Lesson 1
Take your place in the Circle of Life
"What's a circle of life?" five years old Joffrey asks his governess, Amethyst. She robes are move likely in color now, and in a much higher quality. Her mask is gold this time around, and it only covers the upper half of her face.
"Do you see that tree over there?" she nudges at the direction of the garden outside their study room. Little Joffrey nods. "From the point when it started to grow from its roots to the point when it dried up. That is the life it has. But it is not the only thing that lives in this world. There are other plants and animals. They all live in the same nature that take place. And it that tree's life, it will encounter a lot of other living things.
"When it dies, a new tree will replace it. That new tree will grow and experiencing things like the previous tree. Someday, it will die, too, but a new generation of trees will soon replace it. That is the circle of life. It is a never ending circle. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, I do," he says with a frown.
"What is bothering you, young prince?"
"It's nothing. It's just that…. about what you said earlier. If that tree will die someday, will that mean that I will die, too?"
"Everyone dies, Prince Joffrey."
"Will it be painful?"
"Not as painful as life. As you grow you'll experience more love and pain. It's all part of the circle of life."
"But, but, what if I don't want to become part of it?" he glances up at her oh-so innocently.
"You're already part of the circle of life the moment you were born. There is nothing you can do to change it. Chin up, your prince. Someday, you will take your place as the king. This role comes with its own privileges. For starter, you can make the kingdom a better place. There are so much things you can do to help your people."
"Governess Amethyst, I don't think I can do this," he says in a sigh, no sign of confidence. "I'm not even sure where to begin."
An idea crosses her mind. "I know where you can start." She circles around the study desk and walks towards one of the cabinets in the room. She opens the door to reveal two dull coats inside; one her size, the other much smaller. She pulls the bigger coat around her, before seizing the other one and handing it over to the boy prince. "I have someplace to show you. Would you come with me?"
Joffrey frowns at the muddy old coat, forming an expression she considers very adorable. "Do I have to wear this?"
Amethyst smirks. "The place we are going aren't for royals like you. You'll need a disguise if you don't want people groveling on your feet every step of the way. Besides, you wouldn't want to ruin your clothes. Or you can change into something you don't want anymore, if you wish."