Date prep

Artus laid the stack of books on the table. He tried to be gentle, but they still made a big thud and rattled the teacups. Rita peered over the stack at him.

"Are these the next books of that fantasy empire series you like?" she asked, with the sort of hopeful tone that expected disappointment.

"Don't worry," said Artus. "We won't go over these today. They are for your self-study."

"Ah. So much better..."

"You should get to know the prince's interests. These are books on the histories of military campaigns. Here's physical sports. These are on horsebreeding, their pedigrees, cultural significance of horses..."

"Wow, so Prince Frederic is a real history buff, huh?"

Artus paused midword. "Well. No. But he enjoys horses and being active, so it can't hurt to study up on the relevant subjects."

"I don't know about this. Your idea of studying up is really intense. Can I just start with a book on popular horse breeds, or go watch a sport?"

"You're a prolific reader, so you can start with that and then move onto these. I've researched deeply and determined these are the definitive volumes on their respective subjects. Hold your teacup by the handle."

Rita grumbled and pinched the handle. To be honest, Artus had initially assumed the king had given him the lowly and pointless task of educating an insufferable lady as punishment, but perhaps there had been a deeper reason in assigning Artus to oversee the future princess. 

"How's this?" she asked.

"Put your little finger down."

"I knew that," Rita sniffed. "Anyway, I read a lot, but not all books are equal. Nonfiction can be really dry and tedious."

"Romancing someone is tedious work."

"Pfft! Have you ever romanced someone?"

"Well. No." Artus was getting déjà vu. "But if it were easy, people wouldn't be so obsessed about it."

"Hmm, suddenly I'm not so sure that you should be the one teaching me how to capture the prince."

"I'll make sure the prince likes you. After all, he's quite fond of me."

"He is...? I'm not getting in the way of anything, am I?"

"What do you mean by that? And why do you look that surprised?"

"Oh come on, you know you're a bit prickly," Rita said, grinning. "So are you okay with me sweeping your prince off his feet?"

"You're already engaged. It'll be better for everyone if you have a good relationship. Your cup handle goes at 3 o'clock." He reached over to fix it just as Rita did the same, their fingers brushing. "Oh. Apologies."

"Um, it's okay. So, er, what does Prince Frederic like about you, do you think?"

"I was..." Artus trailed off. His past was an open secret, but Rita seemed not to recognize him, one of the few things that hadn't changed about her from before. "I've been supporting him for a long time. If you're thinking that you'll get in his favor by copying me, first try learning how to drink tea like a lady."

"Wow, you must have killed him with your charm," Rita drawled. "You were the one who said the prince was fond of you and that's why you could help me. What else did you mean?"

"I meant that my knowledge of Prince Frederic makes up for my lack of experience in courtship. Besides, I can put in a good word for you."

"You mean you haven't yet?"

Artus's mouth twitched up in a smirk. "Good words are earned. Ow! Lady Rita, throwing grapes at people is extremely unladylike." He picked the fruit out of his lap. "I've deliberately said little about you, because nothing is more powerful than a good first impression. Secondhand words can only be so impactful. Although Prince Frederic is not a murdering maniac—good grief, are you still unconvinced?—, he is also not particularly romantically inclined. If you wish to truly win his heart, you should utilize your available advantages."

"Ooh? What are those?"

"Your...well, your..."

Rita cupped her face with her hands and blinked prettily at him. Artus had easily said things such as famed beauty in their early lessons, but now he stumbled over the words.

"It's better that you shape his opinions in person first," Artus concluded. "Fortunately, I think you're ready for that, so I've scheduled you to meet with him next week."

"Eh? What?? Weren't you just complaining about how I couldn't drink tea right?"

"It won't be a tea party, though I expect you to be flawless by the Festival of Saints."

"Why then?"

Artus chose to ignore the question since Rita's questions were endless and obviously no single event was more socially harrowing than the upcoming festival. "Instead, I've organized for you to go riding with Prince Frederic by the royal hunting grounds."

"Riding? As in, horseback riding?"

"What else should it be, bull riding?"

"Okay, I guess Prince Frederic really must be a saint if he puts up with you as his aide."

"Heh, ah..." Strange, Artus was better about holding his tongue than that.

At least Rita didn't seem to care. "Anyway, we didn't do any lessons on that."

"Don't worry, you may be next to the hunting grounds, but it'll just be regular riding, no large beasts involved. You have an excellent seat, so at least this I have confidence in."

"Oh, but uh, I let someone borrow my seat! Maybe we should do a teatime instead at some later date."

"You let what? Oh, very humorous, obviously I'm not talking about your saddle."

"Oh...yes, I was making a joke..."

"As I said, you're a great rider, so I'm sure you will keep up with Prince Frederic."

"I am, am I?" Rita sounded oddly mournful.