I quickly threw off the covers and jumped out of bed, my heart racing with excitement. I had completely forgotten about my class with Lady Sofia!
Lia helped me dress in a hurry, fastening the buttons on my gown and tying my hair back into a neat bun. "Come, Princess, we must hurry!" she exclaimed, handing me my gloves.
I grabbed my gloves and followed Lia out of the room, my skirts rustling as I rushed to keep up with her. We hastened through the corridors, passing by startled servants and guards.
As we arrived at the classroom, I could see Lady Sofia waiting for me, a stern expression on her face. "Ah, Princess, I see you've decided to grace us with your presence," she said dryly.
I curtsied hastily, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "I apologize for my tardiness, Lady Sofia. I overslept."
Lady Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Overslept? I see. Well, let us hope you are more alert during our lesson today."
I nodded, taking a deep breath as I prepared to face whatever challenges Lady Sofia had in store for me.
The lesson was a grueling one, with Lady Sofia drilling me on etiquette, protocol, and history. I struggled to keep up, my mind still foggy from my long sleep.
But despite the difficulties, I refused to give up. I was determined to prove myself, to show Lady Sofia and the rest of the palace that I was more than just a naive, inexperienced princess.
As the lesson drew to a close, Lady Sofia nodded at me, a hint of approval in her eyes. "Well done, Princess. You have made progress."
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. Maybe, just maybe, I was starting to get the hang of this princess thing.
I couldn't help but think of my old time as I sat through Lady Sofia's lesson. The strict etiquette, the complex protocol, the weight of responsibility... it was all so familiar.
As the daughter of a duke, I had been groomed from a young age to take over the family title and estates. I had spent countless hours studying, practicing, and preparing for the role.
But now, as the princess of a kingdom, I was faced with a whole new set of challenges. The stakes were higher, the expectations greater, and the scrutiny more intense.
I felt a pang of nostalgia for my old time, for the simplicity and familiarity of being a duke's daughter. But I knew I couldn't stay stuck in the past. I had to adapt, to learn, and to grow into my new role.
Lady Sofia's voice cut through my reverie, bringing me back to the present. "Princess, are you paying attention?"
I nodded hastily, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "Yes, Lady Sofia. I apologize for my distraction."
Lady Sofia's expression softened slightly. "It's understandable, Princess. You have a lot to adjust to. But remember, your duties as a princess are not just about etiquette and protocol. They are about serving your people, and being a symbol of hope and inspiration for them."
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination rising within me. Yes lady sofia I would do my best to be a good princess, to serve my people, and to make my family proud.
I rolled my arms, wincing in discomfort. Ugh, etiquette lessons are exhausting. Back home, I take history classes and swordart classes, but I never focus on etiquette. Ugh, sometimes Lady Sofia becomes super scary when someone isn't doing things right. I let out a sigh, recalling the numerous times Lady Sofia's stern expression had made me tremble.
Suddenly, I sensed a presence behind me. My heart skipped a beat as I instinctively reached for the delicate vase on my right, grasping it as a makeshift defense mechanism.
"Who's there?" I demanded, my voice firm but laced with a hint of apprehension.
A low, smooth laughter responded, and Rohan emerged from behind the window curtains. My grip on the vase relaxed as I let out a relieved breath.
"Rohan, please stop doing that," I admonished, returning the vase to its original position. "You scared me half to death. I thought an intruder had entered the palace."
Rohan's laughter intensified, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "What intruder?" he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm shocked my lovely fiancée couldn't even pretend to be brave."
He sauntered closer, his fingers brushing against my hair as he began to playfully tousle my locks. My cheeks flushed, and I tried to bat his hand away, but Rohan's touch sent shivers down my spine.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.
Rohan chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Huh, well, what else would I be doing here if not for you?" He took a step closer, his voice low and flirtatious.
I didn't respond, my expression remaining stoic.
Rohan's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "You're not going to say anything? I just said I came here because of you, and you're not showing any sign of joy. If I said these words to some other lady, they'd be going crazy, you know."
