The Lexicon Betrothal
Part Six: Royal Lessons
The sun shines brightly through the window as Becky slowly wakes up. Then, a knock comes at the door.
Becky: (Replying) Come in.
Dialectia: (Stepping in with a breakfast tray) My apologizes, my lady… But I had hoped you were already up.
Becky: That's okay; you came just in time. (Sitting up as the tray was set before her)
Dialectia: Is there anything else you require?
Becky: Just that you can keep me company; I hate to eat breakfast alone.
Dialectia: I'm not one you should speak to, milady.
Becky: That's silly; I would like to know you better if… I have to live here from now on…
Dialectia: Well… if that is the case…
Becky: Great, I'll start. As you probably heard by now, I came from Earth, since I was lost as a child when I was very young.
Dialectia: I am curious about this Earth you lived on.
Becky: It's a lot like Lexicon, only slightly greener, and we have smaller houses. We have skyscrapers, but not as many as you do here. And don't get me started on the planet itself; it's way too big. Back there, I have two good friends named Violet and Scoops, and I'm a superhero for the city I grew up in.
Dialectia: A superhero? You mean… you have powers?
Becky: I did, but they don't work here.
Dialectia: What kind of powers did you have?
Becky: I could fly, have super strength, super hearing, and super speed.
Dialectia: That sounds really amazing.
Becky: It was… I enjoyed the flying a lot.
Dialectia: I wish I could fly… (Looking out the balcony) Then I could fly away from here…
Becky: Why?
Dialectia: Oh… I think I can trust you, but I don't know…
Becky: You can tell me, I promise I won't tell it to anyone else.
Dialectia: (Bits lip, then gives in) Okay, what I've dreamt of more than anything else… (Under breath) Well, maybe not anything…(Clears throat) is freedom…
Becky: You're a prisoner here?
Dialectia: No, not prisoner, but something like that. I'm an indentured servant…
Becky: You are?
Dialectia: My parents owe it to Lexicon, because they were master thieves. They stole just about everything that was priceless to them.
Becky: Your parents were thieves?
Dialectia: One of the best. They almost succeed in stealing the crown jewels! Naturally, that backfired on them, so they were sent to a maximum security prison in another part of the galaxy, leaving me all alone. But the king and queen took pity on me, so I wouldn't have to be taken to an orphanage, and let me work in the palace until I was of age. Only now I am of age, but I have nowhere else to go. But it sure would be nice to have someplace to go and someone to go with… (Catching herself) But yes, that is what I want.
Becky: I guess we both have something in common then.
Dialectia: What's that?
Becky: We just want the freedom that we desire…
Dialectia: I believe that…
Becky: Here, (Offering a piece of food) I can't eat it all by myself.
Dialectia: (Feeling touched) Thank you… (Taking it, then they both start eating from the tray)
Moments later, Becky starts getting dressed, and once finished, Argot shows up.
Argot: Excellent, glad to see we're already ahead of schedule.
Becky: Schedule?
Argot: Indeed, Duchess. Today you start your first royal lessons. (Takes out a short list)
Becky: Oh that won't be so- (List gets longer in front of her) bad… You mean… I have to do all this in one day?
Argot: No princess-to-be, that's a list of a year's work you missed. This is for the whole week.
Becky: (Gulps) Oh, boy…
Argot: We'd better get you to the classroom now. (Escorts her down to a room, looking very much like a classroom, but it is big and grand at the same time. Sela is sitting in a desk, so Becky sits next to her; then, she sees an older man in front of the board that looks like a Smart Board back on Earth.) This is Mr. Eval, your tutor for the rest of the week. Now, if you will excuse me, Your Highnesses, I must be off to my duties. (Leaves, closing the door)
Mr. Eval: Now, Mistress Aleena, we have a lot of catching up to do.
Becky: What do you want me to do?
Eval: First- (Was cut off by the opening of the door, and a man about Lexis's age steps in) Ah, Master Patois, so you finally show up to your lessons…
Sela: Or show up at all…
Patois: Lighten up, cuz; it's not like I needed to show up to dinner last night. You know Auntie and Uncle; they don't care about my welfares.
Sela: Still, being part of the family would be nice once and awhile.
Patois: Oh hello… (Spots Becky and moves up to her in a suave way) Who are you?
