As a Princess, Alice’s day was busy from the moment she woke up, even if she was only 10. Breakfast with usually by herself, her father and mother were far too busy to have such meals together. She understood that Ratier relied on them, they had more important things to do… Yeah… More important things.

Then there was etiquette lessons, history lessons, embroidery, fencing, and then finally evening prayer. She owed this to her people, they relied on her family and she needed to keep up the good work. Her lessons could be worse, after all, at least she her Ivy.

Ivy grew up with her at the castle, born from a Count’s family and selected to grow up along side her to learn how to best serve Alice as a handmaid. Though at the end of the day, the two were children. If you saw both girls together you could mistake them for sisters, at least that is how Alice treated Ivy. She wanted a friend, not a servant.

After sitting with Alice through all the lessons, Ivy looked deflated, “I don’t know how you do it, Alice… That was so boring! I thought we would maybe get to play some today… Lunch was even part of etiquette. That’s not fair.” Ivy stated in dismay, her red hair slumping onto the table, her blue eyes almost dull from sheer boredom.

“Maybe we will get to play tomorrow. It can’t be helped.” Alice assured.

“You sound just like the grownups…” Ivy grumbled in dismay at the response.

“I have a lot of responsibilities, Ivy. I can’t be selfish. As Queen, I need to make everyone happy…” Alice assured, “And serve The Oracle faithfully so that he blesses the kingdom.”

“Well, will you be happy too?” Ivy questioned, her expression showing she didn’t think that would be the case.

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“Of course! I mean… Everyone will be happy.” Alice pointed out.

“Yeah, but what about you?” Ivy would question again.

Alice was silent at this, doubting herself a bit. She was happy now, right? Her parents and people adored her, she had to be happy. Of course, she was. “I’m happy now, I don’t know what you mean.”

“Uhuh.” Ivy responded, clearly not believing her, but would let go of the topic.

“Anyway, I should go, Ivy. I want to see if my parents can have dinner with me.” Alice beamed at the idea. She adored her parents and hoped to maybe get to spend some time with them.

“Okay, I will see you later then.” Ivy stated hesitantly with a wave, “I will be having dinner. So if you can’t, you can eat with me.”

“You know I am not supposed to do that, Ivy… But thank you.” Alice stated with a wave, rushing off to her father’s study, eagerly opening the door.

“Papa!” She exclaimed contently only to realize her father yet again had company.

Her father looked unhappy, his greying pink hair having turned white early due to stress. He seemed tense, looking over at his guest. His guest was a Holy Knight that seemed to almost always be over… Likely reporting to her father or something, she wasn’t sure. He wore silver armor with fancy blue decorations, his hair white and eyes a blue that always made Alice feel uneasy. He was from The Church though, he had to be good, right?

“Well well well, if it isn’t the Princess… Seems the etiquette lessons have not been sinking in, barging into the office like that. I would expect better from you, your Highness. Does The Church need to send someone to personally train her?” The knight questioned.

Her father looked nervous, sweating some even despite the fact he was the King. This always seemed weird to Alice, “No, I apologize for the interruption, Elande… That… That won’t be necessary… She is just a child.”

“Papa… I… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to interrupt… I… I will go… I love you… I just wanted to know if we could have dinner. I will check with Mama then…” Alice stated in dismay.

“I love you too, Sweetheart.” Her father stated despite seeming to give weary glances towards the knight.

“You shouldn’t bother your mother either, Princess. She is with the head Priest… Doing her evening prayer for the kingdom, as she should be. Remember your role and manners, Princess… It will make working with you so much easier.”

“O-Okay…” Alice stated timidly before leaving. Maybe tomorrow she could have a meal with her parents…