--- Elise

Despite the cold of the winter, Elise didn't lose the habit of visiting the gardens as often as possible.

It was something deeply rooted into her personality, she suspected, having spent so many years in a place surrounded by the colours of nature. The trees that grew in the palace, in particular, had all been brought from distant lands and were said to be beautiful in spring, so the princess was curious if they would have lived up to her expectations.

Still, I realize thinking about plants and flowers is just a distraction. I wonder where Roric... No! He'd better not show his face here again. I'll forget about him, with time.

The young princess was purposely lying to herself, but she hoped that perpetuating that lie would have made her feel better, at least. Not having her friend around anymore was strange, but in all due honesty she had already learned to live without his constant presence during the previous months. Since their arrival in Cassidia, after all, they barely saw each other.

But he was here for me whenever I called. I-

"Your Highness."

Suddenly, a voice called for Elise. It was general Cremont, one of the men who had escorted her to the capital. In spite of being summoned only that morning, he was already there.

"Ah... General," the girl greeted him, trying to focus on what she had planned to say. "Thanks for finding a moment for me between your many duties."

"My pleasure, Princess," replied Cremont, with a respectful bow. "I've been looking forward to this meeting since the moment I received your message."

Normally I would count this last sentence as mere sucking-up, but I know it's different when I'm dealing with him. This man truly believes in what he just said. He's one of the best people my father has. No wonder he advised me to seek help from him, if I needed.

"Let's cut this short, then," she went on, "Because I'm sure you don't like to waste time. You are aware that I've been taking some special lessons lately?"

"I am, Your Highness. It's been a popular topic in the palace for the last month or two."

"Good. While I was returning from Norburg I found myself thinking, what would make me a good ruler? I discussed this with my father, and we came to the conclusion that the finest king or queen is someone who isn't afraid to show power, but also possesses many skills. Skills that might never be needed, but that can be useful in the right situation."

The general sat on one of the stone benches. "I'm kind of losing you, Your Highness. Is that the reason why you chose to be trained?"

"Yes and no. I actually had another reason, but it doesn't go against my last argument in any way. It's something that can help me, especially after what happened at the feast in Norburg. If an assassin were to sneak up to us, at least I would have a chance to protect myself."

"But that's impossible, with all the security we have in the palace," Cremont laughed. "And even if it happens, you have the royal guards ready to fight for your sake."

I also had Roric... No, never mind. That's the kind of answer I expected from him anyway.

"Lord Isaac's villa was supposed to be just as safe. I know the Circle has installed countermeasures within these walls, but what if someone could elude them? I could have an army of guards and it wouldn't matter. In the end, it would just come down to my personal ability," stated Elise. "I appreciate your opinion, but please keep in mind that our security was already compromised, and there's the need to start thinking differently."

"My apologies, Princess. I didn't mean to sound arrogant."

"It's nothing. I just want to be prepared. A new enemy is coming, and we can't afford to keep our guard low if we haven't done everything we could. For this reason, I asked for your presence today."

Scratching his chin, the general gave her an interested look. He was listening to what she had to say.

The girl took a deep breath. "General, I require you to teach me the basics of how I can lead others. A group of soldiers, to begin with. I'm sure you have plenty of knowledge in this subject."

"Even if I take into account what you told me earlier," observed Cremont, "Let me say I don't approve this. There's no law that states a ruler of Cassidia should be a military commander and risk his or her life. That's what generals are for. Moreover, a princess..."

He stopped talking, perhaps realizing he was about to said something he didn't intend to.

"Alright, Your Highness. I will help you, if this is what you want."

"Fine. Thanks, General."

With a last bow, Cremont left, leaving Elise alone with her thoughts.

There's no turning back now. Having a weapon instructor was already unconventional for a girl, even more for one who was born into the royal family, but this is where I put my name on the line. I don't care if the nobles will bad-mouth me. I'll show them and the rest of the Kingdom what I mean when I say that a princess should bear her responsibilities. Even if it means dirtying her precious, delicate hands.

***

The following day, Elise had her first lesson with the general.

