As the day unfolded, Annie was immersed in a world of lessons, each more demanding than the last. With stern expressions and an air of authority, the educators guided her through the intricacies of royal etiquette, history, and politics.
Annie was faced with the incredibly daunting task of memorising the vast and intricate array of family members that constituted the royal tree lineage, along with their countless achievements that had contributed to the illustrious tapestry of the Kingdom's history.
"Ugh," Annie groaned as she stared at the towering stack of scrolls before her, each filled with her distant relatives' names and accomplishments—a labyrinth of names and dates that threatened to consume her very sanity.
"Why do I have to do this?" she muttered, her eyes rolling in exasperation. "I mean, they are resting in peace now... Why should I bother myself to memorise information about the dead of centuries?"
The stern-faced tutor, overhearing Annie's complaint, responded with a measured tone, "Lady Annie, understanding your lineage is not just about the past; it's about the present and the future. It's a matter of respect for those who came before you and a responsibility to those who will follow."
He, unamused, shook his head and added "History is a serious matter, Lady Annie. It's the foundation upon which the kingdom stands. You must treat it with the gravity it deserves."
After the lecture had come to an end, Annie stretched her hand like a cat stretches after waking up from a nap. As she felt the weight of the overwhelming information tapping on her head, she sought solace by resting her weary head on the desk, hoping to find some relief and respite.
But the tranquillity she was experiencing was abruptly disrupted when the etiquette instructor's voice murmured, expressing their desire to be greeted respectfully instead of witnessing Annie in that position.
Annie attempted a curtsy, stumbling slightly, and muttered, "This feels more like a performance... Why can't people just say what they mean?"
The tutor raised an eyebrow but chose not to engage in a debate. "Remember, Lady Annie," the etiquette tutor instructed, "your every action reflects not just on you but on the entire royal family. A princess must embody grace and charm in every situation. Your words and gestures should inspire respect and admiration.
Annie, her mind still hazy with sleep, struggled to keep up, her eyes glazing over as the tutor droned on about proper posture, the art of polite conversation, and the importance of avoiding any behaviour that could be construed as unladylike.
"Lady Annie," the tutor snapped, her eyes narrowing in disapproval as she saw Annie yawing. "I trust you are aware that it is considered highly improper to yaw with a wide open mouth when someone is speaking... This is disrespectful, Miss, really disrespectful!"
The tutor's expression softened slightly, but her tone remained stern. "Accidents happen, Lady Annie," she said, "but it is important to always be mindful of your conduct. A princess must be impeccable in all things, from her manners to her appearance."
Annie nodded at her words, but she continued to make mistakes by confusing cutlery, to the point where her tutor was on the verge of tears after witnessing her using a bread knife to slice the meat and struggling to balance a single book on her head while walking. That made the tutor leave the study disappointed, wiping the sweat off her forehead in disbelief.
My mind was filled with the information I had quickly learned; I had been asked to read books on the subjects we had discussed. As I walked through the palace corridors, my head was spinning. I had not anticipated this level of difficulty... Fortunately, I was grateful that I was able to read and write despite being from a humble background, because my father, Edward, was a talented penman during his adolescence. Otherwise, the tutors would struggle to teach me that. ⟫
Disappointed, the etiquette instructor departed from the study, leaving maids to clean the room. Annie, with heavy steps, walked through the corridor, not knowing where to go. As she navigated the hallway, her gaze was drawn towards the elegant French door, which offered a captivating view of the enchanting garden beyond. Intrigued by its allure, Annie made a spontaneous decision to take respite on one of the benches.
As she took a deep breath and allowed the invigorating scent of the fresh air to fill her lungs, she felt a gentle and refreshing breeze gently brushing against her cheeks. At that moment, a profound sense of tranquilly enveloped her entire being, soothing her restless soul. With a desire to escape from the chaos she had experienced during the etiquette lecture, she lifted her head and chose to shut her eyes, hoping to immerse herself completely in the serene and captivating allure of the beauty that surrounded her.
Annie's face was cast into darkness as a shadow loomed over her. She blinked her eyes open, staring at this familiar face with its sculpted square features, rosy skin dotted with freckles, and striking turquoise eyes. Annie was greeted by the sudden presence of Felix standing right behind her.
"Felix?" Annie, startled, uttered her voice, filled with a mix of surprise and relief.
"Well, well, well, your royal highness or I must say my cousin," Felix replied, his usual playful tone returning. "I see you've found yourself in need of some fresh air and solitude."
