Elina had just finished eating her breakfast of warm eggs, toast, ham, and pancakes, with herbal tea to wash it down. She knew she wouldn't be able to eat anymore, and excused herself early.
The night before, Elina had slept on the most comfortable bed she'd ever slept on, and awoke to Nico, who had come in to help prepare her for the day. She'd also met her personal maid, Ilana Quill, who was assigned to help dress her and whatnot. Ilana was a nice, honest girl who was about her age. Ilana was slightly taller than Elina, and had flaming red hair and large green eyes. Elina had never seen anyone with red hair quite like Ilana's; it made her stand out even more.
Now, Elina was preparing to leave the breakfast room when she felt a hand grab her arm, "Elina, "she heard him say. Elina turned to face Alyn, who had approached her. "Yes? "she asked, "Have you forgotten about our morning stroll already? "he teased. Elina mentally slapped herself, "Oh! My apologies, Alyn, I hadn't meant to forget. I had the most wonderful night…, "
Alyn waved her off, "It's fine, Elina. I know you're probably going to be forgetful for a while. It's just gonna take some getting used to, "he gave her a warm smile that made her smile back, "Well, shall we go then? "she asked. Alyn held out his arm and she took it.
The two walked into the garden together. The air was crisp and the sun was bright, just like the day before. Birds chirped in the distance, and a breeze blew in, shaking the flowers gently. Elina's soft pink dress ruffled in the wind, and her hair blew back behind her. They walked to the middle of the garden, where a fountain stood tall and full of water. It was intricate, and made of white stone. Elina sat on a bench that was situation a foot or two away from the fountain as Alyn stood in front of her.
"It's so beautiful outside, "Elina commented, watching as a few butterflies flew by. Alyn chuckled, "It is indeed, Your Highness, "he smiled at her. Elina frowned slightly, "Please, Alyn, just call me Elina, "she insisted. She didn't like using such a formal address, especially from people whom she considered friends.
Alyn nodded, "Very well, Elina, "he reached down and plucked a pink rose from a rosebush. Sniffing it, he smiled, "Where I was raised, we had rosebushes everywhere. Mother grew red, pink, white, and yellow ones, and we always had a fresh batch for her on birthdays, "
Elina smiled as Alyn talked about his memories, "Your mother seems like a wonderful woman, "she noted. Suddenly, she saw Alyn's face change. It was only for an instant, but she saw his eyes darken and his smile vanish as he gripped the rose in his hand tighter. Then, as soon as she blinked, it was over. The same warm smile had spread across his face, and he approached her, handing her the rose.
"Yeah, she was. "he finally finished, turning away. At the use of past tense, Elina realized why he had looked so somber for an instant. She stared at the rose's petals in silence.
Finally, she decided to change the subject, "So, what do you do around here for fun? "she asked. Alyn laughed at her questioned, "Define 'fun' for you, "he replied. He came over and sat down next to her on the bench, "fun for me would be hunting, sparring, or training. "Elina nodded, "Well, I know how to use a sword, too, "she stated absently.
Alyn arched a brow, "Oh really? The new Princess Elect knows how to wield a sword in battle? "Elina could hear the teasing tone he was using. She rolled her eyes, "Well no, not in battle, of course. But if I needed to, I could. "
"That is why I'm here, "Alyn said quickly. He grabbed her hand and held it firmly, "I am here to protect you, Elina. It's my sworn duty as Captain of the Guard to protect the royal family. That includes you, too. "Elina turned to look into his warm, red eyes. She smiled, "Well, I know you'll do a fine job, Alyn, "she whispered, barely audible. Alyn smiled back at her and released her hand, "I hope so, or else it'll be the end of me, "he joked, and Elina laughed out loud with him.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps running towards them. Elina looked up and saw Nico and Leo approaching. Nico looked out of breath, but Leo looked calm. "Is something wrong? "Elina asked. Nico replied, panting, "N-no, Elina…but…Giles is looking…for you…, "he sucked in a gulp of air to regain his composure.
Leo flashed the two a mischievous grin, "Giles is ready to start your lessons, "he finished for Nico. "Ah, "Elina stood, and Alyn stood with her, "he told me about this yesterday, I almost forgot. "
"Well, I'll let Leo and Nico escort you, then, "Alyn said, turning to face Elina, "I had a wonderful time, thank you Alyn, "Elina smiled brightly at him. Alyn smiled back. Elina, however, saw his face turn rigid as he looked at Leo head on. She turned to look, too, and was once again drawn into Leo's eyes. Their eyes…they're the same…
"Well, we shouldn't keep Giles waiting any longer, "Leo said, breaking the silence. Nico had caught his breath and was standing straight now, "Yes, come now, Elina, "Nico grabbed her hand and began guiding her away from Alyn. Elina turned to wave at him, and he waved back before turning and walking away in the opposite direction.
