The past few weeks had been a whirlwind for Eamon, filled with lessons on statecraft, economics, and martial skills. Sir Cedric had drilled into him the complexities of governance and diplomacy, while the royal merchant taught him the intricacies of trade and finance. Even the royal knight had begun showing him advanced combat techniques. Despite the demanding schedule, Eamon found himself engrossed, absorbing the knowledge like a sponge. It was as though the very act of learning was awakening something within him.

Now, for the first time in weeks, his mentors had given him a reprieve. "You've worked hard," Sir Cedric had acknowledged begrudgingly. "Take these few days to rest. Reflection is just as important as instruction."

Eamon didn’t need to be told twice. He made his way through the castle corridors to the family quarters, excitement bubbling within him. He had barely seen his sisters lately, and he was eager to share what he had learned with them. As he approached their gathering room, he heard the soft murmur of voices and the occasional laugh. It was a sound that he had missed.

"Eamon!" Ailsa's voice rang out as he entered the room. She sprang up from her seat, her eyes alight with excitement. "You're finally here! We've hardly seen you these days."

Eamon smiled warmly at her, his eyes quickly taking in the scene. Isolde was seated by the window, a book in her lap, her expression one of quiet contemplation. Morwen was lounging on a chair, her eyes sharp and watchful as always, while Elspeth sat beside Ailsa, braiding a length of ribbon with a look of serene concentration.

"Yes, I've missed you all," Eamon said, moving further into the room. "I've had so many lessons. Sir Cedric, the royal knight, the merchant... They’ve been keeping me busy."

Isolde closed her book and looked at him with a small smile. "And what have you learned, little brother?" she asked. Her tone was light, but there was a glint of curiosity in her eyes.

Eamon hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to begin. "Well," he started slowly, "I've learned about the kingdom's governance—the different councils, how the lords influence decisions, and how the trade routes are managed." As he spoke, he found himself growing more animated. "There are so many factors to consider, like tariffs, alliances, and even the subtleties of court etiquette. And that's just the surface."

He continued to talk, delving into the details of what he had been taught. His sisters listened attentively, their expressions shifting subtly as he spoke. Isolde's smile grew more fixed, her eyes flickering with a mix of pride and something else—something that looked almost like envy. Morwen leaned forward, her gaze locked on Eamon with an intensity that hinted at her growing interest. Elspeth nodded along, her face thoughtful, while Ailsa’s initial excitement slowly began to fade.

When Eamon finally paused, there was a brief silence. It was Isolde who spoke first. "It seems you've learned a great deal," she said, her voice carefully measured. "More than I have been able to learn, even with my own tutoring."

There was a hint of something in her voice—perhaps a touch of hurt. Eamon felt a pang of guilt. He had not meant to make his sister feel left behind, but he could sense that his rapid progress had inadvertently created a rift.

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"Isolde," he began, but she shook her head with a gentle smile.

"No, it's alright," she said. "You are the crown prince, after all. It is only right that you are given the education befitting your station." Her words were kind, but they carried an underlying weight.

Eamon turned his gaze to Ailsa, who was looking down at the floor, her shoulders slumped. She had always been the most eager to practice with him, especially in swordplay. He remembered the times they used to spar in secret, her laughter echoing through the hidden corridors of the castle. But lately, those moments had grown scarce.

"Ailsa?" he ventured gently. "What's wrong?"

She looked up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You don’t practice with me anymore," she mumbled. "We used to train together with the wooden swords. Now you train with the knights, and I’m left behind."

Eamon’s heart sank. In his pursuit of knowledge and skill, he had neglected the bond he shared with his sister. "Ailsa, I didn’t mean to—"

"It’s not just about the practice," Ailsa continued, her voice trembling. "It's like... you’re moving ahead so fast, and I can’t keep up. I want to learn, too. I want to fight and understand the world like you do, but... I’m just a girl." She spat the last words with bitterness, reflecting the frustration that had been building inside her.

"Ailsa," Eamon said, kneeling down to her level and taking her hands in his. "You are not just a girl. You are strong, brave, and capable of so much more than they tell you. I promise, we will train together again. I will make time for you, and we will find ways for you to learn. Together."

Ailsa sniffed, her expression softening slightly as she looked into her brother's eyes. "Do you really mean that?"

"Yes," Eamon said firmly. "I mean it."

The room was silent again, but this time it was a more comfortable silence, filled with unspoken understanding. Isolde watched the exchange with a complicated look in her eyes.

Morwen broke the silence with a quiet laugh. "You know, Eamon," she said, "you're not the only one with a thirst for knowledge. I have been sneaking into the library myself lately. There are so many books on strategy and the history of other kingdoms. The more I read, the more I want to learn."

Elspeth nodded in agreement. "Yes, I've been learning about herbs and remedies. There is so much to know about how to heal, how to use nature to our advantage."

Eamon felt a swell of pride for his sisters, but also a deeper sadness. Each of them was brimming with potential, yet they were all confined by the roles society had dictated for them. He knew now, more than ever, that he wanted to change things—not just for himself, but for them as well.

"I wish you could have the same opportunities that I have," he said quietly. "You all deserve to learn, to grow, to be more than what they say you should be."

Isolde’s eyes softened, and she reached out to place a hand on Eamon's shoulder. "We each have our paths to walk, Eamon," she said gently. "But you have always been the one to break the mold. Perhaps, in time, you can change things not just for us, but for all of us."

Eamon looked at his sisters, feeling a renewed determination. "Then we will learn together," he declared. "In whatever ways we can. I will share what I know, and we will find ways to teach each other."

Ailsa's face brightened, her earlier sadness melting away. Morwen's eyes gleamed with excitement, and even Elspeth's calm demeanor shifted to one of quiet resolve. Isolde looked at each of them, her expression one of deep thought.

"Then let us begin," she said finally, a smile spreading across her face. "Let us learn together, and perhaps one day, change this kingdom for the better."

Eamon felt a weight lift from his shoulders as they all gathered around, talking animatedly about what they would do next. The rift that had begun to form between them seemed to close, replaced by a bond forged not just by blood, but by shared dreams and a common purpose. They were not just a prince and his sisters; they were a family, united in their desire to shape their own destinies.

And for the first time in weeks, Eamon felt at peace.