Annie couldn't help but smile nervously at his teasing remark. "Indeed, but you know more than anybody else; it's a misunderstanding. Sooner or later, I will return to my place," she objected to the fact that she was his cousin and a royal princess. "My mind is reeling from the endless stream of information I've been subjected to today."
"Why? " Do you hate being in here where everything is in your hands, or do you hate having me as your cousin?" He smiled childishly, as if it was another joke, but deep down he wanted to know Annie's thoughts about her new life; Since her father's death, she had nowhere to turn.
Annie stared at him, looking for a proper answer. "For a moment, it sounded like a joke, but I feel something was behind it."
"Anybody would be happy if he had you in his family, but every tree has its roots." She ended her words with a beautiful smile that made Felix look away in embarrassment, hiding his tomato face in order not to be seen.
"I am absolutely exasperated! Why does she have to possess such an extraordinary level of beauty? I yearn to proudly boast about her being my cousin, but alas, those repugnant knights within the Citadel will undoubtedly pursue her with their vile intentions! Oh, the audacity of those perverted individuals! I swear upon my honour that I shall obliterate anyone who dares even to entertain the thought of approaching her!"
Annie stood up and asked him, '"Are you okay?' "as she tried to check him out.
Quickly, Felix turned to face her. " I'm fine," he said after clearing his throat. "Ok, tell me, why are you sitting here alone?"
"Well, I've just begun my royal education, and let me tell you, my etiquette teacher's voice is like nails on a chalkboard. I had to take a break and come here to recover from my bleeding ears. No, no, her voice sounds like a frog, especially when she complains about my behaviour," Annie said, rolling her eyes dramatically.
"It seems you made her lose her temper," Felix managed to say between his chuckles. " Hahn, Just tell me, what have you done?"
While Felix sat on the bench, he couldn't help but burst into laughter as he watched her amusingly imitate and mock her tutor. As their laughter echoed through the peaceful garden, the gentle breeze seemed to join in, carrying their mirthful sounds to the farthest corners of the palace.
As Lena, the maid, was lugging a cumbersome basket filled with soiled bedsheets down the lengthy corridor, her ears were suddenly captivated by the cheerful laughter and merriment resonating from nearby. Temporarily setting the weighty burden down on the ground, she cautiously peered out from behind the pillar, curious to catch a glimpse of the source of such joyful commotion.
"Poor Alice is barely eating, and you are laughing like nothing happened," she murmured as she saw Annie enjoying her time.
Lena had no desire to continue watching Annie feel happy while her friend was locked up, so she went back to work, ignoring the noise they were making.
Felix was calming himself, but remembering Annie imitating her tutor made him erupt into a fit of laughter, clutching his stomach as tears welled up in his eyes.
He was trying to speak, but every time he opened his mouth, he burst out laughing. "I had no idea you were this funny," he finally managed to say.
"The nobles create ridiculous rules... I mean, who cares if I hold my fork in the wrong hand or if I don't curtsy properly? It's not like I'm going to be out there chopping people's heads off with my cutlery...All of this is so artificial and pretentious.
Felix kept nodding his head in agreement without showing any sign of reluctance, then he added
"You should see the part where you have to keep smiling at some party and banquet until your facial muscles hurt...or the part where you have to deal with someone you don't swallow for the sake of diplomacy."
Annie nervously laughed at the hardship that awaited her, then she remembered something to say.
"I forgot to ask you... Can you tell me now why you came here or were you passing by again?" Annie asked, her tone laced with scepticism as she crossed her arms in curiosity.
Felix did not want to bring up the investigation matter with Annie because he was enjoying his time with her. He, still chuckling, wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and composed himself. He gazed at Annie with a mischievous glint in his turquoise eyes.
"Well, my dear cousin," he began with a theatrical sigh, "I came to rescue you from the clutches of royal monotony, to liberate you from the oppressive shackles of never-ending lessons and grumpy tutors."
Annie couldn't help but laugh at his dramatic proclamation. "And how do you plan to achieve such a daring rescue, Sir Felix?"
Felix leaned in and offered his hand. "Well, Your Royal Highness Annie, I thought we could sneak away for a while, and explore the kingdom incognito, I heard they are organizing a Summer Farewell Festival"
⟪ As I pictured the waving flags, delectable food, and people joyfully singing and dancing, my heart raced with excitement. I held his hand and eliminated any room for doubt or hesitation.
"Let's go and have fun!" Annie exclaimed with sparkling eyes.
Felix smiled back and said in a polite but ironic way, "My pleasure!"