Leo and Nico led her through the palace to a study, where Giles was sitting and waiting patiently. He smiled at the three when they walked in, "Well, it's about time, "he said. Elina smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, Giles. I was in the garden with Alyn, and I lost track of time. "
"It's no problem, it is only your first official day, "he shrugged it off. Nico bowed, smiled at Elina, and left the room. Leo hung back and sat in another chair, "Are you staying, too? "Elina asked him. Leo chuckled, "Well, this is my study, "Leo replied with a smile. Elina turned to Giles, "I thought we would be taking lessons in your study? "Elina gave him a confused look. Giles only smirked, "Well, Leo also has extensive knowledge on Wysterian history and the way our government works. I thought it would be fitting for you to have two teachers instead of one. "
"Oh, I see, "Elina turned to look at Leo and smiled, "Well, two teachers sounds just fine with me, if Leo doesn't mind. "
"Oh, I'd love to be a teacher, "Leo mused, standing, "it gives me the opportunity to show off exactly what I know, "he flashed Elina a playful grin that made her giggle slightly.
Giles coughed and had Elina sit where he'd been sitting, "First, we're going to learn the absolute basics about Wysteria, which I was teach first. Then Leo is going to get into more specific details after we've covered a few of the core basics of Wysterian history, "Giles turned to Leo, "if you'd prefer it, you may leave until I have taught Elina what she needs to know, and I can send someone to retrieve you. "
Leo shook his head, "No, I'd rather stay, "Leo replied, pulling up another chair to sit by Elina, "maybe I'll learn something new today, too, "he flashed her a sarcastic grin and a playful wink that made her cheeks turn bright red. Giles chuckled, "Very well then, now let us begin. "
It wasn't until around noon that Elina finished her lessons with Giles and Leo. They had begun at nine, and had gone on for those three long hours. However, it wasn't all too bad, as Leo was there to make jokes and lighten the mood. Elina had a lot of information to cram into her mind in only a short period of time. Now, however, she was focused on her lunch. Today, she sat in the small lunchroom. Giles had explained that there was one large dining room for formal events, but there were several smaller rooms for everyday use, such as this one, which was decorated in purple, white, and green tones.
As she ate, Giles approached her, "Good afternoon, Elina, "he said, bowing. Elina smiled at him, taking a sip of her water, "Is something wrong? "she asked. Giles only shrugged, "Well, we have received an invitation from a local duke. He has asked that you attend a party of his in a few days. "
Elina nearly choked on her water, "What?! "she gasped, "A party?! But I've barely just started my lessons! "Giles tried to calm her down, "Yes, I'm very much aware of that. However, it would be best for you to go to this party and make a good impression on the nobility. You are the Princess Elect now, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the nobility as quickly as possible. "Giles thought for a moment, "I'll have Leo focus on teaching you formal etiquette for parties such as this, there are rules to these things. However, you will need to know how to dance…, "
Elina groaned inwardly. Elina could do a lot of things, but dancing was not one of them. Giles thought a moment, "I'll ask Louis to teach you. "
"Louis? "Elina almost choked on what she'd just put into her mouth, "Louis can dance? "Giles chuckled at her response, "Why, yes, Elina, Louis can indeed dance. In fact, he's quite an accomplished dancer. "
Elina would've never guessed it. Who knew someone as serious as Louis could dance. Then again, he was elegant enough. Giles snapped her to attention, "You'll begin your first dancing lesson in a few hours, if I can find Louis. "
Elina groaned out loud this time. Giles chuckled, "I take it you don't like him very much, "he commented. Elina shook her head, "It's not that. Well, I don't know. He's not like Alyn or Leo or Nico, or you. He's so…standoffish. I feel like if I talk to him he'll just shoot me down or ignore me altogether. "
Giles nodded and smiled gently, "Well, Louis is the 'ice sculpture' in the palace. No one has ever really seen that boy smile. However, I hear that he can be rather friendly, when he needs to be. "Elina only groaned again, but nodded, "Okay, I'll take dancing lessons from him. "
Elina finished eating, and returned to her room for another hour. She used that time to read a book that she'd found in Leo's study and had asked to borrow. Elina didn't read books that she wanted to read often. In the schoolhouse, Elina read children stories to the students, but they were often boring and easy to figure out. After the hour was up, Nico came to get her, "Elina, Giles requests you in the ballroom, "he said. Elina nodded, and followed him silently.
The ballroom was much bigger than Elina had been anticipating. The ceiling was so high she could barely see the designs etched into it. The room was circular, and had pillars that went around the circle that reached up to the ceiling. There were large windows that overlooked the countryside. The ballroom was elevated enough for there to be a large balcony to step on to. The doors leading to it were made of glass, to allow for more sunlight to stream in. The floors were made of marble that gleamed in the light. A large crystal chandelier, the largest so far, hung from the ceiling, and was supported by several chains. Smaller ones hung lower and closer to the edges, for more light.
Elina gapped at the ballroom as she entered. She then focused on the two people that were off to the side; Giles and Louis. Louis wore the same blue coat and black pants, only this time he had on a grey vest. His hands were also still covered by black gloves.
