Chapter 6 – Ayorthaian Court

Ahh! I think I might go crazy! After two weeks in Ayortha, my feet itch from the yearning to run and ride, and my ears are ringing because of the silence.

I wished I never complained when I was back in Kyrria. At least my family gave me some freedom. Here, I wasn't allowed to do anything, well, anything fun anyways.

The first day I arrived, I requested to be taught Swordplay or even Archery. But the Ayorthaians politely told me that I was to learn a lady's classes. They also requested, although politely and discreetly, that I change my clothes to something more ladylike. They were so polite that I couldn't refuse. Now I'm not even allowed to ride!

So now I'm stuck doing embroidery, wearing uncomfortable, itchy dresses, and talking to myself.

Yes, talking to myself. It's the only thing I could do to stop myself from forgetting how to speak.

At first I thought that I could talk to Edward at least. But he was staying at the other end of the palace with boys, while I'm stuck here with the ladies who are polite and quiet and made me look like a fool.

For the first couple of days I tried talking to everyone I meet. But they'd just nod politely or say a few words of greeting. The longest sentence said to me here is "Good day, Eleanore (as I'm called here)."

Not only are they polite, they are so formal as well. I've tried without success to let them call me Ellie (I don't like that name but it's better than Eleanore).

After a while, I gave up. I just talk to myself instead and imagine conversations. I also imagined the time that I could've spent riding outside…


I was awoken from my short nap by a gentle shaking. I opened my eyes, it was the chamber maid Erine.

"Princess, you are required to change and have dinner with Prince Oreto."

The servants here spoke longer sentences. I tried talking to them, but they didn't speak above their rank unless they had orders, which made conversations very difficult. So I gave that up too.

Prince Oreto is the prince of Ayortha. He was on a trip to some school, but now he's back, and I'm required to meet him. I'm sure he's as boring as any other Ayorthaian noble.

I sighed, got up and followed Erine.

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I stifled a yawn, this is so boring. The food was great, but nobody talked. The only things that can be heard were forks and knives. I missed dinner in Kyrria, where there's much talk and laughter. Although Edward was dining with us, he didn't talk either. Probably because he didn't want to be the only one talking.

The Prince was just as boring as expected. I didn't mean to be rude, I mean, he's nice, but the only thing he said was hello.

His parents, King Itto and Queen Airia are equally polite and nice, but they too only speak one syllable at a time (not literally, but you know what I mean).

I wish I could do something, but since I'm a guest here, I have to be polite, for the sake of Kyrria.

After the plates of most boring dinner I've ever endured have been clear away, the royal family started to sing. Other nobles and even the servants joined in. I was amazed at the beauty of their voices. I've heard about the famous Ayorthaian sings and I've heard Aunt Areida sing, but this was spectacular. A lady next to me encouraged me to sing along, but I shook my head, knowing that if I do I'll ruin the sing.

I was content to listen. For the first time since I've arrived here, I feel happy. But I wondered why they wouldn't talk when singing was just talking to a tune…

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After dinner the next day, Prince Oreto and I were walking in the courtyard. I tried to be friendly and talked to him.

"Beautiful day isn't it?" when he didn't say anything, I continued, "What do you like to do in your spare time?" I hoped a question would prompt him to talk and maybe find something in common.

But he only smiled.

So it went on like this, me forcing myself to talk, blabbering and asking him questions and him smiling back without a word.

After a while, I gave up. I didn't want to make him think I was crazy, which I probably already was. I stopped talking to him because I might as well talk to myself, at least I can answer my own questions.

I excused myself and went to my room.

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I lay on my back on my bed, thinking. Half a year I have to stay here. That seems like an eternity. I feel bored and confined.

I suddenly remembered something, Mother's book! I've forgotten all about it. I sat up so suddenly that my head hurt for a moment as the blood rushed to my head.

I quickly went through my trunk and dug out the book from the bottom. I sat on my bed with the book on my lap. I might as well read since there's nothing else I want to do here.

I opened to dusty cover and saw a picture of Apple on the first page. Oh how I yearn to ride him. I turned the page and saw Mandy, our cook slicing carrots. I missed her and her carrot soup. The facing page showed my family at dinner, it was much more festive than the dinner last night.

A tear slid down my face, I miss my family (even Henry), my centaur, my Kyrria, and most of all, my freedom.

Mother must have made a scrapbook to remind me of home, and I'm glad she did.

I turned to page and there was a story about a runaway bride. I fell asleep as I finished reading.

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