Beside her sat Anastasia Velthorne, her younger sister, who listened quietly, her golden blonde hair neatly braided and her gray eyes calm.
Though she rarely spoke, her thoughtful gaze occasionally darted around the room, taking in every argument, every jab, with a quiet intensity.
In the far corner, Benedict Velthorne, the fiery-haired, green-eyed son of the second prince, was focused on his own passion.
A sketchbook was open before him, and he was absorbed in sketching the scene of his cousins' squabbles, capturing each expression with remarkable precision.
He glanced up only occasionally, his lean frame hunched over his art, seemingly removed from the chaos around him.
Miss Penfield clapped her hands, trying to gather their attention. "Children, if you would please," she said, a bit exasperated. "The lesson for today is the lineage of our kingdom's kings and queens. It is crucial that each of you understands your family's history and the honor that comes with your bloodline."
The door opened, and Prince Benjamin, the crown prince himself, entered the room with a raised eyebrow, observing the scene with a faint smile.
At once, the room stilled, and the children straightened, trying to appear more attentive, but the traces of rebellion and playfulness still lingered in their eyes.
"Miss Penfield," he greeted, nodding respectfully. His gaze turned to the children, each face a different portrait of guilt, curiosity, or indifference. "How is the lesson going?"
Simon puffed out his chest, eager to impress. "Father, I already know all about the kings and queens. I could probably teach the lesson myself."
Benjamin chuckled. "Is that so? Then tell me, Simon, who was the ruler before the Great Unification?"
Simon's confidence wavered, his face scrunching as he scrambled for an answer, but Philipa spoke up, her voice calm and steady. "It was King Alden, Your Grace," she said, giving Simon a pointed look. "He's the one who signed the treaty."
Benjamin nodded approvingly, while Simon scowled, shooting Philipa a resentful look. Hazel stifled a laugh at her brother's expense, while John, oblivious to the conversation, tugged insistently at Benjamin's sleeve.
"Uncle Benny, play?" John's voice was insistent, and Benjamin couldn't help but smile, bending down to pat the young boy's head.
"Not today, John," Benjamin replied, gently lifting the child back to his chair. "Today, you're supposed to be learning."
Madison rolled her eyes, muttering to herself, "It's not like it matters. We're all stuck here anyway." Her voice was just loud enough for everyone to hear, earning her a sharp glance from Miss Penfield.
Anastasia gently nudged her sister, whispering, "Madison, maybe don't say that out loud." Her quiet voice carried a weight that silenced her sister, if only momentarily.
Benjamin straightened, addressing the group. "Your studies are important, children. You might be young now, but one day, you'll carry the weight of this kingdom. Miss Penfield's lessons may seem tedious, but they are a foundation. Remember that."
Benedict looked up from his sketching, his green eyes thoughtful as he absorbed the prince's words. In a way, the quiet artist seemed to understand better than the rest, nodding subtly before returning to his drawing, his pencil capturing the scene with a newfound reverence.
Miss Penfield, reassured by Prince Benjamin's presence, resumed her lesson with renewed vigor.
The children settled down, though whispers and soft giggles still floated through the room. But for now, the royal children were reminded, if only briefly, of the importance of their heritage—of the responsibilities that lay on their small shoulders.
And as Prince Benjamin watched them, he hoped that, despite their youth and mischief, they would grow to understand that one day, they would hold the future of the kingdom in their hands.
!!
That afternoon, Salviana was interrupted by a knock at her chamber door. Sarah curtsied, her face etched with concern.
"Your Grace, the guards at the gate have sent word. A carriage has arrived carrying suspicious goods. The coachman claims they are for you, but the guards are hesitant to let it through."
Salviana frowned, setting aside the embroidery she had been working on. "Suspicious goods?" she repeated, rising to her feet.
"Yes, Your Grace. The guards insist on your presence to verify the delivery. The coachman, Manni, refuses to explain who sent him or what the goods are."
Her frown deepened. Manni was one of the castle's most trusted coachmen, a man who had served the royal family for decades.
Why the secrecy?
And who would send her such mysterious items?
Salviana's family came to mind briefly, but she dismissed the thought. They had never shown any care for her since she left for her marriage.
"Very well. Inform the guards I will be there shortly," Salviana said, her tone calm but firm.
As she stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, Salviana's mind raced. The castle gates loomed ahead, flanked by vigilant guards clad in polished armor.
Beyond them, a weathered carriage stood, its wheels muddy from travel as it had rained last night. Manni waited beside it, his expression neutral but his eyes twinkling with something unreadable.
"Your Grace," one of the guards said with a bow as she approached, "we cannot allow this carriage to pass without your approval. Its contents appear… unusual."
Salviana glanced at Manni, who tipped his hat respectfully. "Manni, what is the meaning of this? What are you transporting, and who sent it?"
Manni smiled, an infuriatingly calm and secretive smile. "Your Grace, I assure you, the goods are harmless. They were sent for you, but I'm afraid I cannot say by whom."
Her eyes narrowed. "Cannot or will not?"
Manni's smile widened, but he said nothing.
The guards shifted uncomfortably. "Your Grace, we understand he is a long-serving member of the household staff, but our duty is to ensure the safety of the castle. The contents of this carriage are highly irregular, and we cannot permit it entry without further inspection."
Salviana sighed, her frustration mounting. She understood the guards' caution, but Manni's cryptic demeanor only added to her annoyance.