Chapter 51: An upright walk

A few seconds of awkward silence in the room passed. Nefera was rather baffled, but the nurse knew that if she wouldn't do this order properly, she could lose her job! The little amount of money she got for her work was what she needed to simply stay alive! A dismissal could not be risked. Not at all.

Quickly, the nurse made a plan in her head. Royal manners? What did she know about royal manners? And how could she teach it?

She turned to the toddler with an idea. Just that the three year old seemed uninterested in learning...

"What is your name?" She asked the nurse.

Smiling nervously, the young woman answered, "My name is Aat."

"That's an ugly name!" Nefera said with a smirk, pointing at Aat.

Aat crossed her arms. "It means 'The Great One'."

Nefera's eyes widened, before she responded almost angrily, "I am greater!"

Aat smirked. "Fine, then show me by listening to what I am going to teach you."

"I wanna go to the garden!" Nefera demanded.

"But... Haven't you heard your father? He will be unhappy if you dont end up capable to present him anything good."

Nefera shrugged. "I will say you taught me nothing."

Aat paniced. "No!"

The princess giggled, until she heard Aat mumble to herself, "I think I should wake up Herit and get her to help me."

The toddler gasped. "Not Herit!"

Aat rasied an eyebrow.

"Herit is mean," Nefera mumbled. "I don't like her."

Aat smirked. "Listen to me for an hour or I will get Herit to punish you!"

Nefera rolled her eyes. She knew this was blackmail, but there was nothing to do against it! "Fine..."

Aat was happy with herself as she stated, "Table manners: Before sitting down for a meal, always put your hands in a bowl of water. It is barbaric not to do so before touching the food!"

"I know that!" Nefera answered angrily. Her parents had taught her that months ago!

"Good. Just don't forget to tell it your father once he wants to know what I taught you."

"I don't like you!"

Aat continued, "When walking, don't bend your back!"

Nefera made big eyes. "What?"

"Always walk as upright as a candle!"

As Nefera seemed unsure what to do, Aat came closer and put her in the right position. "Here," she explained, "This is an upright stand. Walk with your back like that!"

Nefera did as ordered. Walking like that was a bit less comfortable, but it seemed pretty easy.

Aat looked at the three year old and smiled proudly.

Learning royal behavior was that easy?