Chapter 6
Grandeur
Two years had passed since Aurelia first began her mentorship under Ondolemar. Now fourteen, she had moved beyond the basics of courtly conduct and was diving into the more intricate layers of diplomacy, etiquette, and governance. The weight of her future role had started to settle onto Aurelia's shoulders, which both excited and overwhelmed her.
The afternoon light filtered through the palace libraries windows, giving the library an unusual warmth that day. Sitting at her desk, Aurelia sighed dramatically, setting down the quill she had been using to take notes. "Ondolemar, I think we need to address a serious issue." She says in a serious tone.
Ondolemar, looking up from his papers, raised an eyebrow, already bracing for whatever she was about to say. He's started to become accustomed to Aurelia's occasional flair for theatrics, though he would never admit it amused him. "Oh? And what grave matter demands my attention this time, Your Highness?"
Aurelia rose from her seat at the desk, carefully stepping over Halbjorn, who was sprawled lazily over her feet. She moved to the center of the room. She straightened her back, clasping her hands behind her in an exaggerated mimicry of his posture. Her eyes locked onto Ondolemar's, "Your tone," she says dryly. "It lacks the proper reverence when addressing someone of my esteemed station. As the future High Queen, I think it's only appropriate that you speak to me with… more grandeur."
Ondolemar stood from his desk, crossed his arms and tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing just slightly. "More grandeur, you say? My apologies, Your Most Radiant and Illustrious Highness. I will endeavor to infuse every word with the reverence due to your august presence." He bowed low, his voice dripping with exaggerated formality.
Aurelia's lips twitched as she tried to suppress a grin. "Much better. You may rise." She waved her hand with her chin held high.
He straightened, folding his hands behind his back. "And how may your humble servant assist you today? Shall I fetch you another book? Perhaps translate a passage? Or do you require my unparalleled wisdom on matters of statecraft?"
Aurelia tapped her chin, pretending to consider his offer. "Well, since you are so humble, I suppose I'll allow you to assist me." She narrows her eyes at Ondolemar, then tapping the scroll on her desk, "There's a particularly tricky section of Elvish here that I suspect you'll know off the top of your head." She pushed the scroll toward him, her mock-serious expression softening into a smirk.
Ondolemar stepped forward, peering at the text. "Ah, yes. A simple phrase, though it seems even the future High Queen finds it vexing." He translated it effortlessly, his voice calm and precise.
"Show-off," she muttered under her breath.
"You did request my unparalleled wisdom," he replied smoothly. "If it intimidates you, perhaps I could simplify my explanation."
Aurelia rolled her eyes as she sat back down at her desk, though she couldn't hide her grin any longer. "Oh, don't flatter yourself. I've almost got it. But just for that, you'll have to stay and help me until I finish translating this entire scroll."
"An arduous punishment indeed," Ondolemar said dryly, "but as your devoted servant, I shall endure."
"Good," she said, lifting her chin up and tilting her head. She lifted her hand delicately, her fingers coming together at the tips as if holding an invisible treasure. With a small flick of her wrist, she gestured outward in an exaggerated show of authority. "And remember—grandeur."
Ondolemar inclined his head with mock solemnity. "As you command, Your Most Glorious Majesty."
The two returned to the scroll, the playful energy lingering in the room as Aurelia worked and Ondolemar offered occasional guidance. From a distance, Sybille, in the shadows of the doorway, watched the exchange with a faint smile.
Sybille stepped into the library later that evening. "I must say, Justiciar, you wear the role of 'devoted servant' remarkably well," she said, her golden-orange eyes gleaming with amusement.
Ondolemar, who had been meticulously arranging his notes, paused and glanced at her. "I assume you're referring to the princess's latest lesson in 'grandeur.' A valuable educational exercise, no doubt."
Sybille smirked, folding her arms. "Oh, indeed. Though I didn't realize tutoring in Elvish required such… theatrical flair." Her tone was light, but there was a knowing look in her gaze. "It seems our future High Queen has quite the knack for keeping you on your toes."
Ondolemar arched a brow, his expression impassive. "If I have learned anything about Princess Aurelia, it's that she excels in finding creative ways to occupy my time. A rare talent."
Sybille tilted her head, her smiling slightly. "And yet, you indulge her. Even seem to enjoy it, dare I say. I suppose I should thank you for humoring her antics—it does her good to have someone who challenges her without underestimating her."
Ondolemar's expression softened just slightly, a subtle shift most would miss. "She is… a remarkable student," he admitted. "Though occasionally exhausting. I simply ensure she remains focused on her studies, even if it requires a measure of theatrics."
Sybille chuckled softly. "If that's your way of saying you're growing fond of her, Ondolemar, you could always admit it outright. I won't hold it against you." She turned to leave, but not before glancing back over her shoulder with a sly smile. "After all, even the most disciplined tutors need a little grandeur in their lives."
With that, she slipped out of the room, leaving Ondolemar to shake his head faintly, though he couldn't suppress the faintest of smirks.