Chapter 5

Daria tried to keep her posture straight as she drank tea delicately. One mistake and her mother would start her lecture.

She was very hungry. Her long sleep in the library had caused her to miss breakfast. She was sure that was what her mother called her to tea for. To ask why…what else could it be?

Queen Margaret glanced at Daria over the rim of her teacup. My, she almost looks like a young lady now. How much she has grown over the past year!

Daria was feeling more and more awkward. The room had been silent except for the sound of the maids bustling in and out with trays of tea and cake.

"Daria, where were you at breakfast this morning?" Queen Margaret cleared her throat.

"I was at the library. I accidentally fell asleep there last night."

The Queen's nose twitched ever-so-slightly.

"What ever were you doing there, last night?" she exclaimed.

"I…I just wanted some peace and quiet."

Daria knew she had said the wrong thing and she knew it immediately when the Queen gave a deep sigh.

"Daria, you really should try to enjoy conversing and being social."

Daria remained silent as she reached for the teacup again.

"You are a princess."

"So Madame Doyle always told me."

"Don't interrupt. As I said, your duty is to socialize and mix with all the royal subjects. You'd be surprised at how interesting it can be sometimes. Now, I know you abhor making small talk, but it is an unfortunate but absolutely necessary role. If you don't, people will start to talk. They are starting to talk actually."

"Mother…"

"If you practice. Do it often. You will get used to it. It will come naturally." The Queen leaned forward across the table and laid an elegant hand on Daria's.

This sudden motherly gesture surprised Daria. Her father always had been the one to show more affection for her. The Queen had always got along better with her other more sociable daughters.

Daria couldn't help but stare at her mother's hands. How many times had she seen her mother's hand over her own?

"Daria? Are you listening to me?" Queen Margaret removed her hand quickly, as if she was uncomfortable with such intimateness.

"Yes, mother. I understand what you are saying. I just always have so much trouble."

"I know you do; which is why I want you to start attending court two times a week at least. Do not worry. I or your sisters will be there. Elaine is always there. You should learn from her. Watch how she acts."

Daria resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Instead she settled for breathing deeply.

Yes, her sister, Elaine. Her mother always brought her perfect sister into the conversation.

"Yes, mother." Daria replied unwillingly. She knew she had no choice. Queen Margaret was a woman who would have her way.

"Daria, look up at me when I am speaking to you. You must learn to do that."

Daria lifted her eyes from the teacup to stare into her mother's cool blue gaze.

"Now, I noticed at dinner that the Countess and the Prince were quite friendly."

Remember your decision! You have no reason to be jealous! Said a little voice in Daria's head.

"Yes, quite…"

"Which is what I wanted to talk about with you today. I know you dislike the Countess. But she is a courtier, so she cannot be ignored, Daria."

Daria remained silent once again. Sometimes it was just best to make no remark.

"You must keep up good relations with the subjects. You are coming of age soon. You will have to learn to take on more responsibilities. It's a pity your father still insists on you taking so many lessons." Queen Margaret sniffed slightly at this point.

Daria didn't want to mention that she had got rid of the embroidery and etiquette lessons for extra ones for horse-riding and archery. Her mother would not accept that she had learnt all she could in those lessons, whatever her tutors insisted.

"Yes, mother." Daria felt herself reply obediently, out of habit.

"Now it is good that you have got on rather well with the Prince. It will improve relations between our two countries."

"Oh?...improve relations?" Daria raised an eyebrow.

Queen Margaret looked straight into Daria's brown eyes, unblinking.

"Yes. Make sure you do not do anything to destroy that relationship. The Countess may be friendly, but you will act more the part of the Princess. Do not let her completely dominate the conversation with Prince Derek. Make sure you hold most of the Prince's attention."

Daria was not sure she liked the thoughtful expression on her mother's face.

Ok, guys? Please review. Just a quick short note to tell me what you thought. Luv idiotmousetrap :)