Sela: This is Duchess Aleena, you know… Your cousin's betrothed?!
Patois: So you're her, eh?
Becky: So it would seem…
Patois: Well, my cousin Lexis sure got lucky being engaged to a beautiful lady like you… (Kisses her hand, then sits in another desk next to her)
Becky: How… flattering of you to say.
Eval: (Clears throat) I'm glad everyone's getting along, but there's a matter of the duchess catching up.
Becky: But what about Lexis? Shouldn't he be here?
Patois: Oh, Lex finished his studies already, which I should have too, but a certain tutor didn't think I was ready!
Eval: That's because, young master, you slept through most of the sessions! Not to mention your consentient absences. Now, turn your history texts to page 5, about the legacy of Lexicon royalty.
Patois: (Forcing yawning) Boring… (Under breath) the only good part about it is my part of the family tree…
Becky: (Mouthing to Sela) Does he always…
Sela gave a nod and a roll of the eyes.
For the rest of the time, Becky listens to Mr. Eval, reads the texts, and tries very hard to ignore Prince Patois's glances towards her.
Becky: (Thinking) Ugh! At least Tobey never stared at me constantly when we were younger, not mention he actually gave me space! This guy's almost in my face!
Eval: And that is the end of the history lesson today.
Patois: Already? It seems we've just started… (Gives a cheesy grin to Becky and moves his chair closer)
Becky: (Grimacing) Yes, it does seem time flies by…
Sela: (Immediately coming to her aid) And speaking of time, I better help you get to your next lesson! (Grabs her arm)
Becky: Oh, of course! Right away! (Gets up and follows her out)
Patois: (Shouting as she leaves) I'll see you around!
Becky: (Once they were out of earshot, she directed her words to Sela.) Thanks!
Sela: Don't mention it. My cousin likes to hit on girls, especially on the ones that will be too hard to get… All I'm saying is, you better have an escort with you in case he tries to make a move.
Becky: But… why is he like that?
Sela: His parents… my aunt and uncle, died in an unfortunate accident while on a peace mission. He had to raise himself, without a parent's love… My parents tried to take him into our own family since, well, we were already related, but he didn't want that… so he grew up kind of odd and jerkish. Becoming a prince of parties and what he thinks of as being a ladies man. He never attends family socials; all the more reason why you didn't see him last night at dinner or when you first arrived yesterday.
Becky: I can see why I would feel sorry for him, but also dislike the way he acts.
Sela: Let's not talk about him anymore and focus on you already. You've gone through your first royal lesson, so how did that feel?
Becky: Slightly overwhelming. Without the use of my powers, I felt tired over memorizing all those royal names.
Sela: Hmm, come with me. (Leads her to the other side of the hallway. Making it to another two door, she opens it up, showing a room exactly like Becky's, only it looks slightly more lived in.) This is my room.
Becky: I somehow could guess it.
Then, a monkey dressed in a short yellow gown came to them.
Sela: Aleena, this is my lady, or should I say monkey-in-waiting, Lilybud.
Becky: Nice to meet you, Lilybud.
Lilybud: (Squeaks, "Nice to meet you, too.")
Becky: I'm sure you and Bob would have- (Gasps) I forgot all about Huggy in the excitement yesterday! Man… How do I keep doing that to him? Where is he?
Sela: Don't worry; he understands. It was such a big day for you, after all. Besides, after you and TJ went up to your rooms, my father called for him to explain how he helped you on Earth, and after hearing his heroic acts, Dad wanted to reward him by granting anything he wanted. Turns out he wanted to see his family that he hadn't seen in a long time, but he wanted to return to you in a few days to help you and be your official monkey in the palace.
Becky: (Almost near tears) That sweet… bestest sidekick ever!
Sela: Yes, I am happy he's going to be there for you from now on. But we came here to get something. Lilybud, I think you know what I'm talking about.
Lilybud: (Squeaks in agreement, then climbs around the room and comes back with what looks like a jewelry box, which Sela grabs.)
Sela: Thank you. (Turns to Becky and opens it, revealing a yellow tiara) For you, to get used to the idea.
Becky: Oh Sela… I couldn't; it belongs to you.
Sela: Oh please, I have several others like it, but I will confess this was the tiara I wore to my first ball. For some reason, it just felt lucky for me. And now I know you need a little luck, so you need it more than I do. (Puts it on Becky's head.) There… (Lilybud holds out a hand mirror, in which Becky sees her reflection.) What do you think?
