I have not seen Christopher since he went back to Kyrria, but I have not met another boy like him. I have noticed Mother examining boys very closely lately while glancing at me to see my reactions. Even though I am by no means connected closely to any royalty, I will be expected to marry or at least be engaged to some eligible man. I am dreading the day. Most likely it will be an old geezer with rotted teeth. At least it seems that my marriage date shall be postponed for a while. My father's present to me will probably occupy me for some time. It was during dinner when he told me the news…
"Areida," my father called out suddenly as soon as he had finished his potato.
"Yes, father?" I asked as soon as I was finished chewing my potato.
My father said, "Since you have turned fifteen today, your mother and I have decided that it is time for you to be properly trained as a lady. Since we cannot afford a governess, we are sending—allowing you to go off to Kyrria to a nice lady training school."
Why would they send me to a lady training school? I am polite enough on the outside, even though maybe not on the inside. People always say how patient and courteous I am. If they knew what was going on in my head, they wouldn't dare give me any compliments. Why would a person like me need to know more boring information about the world, and how to sew tiny stitches? Then my slow ears remembered the place they said this little training school is.
My heart leaped. Christopher! But wait… It was too perfect; something had to be wrong.
"We feel that this training will benefit you in your search for a husband."
Ugh, I knew it! This is all some con to get me to marry someone rich and old that likes proper ladies! Telling whomever the lucky toad is that I have attended a lady school will probably also benefit the wedding presents to the parents of the bride!
Oh, well. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Maybe it won't be too bad. I might make a few friends, and have a chance to see Chris---No! Don't say it! Kyrria is a large country, there is absolutely no chance I will see him, and even if I do, he is probably engaged! But if—No! Stop it! Here I am telling myself to not get my hopes up, but at the same time I am still wishing that I were wrong. Okay, I am going to stop thinking about him right now…
Agghhh!