Chapter 12

"Mistress," Pita's soft voice brought me back from my unhappy thoughts, "It is time to meet your tutors."

I turned around and eyed her curiously, "Tutors?"

She nodded, leading me back into the white castle, "Yes, princess, his majesty ordered that you begin your lessons today, to keep your mind off your recent troubles."

"Oh did he now?" I asked, my mouth agape. I knew all I needed to know. She led me down a long corridor and opened a door. Inside was an immense room, filled with books and charts. It was a philosopher's dream world.

In the middle of the chamber there stood 8 people, among them was Brava. The first of the tutors walked toward me. She strolled with grace and it looked as if she floated rather than walked.

She curtsied politely, "I am Annette, your dancing instructor. I will be the first teacher you will see."

I looked over her, she was tall and slender with a mass of auburn hair and lovely honey eyes. She had a sweet smile and I immediately liked her. I nodded in acknowledgement and she returned to her original position.

Next came a short, squatty man. He wobbled toward me, forcing me to stifle my laughter. Like Miss Annette, he bowed and introduced himself as my mathematics tutor, Kapil. My history teacher was a stocky, handsome man named Johar. His dark hair was pulled back into a straight ponytail and he neatly trimmed beard made him look every bit a man.

After Johar had walked back to his spot, a little, old woman came forth. She smiled, one that was unnerving and warm at the same time.

"I, my dear, am Avani, your herb and healing tutor. I am sure we will enjoy our time together. We shall have lunch together everyday and I shall teach you about the land."

I smiled and thanked her, telling Avani I was sure we would have a great deal of fun together. World Languages was to be taught by Master Ravi, a dark, allusive man. Lord Jameel, a comical kind man with a scar on one of his cheeks, was to learn me in the art of war and tactics. Etiquette, my second to last class, was tutored by a middle aged, prim woman. She seemed strict and uptight, but only time would tell.

I was relieved to see Brava was going to be teaching me weaponry. I smiled and hugged her, glad to see a familiar face. She laughed and squeezed me tightly, telling me of the work ahead and how proud she was.

After talking a little with each tutor, I dismissed them, saying good-bye until tomorrow, when the real work began.

I made my way back to the room, feeling quite hungry and ready for my mid day meal. As I walked toward the dining hall, I saw a ray of light shining through a small window. I sighed; it was such a lovely day.

Suddenly, an idea formed in my mind. Why not take lunch outside? I quickly ran to the kitchen, asking the cook to pack my meal into a basket. He laughed, his round tummy shaking. He pinched my cheek and said, "Anything for the little princess."

I rushed outside, basket in hand and dress flying. I came to the Swan Pond, happily sitting down and setting up my picnic. The swan's, used to seeing me, swam over, waiting for me to give them any extra tidbits. I laughed and tossed a few pieces of bread into the water.

"Hello dear."

I jumped, startled at the sudden disturbance. I turned around to see Mistress Avani and Johar.

"Please join me." I said, smiling pleasantly, not understanding this sudden rush of happiness.

"Thank you dearest." She sat down, tossing her cane to the side.

I eyed the two odd pair curiously, "Are you relates?"

Johar nodded, his dimples peaking forth with a brilliant smile, "Yes, this old woman is my grandmother. She raised me." He patted her gently on the back.

"Get your hands off of me sonny," she teased, swinging her cane. I laughed merrily, wishing I could be part of this close, loving relationship.

We talked amiably for a while, enjoying the bread, cheese, apples, and soup packed by the cook. But, a healer called Avani away, leaving me and the striking Johar alone.

"So, princess, how do you like it here?" He asked, lying back in the grass enjoying the warm beams of sunlight.

I sighed, no knowing if I could trust him or not. "It is much more civilized than I expected. To tell the truth, I was in awe when I came here. It is a lovely country, and the people are wonderful. I think I may come to appreciate its wild beauty and rich history."

I smiled warmly at Johar, who in turn smiled back, making my head swoon. I quickly shook the felling. What is wrong with me, I thought angrily, I am betrothed to a king, a handsome one at that! I should not be swooning over a tutor.

We talked a little longer, but the sun cut our time short. He escorted me inside and dropped me off at my chambers. Bowing politely he kissed my hand and walked off. But, before he did he asked me to join him on a ride tomorrow, after my lessons. Shaken, I nodded dumbly and closed the door.

I sighed dreamily and jumped into the wash tub. I hummed as I washed, thinking of my day tomorrow, but especially of Johar.

I slept peacefully, dreaming of nothing in particular. I awoke to find, as usual, my clothes laid out. I slipped on the plain cotton shirt and tan kaprisons. Pita led me to my first class, which was dancing.

Annette wore a mahogany dress, one which brought out the flecks in her eyes. She went over the agenda, which included many pre tests to see what my weaknesses and strengths were, and then the practice began. We started with balance, which happened to have me walking on a line with books on my head.

After the third time of dropping them, it was time for my next class, Mathematics. Master Kapil was a humorous and interesting man. He praised my intelligence, saying I was very advanced for my age. We moved on to geometry, seeing how I already mastered algebra. It was difficult with the angles and degrees, but I caught on fast.

I was very jittery about my next class, which was history. Johar, of course, was the teacher, and I found myself anxious as to what would happen. His classroom was set up more comfortably than the rest. Maps hung all over the walls and cushions lay on the floor, offering a comfortable place to sit.

I took out a notebook and began jotting down almost everything he aid. He asked me questions occasionally, which I could answer without a problem and soon we were on the topic of Terran and Akken. It was a heated battle of wits, and when it was time to leave, he laughed and shook my hand, saying I was a formidable opponent.

I had lunch with Avani, learning about the different herbs and what they were used for, if ever there be an emergency and I am there. Master Ravi's class, which was world languages, was the most difficult class I had. Its not that I couldn't learn, I knew 6 languages already, but his manner of teaching me was aloof and cold. I found myself counting down the minutes before my next class, which was etiquette.

Lady Damayanti was a strict woman, as uptight as a corset. One mistake sent her flying into a speech about the importance of good manners and lady-like behavior. Learning how to use each piece of silverware was as boring as watching a snail crawl by.

I was enthralled when I left, ready for my lessons with Brava in Weaponry. She was an excellent tutor. Showing her I had already mastered the bow and arrow, she set about teaching me the use of a long pole. We worked on footwork, which is the basic thing you need to get down before moving on. It was tiring but fun. I loved watching the Akkenian Princess move. Her skills were refined and well tunes, and it was easy to see how she became a general.

Last, but definitely not least, was Tactics with Lord Jameel. He was lively and interesting, bringing his class to life. It was also nice being among peers my own age who were sent to learn from him. He was animated and entertaining, telling of past glories and honors.

When the day ended, I found myself exhausted. I ate in the dining hall, speaking little due to my fatigue. Sargon noted my weary expression, bidding me to get some sleep.

For the next six months things went as smooth as butter. I barely had time to breathe with all the things I had to accomplish before our holy union. Johar and I became good friends. He was jovial and entertaining, with stories of him and Avani.

I saw very little of Sargon, due to his station as the leader of this country. But, like a peaceful island where all seemed to perfect, I knew disaster was near. And, oh, how right I was…

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shanice