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Introduction

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"How do you say 'hello' in Elfian?" I looked at the blank faces of my students. We were in the large library of their father's estate. The children were seated on a couch, as I stood before them, quizzing them on their linguistic skills.

I shook my head, a little dismayed. "How about in Abdegi?" I furrowed my brow at the silence that followed my question.

"Do you know how to say hello in any language?" I asked finally, exasperated.

Tanya raised her hand. "Yes, in Kyrrian. It's 'hello'."

I rolled my eyes and set down my book. "Very funny, Tanya. We've been at languages for almost a month, and you still haven't picked up a bit. I suppose we'll just have to study more."

Seven-year-old Lily raised her hand shyly. "I have picked up some! I know that 'Abensa utyu anja ubensu,' means 'pleased to meet you' in Ayorthian, and that, 'Vib ol pess waldo,' means 'stay in the shade' in Elfian. I just forgot 'hello' in both languages."

"And there's no use even trying Abdegi, 'cause the language is just screeches and whistles and who knows what," Marcus added. "I'm pretty good at Ogrese, though. PsuSSahbuSS," he hissed at Lily, who leaned towards Tanya, frightened by her older brother.

"That's good, Marcus. Very good, Lily," I said, before wearily turning to the eldest of the children, "You're the oldest Tanya, so I'm sure you must remember something. From any language."

I saw her mouth about to move and I quickly added, "Except Kyrrian."

Tanya scowled. "I… I'm pretty sure 'inouxi' means 'speak' in Ayorthian, right?" She looked down at her hands, and by the way she was blushing I knew she was ashamed that her younger siblings knew more than she. "Who cares about this anyways? I'm bored, Rosalie, let's do something else." She tossed her light brown curls behind her shoulder and set her pretty face into a scowl.

"I'm your governess and tutor. Your father entrusted your education to me. I intend to follow the instructions given to me and continue to teach you despite your…"

"Tell us a story!" Lily exclaimed rather randomly, and right in the middle of my speech.

"A story?" I arched an eyebrow. "All the stories I know are from books. I'm sure I could find some for you…"

"No," Lily protested, "A story, like a fairy tale. Or a story about you!"

"I'm sure anything is better than languages," Tanya said in agreement, "Even if it's just going to be about her life as a servant."

I glared at her. "I was never a servant. I'm the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Frell, thank you very much."

"Really?" Marcus asked, a little amazed. "How come you came here looking like some peasant?"

I turned away from them, trying to hide the sadness in my eyes. I really wasn't up for telling my story. Softly, I asked them, "How about Snow White? It's got adventure, romance, and attempted murder for you, Marcus." I plucked the book from the shelf and set it in my lap as I resumed my seat on the armchair.

"What are you doing? We want to hear your story," Tanya said impatiently. I looked up and saw them all eagerly looking at me. I sighed in defeat.

"Fine," I said, "But it's not really exciting."

"Anything is better than languages," repeated Tanya, "Besides you can't just tell us you're a Duchess and then leave it there!"

"I'm not a Duchess anymore, and I really never was," I explained as I set the storybook aside, "Mother and Father were Duke and Duchess of Frell. My father was killed on an Ogre expedition with King Charmont. My mother never remarried, but my uncle moved in to run our property. My mother eventually fell ill and died…" I paused staring at my hands. Anger washed over me in remembrance of my vile uncle.

"Then my louse of an uncle made my life an endless torture. So I ran away and became your governess. The end," I said hurriedly, "Now isn't that a lovely story? I think we should start back up with Kyrrian History, don't…"

"You have to really tell us the story, Rosalie! I mean, not rushed!" Lily crossed her arms over her chest indignantly.

"Fine. I'm just warning you my 'fairy tale' doesn't have a happy ending." I looked to the crackling fire. "I'm not sure if my story has even ended yet."

Marcus rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah! You can go all deep and brood on us later. Right now, you have a story to tell!"

I laughed at his frankness. "Okay, I'll go 'all deep on you later'. Well, I guess I should begin when my mother died…"