2

                                    

                                          
^Outfit used for events in this chapter^
                          
November 23rd, 1772
                          
    I felt to the ground as my sparing partner knocked my epee out of my hand. 
    "You are still no good at the art of fencing, sister," Edward reminded me as he lended me a hand up.
    "No need to remind me brother. Again," I said, a mocking tone lacing my voice as I stood my ground, preparing myself for another round.
    "I think we've had enough practice for the day, don't you?"
    "No, I don't think we've had enough for the day. Now, again."
    "Leah-"
    "Ed."
    He let out a sigh before standing his ground again. "Last one."
    A small smirk grew on my face as we started to fence again.
                          
2 hours later...
                          
    "We really should try jousting sometimes," I suggested with a wide smile on face as I walked through the halls with my brother. That one last round of fencing turned into quite a few more.
    He let out a small chuckle, "You really are one for adventure, aren't you, 'your highness'?"
    "Oh, god. Not you too!" I nudged him the side as both broke out in laughter.
    "Where have you two been?!" My mother shouted down the hall as we came into her field of vision.
    Our laughter fell to silence and our smiles along with it. We stopped in our tracks as our mother approached. "You are late to your tea with the Duke of..." She looked us up and down for a brief moment. "What are you wearing?! Those are ghastly!"
    "It's fencing wear, mother. Edward was just teaching me-"
    "Fencing?! That is a men's importance! You are about to be crowned Princess, Maleah! You have duties to attend to. Now we must get you ready, you are already late!" My mother grabbed my arm and started pulling me down the hall and around the corridor. Edward gave me a small smile and mouthed an "I'm sorry," to me.I have him a slight solute and pleaded the words, "Save me," silently before he turned the corner.
                          
    My mother and I walked through the doors of one of the many balcony's in the castle to be greeted by the Duke of France, his mother, father, Fredrick, and 2 other butlers that awaited my family. 
    Mother had Nessa, my hand maiden and closest friend, put me in a light pink gown lined with white, floral designs and flowers and a rather overdone, ruffled shoulder part. Along with a pearl choker-necklace and earrings. My hair done in a low bun and the front pieces curled.
    "I am so sorry to have kept you waiting, Lady Volerin," Mother said, taking as seat next to the one I was suppose to be seated in. She gave me a look, hinting for me to sit down.
    I complied.
    "Nonsense, your majesty. All is well," Lady Volerin reassured my mother.
    Her attention then fell on me. "It's an honor to make your acquaintance, your highness," she said with a warm smile.
    I returned the gesture. "As to you, Lady Volerin."
    "I believe you have met my husband before. Though you were quite young, if I am correct?"
    "Indeed. Seven, to be exact. But yes, I do remember Lord Volerin." I turned my attention towards the brunette man. "It's a pleasure, sir."
    "To you as well, your highness. You have not met our son, though." He turned towards his son who looked like a perfect mixture of his parents. Icy eyes like his father, and blonde hair like his mother.
    "Thomas Volerin," he said, standing up to bow.
    "Please, that really isn't necessary," I stopped him. We locked eyes for a split moment before I too stood up. "Maleah Monico."
    He took my hand placed a light kiss on it before sitting down again.
    "So, your highness, your moth-" Lord Volerin started.
    "Please, call me Maleah," I cut him off.
    He smiled politely before continuing. "Maleah, your mother tell us you have many hobbies. Such as?"
    I open my mouth to speak but my mother quickly takes over. "She is a master in the musical arts. She can play many pieces on the piano, the harp, and the flute. She also takes part in painting, ballet, and other forms of dance like the waltz. She is also now taking part in riding."
	"You ride horses?" Thomas turned his head towards me, quirking an eyebrow. 
	"I-"
	"She does indeed-"
	"I'm sorry, your majesty. But I was asking your daughter." He turned his attention back to me. I was a little shocked, too be honest, The only one who ever talked back to my mother was me. 
	"I- I do." I looked at my mother for a split second, a smirk growing on my face before going on. "I'm taking part in the sport so I can learn how to joust."
	"Joust?" Lady Volerin nearly choked on her crumpet trying to get the question out. I could practically hear my mothers disappointed in her sigh and face expression.
	"Yes, joust. I also take part in the art of fencing and recently chess. I also spar with my brothers on most Sunday evenings. I also enjoy shooting and long hikes through the woods on hunting trips."
	They were all silent for several minutes. A smile laced Thomas's lips moments later. "I think that is rather exquisite. Incredible, even."
	A smile played on my lips from his words.
	"Would her royal highness be able to accompany me on a walk through the garden?" He asked my mother.
	"Yes, she would be able to," I answered for her, standing up. He did the same and took my hand.
                          
	As we made our way through the garden, we were silent for quite a few amount of minutes, simply just enjoying the view of afternoon sun on the flowers.
	"So your the Duke of France?" I said, glancing over at him, locking eyes. "You don't sound French."
	He let out a small laugh, "No, no I don't. Do I?" he thought out loud. "I actually went to an English boarding school most of my life. I left when I was around 6 or 7, left when I turned 17."
	"Ah, so you didn't spend much time in France."
	"Precisely."
	"So you are... 17?"
	"18, since last month on the 10th."
	"Intriguing."
	"Very," he chuckled.
	"That's when you became duke, wasn't it?"
	He sighed, "Sadly, yes."
	"You don't want a royal role either?"
	"No, not really. Can I tell you something?"
	"No, you can't. I won't hear it, I'm deaf," I joked.
	We both laughed at my stupid reply. "Yes, you can tell me something.
	He took a small deep breath; inhaling. "Truthly, I really have always wanted to be a knight."
	"Your kidding."
	"No, why would I be kidding about that?"
	"That's only been my dream since I was like, 4."
	"No way."
	"Yes way. I thought I was the only one who didn't want part in royalty.
	"I guess not. But... your to be a queen, and well, your a..."
	"A girl? God, don't tell me your one those people."
	"One of those people?"
	"Yes, one of those people. You know, those people who think men are the only ones who can do all of the dangerous and fun work."
	"No, no, no. I think women can do anything men can do."
	I quirked a knowing brow at him.
	"Ok, ok, maybe not. But I'm all for a princess with pride."
	I let out a dry laugh. "Of course you are."