I pushed him away, my hands firm on his chest. "Well, Your Highness, the Crown Prince, I'm not like those other ladies of yours. I'm my father's daughter, the only heir of the Eckhart family. I'm not interested in these kinds of...stuffs."
Rohan's eyes narrowed, his smile twisting into a sly grin. "Ah, but that's what makes you so fascinating, Athanasia. You're not like the others. You're a challenge."
Rohan's lavender hair and lilac eyes shone radiantly in the sunset light. He grasped my hand, and I tried to pull away, but his grip was unyielding. As he drew closer, his face inches from mine, I felt my heart racing. He placed a hand on my cheek, and I shouted, "Rohan, stop!"
He snapped back to reality, taking in my distressed expression. "Athi, what's wrong? Did I make you uncomfortable?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
But it was too late. He pulled me closer, our chests touching, and I tried to push back, but he was too strong. His soft lips crashed against mine, sending a wave of warmth through my body. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I felt a surge of anger.
"You bastard!" I exclaimed, slapping him across the face. I turned and ran, desperate to escape the humiliation and confusion that threatened to overwhelm me.
I ran as fast as I could, my feet pounding against the floor. I reached my room, slammed the door shut, and slid down to the ground, tears streaming down my face. I touched my lips, still feeling the warmth of Rohan's kiss, and tried to rub it away as hard as I could.
"Why does he have to do things like this?" I sobbed, my body shaking with uncontrollable tears. "I'm just a tool to him."
Just as I thought I couldn't cry anymore, I heard a familiar voice. It was the same gentle, soothing voice I had heard before. This time, it was closer, trying to comfort me.
"Hey, are you okay? Stop crying."
I looked up, and a tiny light flew towards me. It hovered in front of my face, and I felt a strange sense of calm wash over me.
The light transformed into a majestic phoenix, its fiery plumage glowing softly in the dim light.
"Hi, Athanasia," the phoenix said, its voice warm and gentle. "I'm Grotesque Fire, the Fierce, the treasure of the Aries constellation."
I wiped away my tears, still trying to process what was happening. "You...you're a phoenix."
The phoenix nodded, its eyes shining with kindness. "Yes, Athanasia. I've tried to talk to you multiple times, but you always ignore me or get scared of me."
I looked at the phoenix, feeling a mix of wonder and curiosity. "Why do you want to talk to me?"
"You're...my treasure, the Aries constellation, but..." I trailed off as a knock at the door interrupted us.
"Athi, open the door. I want to talk to you," Rohan's voice called out from the other side.
I felt a surge of anxiety and frustration. What did he want now?
Grotesque Fire, sensing my unease, flew closer to me. "Don't worry, Athanasia. I'll protect you."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "I'll handle this," I whispered to the phoenix.
I slowly got up and made my way to the door, hesitating for a moment before opening it.
Rohan stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed intently on mine. "Can I come in?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.
I hesitated, unsure of what to do.
Rohan's gaze locked onto mine, and his eyes widened as he took in my swollen eyelids. He took a step closer, and I backed away, my heart racing.
"Hey, did you cry, Athi?" Rohan's voice was laced with concern as he took another step closer.
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat.
Rohan's face crumpled, and he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly. "I'm sorry, Athi. I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice shaking.
I was taken aback as Rohan's body began to shake, and he burst into tears. I had never seen him like this before.
"Your Highness, Rohan, why are you crying?" I asked, trying to push him away.
But he only held me tighter. "Athi, please don't leave me. Please, I'm sorry, Athi. I love you," he sobbed, his body wracked with panic.
I tried to comfort him, but he suddenly went limp in my arms. "Rohan! Rohan, wake up!" I screamed, panic setting in.
I called out for help, and Lia burst into the room, followed by other servants. "Princess, what happened?" Lia asked, rushing to my side.
I pointed to Rohan, who lay unconscious on the floor. "Rohan fainted! All of a sudden, Lia, do something!"