Once she'd neared, Louis turned around to look at her. He bowed curtly, never once looking at her directly until he stood back up straight. Elina curtsied in response, "Now that you are here, there are some matters I need to attend to. "Giles said, walking away. Elina wanted to plead with him to stay, but he was already striding out of the doors by the time she'd opened her mouth.
Elina turned back to stare awkwardly at Louis, who was waiting for her. She approached him, "Well, I must tell you, Louis, that I am not a very good dancer at all. "she warned. Louis nodded, "I expected as much, "he said softly. Elina felt slightly offended, but she didn't say anything. She wanted to wait and see if he'd change.
"Now, to begin, we'll start with the waltz, "Louis began. He held out an outstretched hand. Elina became nervous, "Oh, okay, "she nervously took his hand, trying to stop herself from shaking. She wasn't afraid to be in front of Louis, she was afraid of making herself look stupid in front of him. He was the most judgmental of all the other men she'd met, and she was determined to change his mind about her.
Elina and Louis danced nonstop for an hour. Elina was trying to keep up with him as he continued their lesson, but she was growing tired. Louis didn't seem fazed at all, though. Giles was right; Louis is a good dancer. I can hardly keep up with him. Elina thought as she continued to look down at her feet, trying her hardest to not step on him. It was bad enough that she couldn't dance, but she was afraid that if she stepped on him, he'd be angry at her forever.
"Elina, "she heard him say. Suddenly, his finger was under her chin, and he made her look up, "you need to keep your eyes leveled with your partner. Do not ever look down at your feet; everyone will know then that you're nervous. "his sudden bold move shocked Elina, but she forced herself to nod, "Okay, noted. "
After another twirl, Louis stopped, "Let's take a break, "he said. Elina silently thanked him, and she sat down on one of the chairs that had been pulled out. Louis sat down on another. It was only a moment later before the doors to the ballroom were thrown open and a young boy came flying in. He stopped in front of Louis, "My lord…you're needed in your study, "he said quickly. Louis nodded and stood. He turned to Elina, "My apologies. We'll have to cut our lesson short, please express to Giles that I am urgently needed. "
Elina nodded, standing as well, "Yes, of course, "she curtsied as he bowed. Without another word, he had turned on his heel and marched out swiftly. As he did so, Robert entered the ballroom. Elina sat down in a huff as he approached, "I heard you'd be in here, "he said.
Elina chuckled, "Oh, yes, after an excruciating hour of dancing. Honestly, I'm so terrible at this. Louis must be secretly laughing at me behind my back. "Robert chuckled, "I'd be surprised if anything made him laugh, "he chuckled along with Elina, who leaned over to fix her shoe.
Giles then came in. Robert stood, "Well, I'll see you later Elina. It looks like Giles needs to speak with you. "Elina looked up to see Giles's face; he did have a serious expression. Elina nodded and smiled at Robert, and he left. Giles took his place on the chair next to Elina, "Elina, there is something I must discuss with you. "
"Yes? "she leaned back and winced as her feet moved slightly.
"Well, there is a matter I need to discuss with your now. I was hoping to wait for this another day or two, but today's the best day, "Giles stood up tall and straight, like a true member of the nobility, "We have to talk about the process of choosing a prince consort. "
Elina inwardly groaned; she had totally forgotten about that part, "I know what I have to do, Giles, "Elina replied, "I have to pick a suitor to marry, that's all a prince consort really is. We'll get married, and produce an heir or two. "Giles nodded, "Yes, but you can't just choose anyone. There is only a selected few you many choose from. "
"And who would they be? "Elina sat up straighter, wanting to hear Giles correctly, "Well, as of now, your ideal suitors would be Alyn, Leo, Robert…and Louis. Again, ideally, "Elina cringed at Louis's name, but nodded, "Why them? "she then asked. There had to be a reason for Giles to have selected her suitors already.
"Because they are the most eligible. Alyn is a high ranked guard, and will prove to be a natural born leader. Leo is very smart, and knows a lot about Wysteria and her past and government. Robert is also an intellect, and can bring balance. And Louis is already a gifted leader; as the duke of a duchy, he knows how to run a large estate flawlessly, "Giles explained, "you could also potentially choose Nico, if you wanted to. He also has fine attributes and talents that could aid you in ruling Wysteria. "
Elina nodded, "Thank you for telling me, "she said. Giles nodded and stood to leave. Elina decided to stay a moment longer, to admire the beauty. She had almost forgotten about the biggest, and most important, part of being the Princess Elect; choosing a husband. The thought of having to choose a husband frightened her; she was barely eighteen herself. Normally, only the nobility married at younger ages, mainly because they could afford to. Elina's own parents had been well into their twenties before they had her.
But, what was scarier was that she was going to have to pick someone that she most likely would not even know enough of to figure out if she loved him. Elina might've not lived in a fairy tale for the majority of her life, but she still believed in marrying for love, not just power or money or a social status. Elina made up her mind; if she could not fall in love with any of the selected suitors, then she wasn't going to marry.
xoxo, Queen
