Ch. 1 “Once upon a time…” (part 4)

The door to the study opened with a heavy creak. Elder Quintus left the room with a defeated expression on his face. Right behind him followed the Princess, stretching her stiff, from trying to stay awake, shoulders. It was only two hours, but for her it felt like at least twenty. She was happy to have a full month off, but at the same time she started wondering if she’ll be forced to attend these lessons for the rest of her life. 

Besides, it’s not like she never had them before. As the Princess of the Royal Family she received a proper education in her childhood years. There were a lot of different subjects that she had to become proficient at, too. She had to master etiquette, two languages - Common Speech and Aelian, art - including painting, singing and playing piano, dancing, theology, philosophy and history. She even had to learn the basics of biology and geography. Now it was mostly just history and politics. And dance classes, which Oriana assumed, were an olive branch offered by her parents, so she didn’t really mind them.

 - You didn’t pay attention again. - A harsh, accusatory voice pulled her away from her thoughts. - You know, you would be long done with the classes, if you at least tried learning anything.

 Oriana rolled her eyes. She didn’t have energy for this.

- I am trying, but these subjects are so boring and there’s so much information to remember! - Oriana knew that trying to argue with this person was like trying to swim across the sea using a fork as a paddle, but she couldn’t help it. She couldn’t just let it go and let the Commander go on another one of her tirades. - If you think it’s so simple then lets see how much you know! - Oriana thought for a second. - Name every province in Aelius!
- In the north, the Aureus Province, ruled by Duke Blasius… - Valeria begun to name every province and its assigned overseer, while also noting their geographical location and bordering states, without even a trace of hesitation.

 Oriana stood silently listening to the flawless answer the Commander gave her. She didn’t even know half of the people she mentioned and the other half she barely recognized by name. Which one was Duke Valens, again? Was it that tall one with a cane? Or maybe it was the one with a funny mustache… And who, by the Ten, is Duke Calpurnius?!

 - …and finally, the Lucetta Province, in the heart of Aelius, ruled directly by your father, King Flavius Lucius II of house Helvius, married to Queen Hester of house Avitus, with whom he has only one fair, but lazy daughter. I would hope, you at least know the last one, Your Majesty, otherwise the King might just make the study your new home.
- Of course I know that. Everyone knows that. - Oriana was too preoccupied with trying to tell the Dukes apart to notice the covert compliment the Commander gave her. Otherwise, she would definitely make sure to rub it in on every occasion. Instead, she decided to press the attack. - Besides, that one was easy. Let’s see how well you’ll do on the next question! Name every king and queen after the Fall of the Magic!

 The Commander gave an equally detailed answer, with the same unfazed expression. Which only made the Princess more angry. She started bombarding her with questions.

 - How many Ministers did the Eleutherian Ministry of Maritime Exploration have after the reformation in 1021?
- When and where was King Cyneric crowned as the next ruler of Adler Kingdom?
- What are “Vitian Miracles”?
- What was Treaty of MeiWei?
- Name all Primordial Elements and their creations!
- How long did the Everlasting Night last?!

 Valeria answered all of them without hesitation. She even added little bits of trivia here and there. Oriana felt like her head was about to explode. This was probably the most workout her brain saw in twenty years.

 - Now, if you’re done with your petty little game, Your Majesty, we should get moving or you will be late to another class. - The Commander turned around and started walking. - And the next time you have a sudden surge of hunger for knowledge, maybe try saving it for your teacher. I’m certain Elder Quintus will happily answer all of your burning questions.

Cheeky bastard! Don’t you think it’s over! I’ll have my revenge.