swordsman like my brother, but I was determined to keep practicing.
As we made our way back to our rooms, Aelfhere gave me a smile. "You know, sister, you're not half bad. With a little more practice, you might just be able to hold your own against me."
I grinned back at him, feeling a sense of camaraderie that I had never felt before. Maybe this was what it meant to be a part of a family - to support each other, even when it meant enduring the occasional scolding or teasing. As I drifted off to sleep that night, I knew that I would never forget the lessons I had learned about determination, dedication, and the power of a good sword.
I groaned as Beatrice pulled back the curtains, letting in the blinding morning sunlight. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, trying to shake off the last remnants of my dreams.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Beatrice greeted me with a warm smile as she helped me out of bed and into my dressing gown. "I hope you slept well."
I nodded absentmindedly, still feeling a bit dazed. "What's on the agenda for today, Beatrice?"
"Your magic class, Your Highness," Beatrice replied. "You will be meeting your new teacher this morning."
I felt a jolt of excitement run through me at the mention of magic. I had always been fascinated by it and couldn't wait to start learning how to use it properly. I quickly got dressed and made my way to the study hall, my heart beating faster with anticipation.
As I walked down the hallway, I noticed a boy standing at the end of the corridor, his back to me. He had jet-black hair that fell in unruly waves around his face and was dressed in fine clothing that marked him as a member of the royal court. I felt a flutter in my chest as I looked at him, but quickly shook off the feeling and continued on my way.
I reached the study hall and was introduced to Mage Alaric, my new teacher. He was tall and imposing, with a stern demeanor that made me a bit nervous. As I settled into my seat and began my first lesson, my mind drifted back to the boy I had seen in the hallway. Who was he? Why had I never heard of him before? I try to recall all the characters from the novel but I never came across his name.
As the lesson continued, I heard the sound of footsteps outside the door. I turned my head to see the same boy from earlier walk by the study hall, his expression cold and aloof. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about him, even as I tried to focus on my studies.
After the lesson, I left the study hall and walked down the hallway toward my next class. As I turned a corner, I found myself face-to-face with the boy from earlier. I froze, not knowing what to say or do.
"Excuse me," he said curtly, trying to move past me.
I stepped to the side to let him pass, but my curiosity got the better of me. "Wait," I said, my voice a little shaky. "I don't think we've met before. My name is Aurelia."
He turned to look at me, his expression still cold and distant. "Askel," he replied shortly, before walking away.
I watched him go, feeling a little disappointed at his dismissive attitude. But I couldn't deny that there was something intriguing about him, something that made me want to know more. As I continued on my way, I made a mental note to try and get to know Askel better.
As I walked back to my chambers after my magic class, my mind kept drifting back to Askel. I couldn't help but feel intrigued by him, and I wanted to know more. As soon as I entered my room, I turned to Beatrice, who was waiting by the door.
"Beatrice, do you know anything about a boy named Askel?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
Beatrice raised an eyebrow. "Askel? The royal mage?"
I nodded eagerly. "Yes, that's the one. I saw him in the hallway earlier, and he seemed so...mysterious. I don't think I've ever seen him before."
Beatrice gave me a knowing smile. "Askel is the youngest royal mage in the palace, and a true genius when it comes to magic. He's known for being quite aloof and distant, but also highly respected for his skills."
"Interesting," I said, feeling even more curious. "Do you know anything else about him?"
"He's the son of Duke Matthias from the north," Beatrice said. "Apparently, he inherited his magical talent from his mother, who was a powerful mage in her own right."
I nodded, taking in the information. Askel's background was certainly impressive, but it didn't explain why he seemed so mysterious to me. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to him than just his magical prowess.
Over the next few days, I found myself watching Askel whenever I saw him in the palace. He was always alone and seemed to keep to himself most of the time. Despite his distant demeanor, I couldn't help but feel drawn to him. I wanted to know what he was thinking, what he was feeling.
One day, as I was walking through the palace gardens, I saw Askel sitting on a bench by himself. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should approach him, but then decided to take a chance. I walked over to the bench and sat down next to him.
"Hello, Askel," I said, trying to sound casual.
He looked up at me, his expression guarded. "Princess Aurelia," he said, nodding in acknowledgment.
"I hope you don't mind me joining you," I said, trying to keep the conversation going.
Askel shrugged. "It's your palace. You can do as you please."
I smiled, trying to break through his cool exterior. "You know, I've been curious about you ever since I saw you in the hallway that day. You seem so mysterious."
Askel raised an eyebrow. "Mysterious?"
I nodded eagerly. "Yes! I mean, you're the youngest royal mage in the palace, and you have such an impressive background. But there's something more to you, isn't there?"
Askel looked at me for a long moment, and I felt a thrill of excitement run through me. Was he finally going to open up to me?
But then, he stood up abruptly. "I'm sorry, Princess, but I have to go."
And with that, he walked away, leaving me feeling disappointed once again. But I couldn't give up on him. I was determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that was Askel.