Becky: I… I don't know what to say… but thank you…
Sela: You're going to be a great princess, Aleena.
Becky: Maybe… but I certainly won't feel like it…
Sela: Yes… Lexis told me about this man you love back on Earth…I feel really sorry for you… it's not fair; everyone should marry for love…
Becky: I… couldn't help but notice you looking at TJ a lot yesterday. Do you… have a crush on him?
Sela: (Turns red) I… cannot hide it; he's really cute and funny.
Becky: Worry not, I won't tell him until you want to tell him yourself.
Sela: Yes, for I do have little time to tell him how I feel until he would have to go back to Earth…
Becky: And without me…
Sela: Oh boy, we have to get going to etiquette class, or Madame Operandi will be furious for us being late. After all, she quotes on quotes, 'tardiness is not a princess-like habit'.
Becky: Lead the way then. (Quickly putting away the tiara back in the box, Sela carried it away.)
They make it to the dining room, where a woman who looks like what you would expect of a strict boarding school teacher is.
Madame Operandi: Not a moment too soon, Your Highnesses. But keep in mind that a princess should not be too early or too late. Punctuality is everything in the royal world.
Sela: Yes, Madame.
Operandi: So you are Duchess Aleena.
Becky: Yes, I-
Operandi: That was rhetorical question; I figured it was you. My name is Madame Modus Operandi, but in the future, do not speak unless you are spoken to. Is that understood? Now that's a direct question you can answer to…
Becky: (Under breath) I knew that… (Replying) I understand.
Operandi: Good, now we begin with a simple procedure of straightening your posture. Place this book on your head.
Becky puts it on, and holds her arms out.
Operandi: Good, now walk around.
Becky walks in a circle.
Operandi: Very, very good, you have the back of a princess if I ever saw one.
Becky: Thank you. (Taking it off)
Operandi: But you really must learn when to hold your tongue. Now I'll be back in a few minutes; I won't be long. (Goes off)
Becky: Wow! Is she always like that?!
Sela: Nope, you managed to catch her on one of her good days…
Becky: You're kidding…
Sela: Afraid not… She is far too much of a stickier on the rules of royalty. She loves her job and refuses to see it go.
Becky: Just how bad does it get…?
Sela: All I can say is… Brace yourself… You're in for a rough week.
Becky: Yikes…
By that time, Madame Operandi came back, and had Becky sit at the table. There, she was taught how to pick a different spoon and fork for every type of meal that would be served.
Operandi: Unfortunately, that's all I can teach you today, but we'll have time to do the rest this week. Now, you are expected to have tea with your parents and Prince Lexis's parents in the royal gardens. That includes you too, Princess Sela.
Sela: Of course.
Operandi: Now hop to it!
They didn't need to be told twice, and they were out of there in a flash.
Becky: (Wiping her forehead) Whew!
Sela: You're telling me; that's the first time I ever got away from a lesson from her. I really must thank you for actually being here. I could get use to this.
Becky: You're welcome then.
Sela: Too bad it's only for the week. But still, I do feel bad for you… about all of it…
Becky: I really appreciate your support.
Sela: Think nothing of it. We are friends. Aren't we?
Becky: Yes, so I believe we are… I guess when I think about it, at least when I do have to marry your brother I'll finally have a little sister.
Sela: And I, a big sister… (They hug)
They make it outside to the gardens where in a gazebo, Becky's birth parents and Sela's family are sitting around and drinking Lexicon tea. They join them, and Becky tastes the tea and believes it to have a certain cheese favor to it. That reminds her of a certain villain back home, the one who was always on her case, and the one who was once a very good friend… She thought there really must be some Steven Boxleitner left in him, or he wouldn't have gone through the trouble of bringing all her villains together to say goodbye to her… She lets it go for now as she looks at what was to be her new life. Her real parents standing before her, as well as her in-laws, the king and queen. Then, looking to Lexis, she realizes that's what is going to be their new roles once his parents pass away. Being the King and Queen of Lexicon…
Becky was very unsure if that was a role she could truly fulfill, since that's what this marriage is really about: the lessons, the tiara, everything about the palace, and the city. That she was to be Lexicon's next Queen… And she was completely unprepared…
End of Part Six…