Once he finally abandoned his facade of unquestionable reverence and respect, the man turned out to be an astounding teacher. He explained the girl the workings of Cassidia's army, the roles of the various commanders, and some of her father's decisions during his victorious campaigns against the Republic.

It was so interesting that the princess decided to remain in the palace's library way after the general had left, reading about the wars fought by her ancestors. Among all of them, obviously, the name that popped out more frequently was that of Lynn, whose son would become the first King and founder of the country. His story fascinated Elise so much that she looked up for more books on the subject, trying to find out more.

Heir of the fortress of Verth, Lynn had distinguished himself as a talented leader since he was young. After his father's death, he took his place and began expanding his dominion over the surrounding lands, joining forces with a rich coastal city, Canthars, and renaming the capital of the newly formed country Lyngard. Things looked good for his kingdom, until the Barbarians decided to invade.

United under a single banner, the clans coming from the West aimed to win a quick war and started by razing and plundering Greyhan, a city-state that lay closer to their wild terriories, on the shores of the Grey Lake. Every nation in the area, witnessing what had just happened, were scared enough to send emissaries to Lygard, asking for help. Lynn, who was at the apex of his success, saw the opportunity to increase his power even further and gladly accepted the idea of an alliance.

The next spring, leading a jointed army, he stopped the advance of the Barbarians on the river Sibrin, pushing them back towards the Steppes and securing Greyhan once again. His show of military skill and charisma was so effective that all the members of the coalition signed a treaty of mutual cooperation with him, turning effectively into his subjects. That was the start of what would later evolve into the kingdom of Cassidia.

I see... No wonder this man's name is so important. He shaped the world as we know it, basically. When did this occur, five hundred years ago? Yes, it has to be, since it was his son Lanis who founded this city. I can't help but admire Lynn's ability. He was born to lead.

Elise left the library late, returning to her quarters to get some rest. Lady Annette escorted her along the way without a word, implying that she had something to say. The girl knew her well enough to understand it.

"Your Highness," asked the woman, "I realize you must be focused on your studies now, but... Are you really fine with this situation?"

"I don't get what you mean," replied the princess, getting rid of her shoes and sitting on the bed.

"I'm talking about your plans for the future."

"What are you saying? I'll study and become a good leader for the Kingdom-"

"Let me rephrase. Are you going to forgive Roric or not?"

What's her problem? It's not like I made a big deal of it.

Elise huffed. "He isn't important. I only care about protecting Cassidia and its people."

Annette took a place at her side.

"Your Highness," she said, "If your goal is becoming a good queen for this country, I think you should start considering the point of view of others... Starting from Roric."

How does my relationship with Roric factor into my future as a ruler? I can't believe this nonsense. She's just being exaggerated, that's all. There's no way I...

Yet, what if her lady-in-waiting was right? What if all Elise had managed to do was turning into a self-centered person, unable to see the world as a whole? She had deemed the boy unworthy of her trust so quickly after the banquet, but never thought a single time about why.

Am I... The one who's wearing blinders? No, this isn't the right moment to figure it out. I still have many things to do...

"I don't want to talk about Roric. What he's done is-"

"Is what? Unforgivable? Unjustified?" Annette insisted.

"It's just wrong. We were friends. We were... More than that. If only he had told me what he was I could have..."

The words died in the girl's throat. She couldn't reply to that.

"Allow me to be completely honest with you, Princess," went on the woman. "I admit I've misjudged that kid too when I first met him. I believed he was just using you in order to achieve an advantageous position for himself, but what happened in Norburg... It's like my eyes were opened."

"What do you mean?" asked Elise, surprised to hear similar things coming from her.

"I mean what I mean. Roric may have kept some secrets, but I'm sure he's... Had his reasons. Maybe that enemy was a memory he didn't want to face. Being an Elemental is the same. In these lands, it's something you can't be. The most sensible thing to do, in his situation, would have been letting you go with general Cremont and forget about your existence."

Yeah, it's true. Nobody would have discovered him in Fradot. He could have lived there, free of the responsibility of... Being near me. And yet...

"And yet he didn't. He chose to stay at your side, despite the risks."

The young princess complained. "He was just looking for a home, after losing everything he had. It's only natural that he couldn't watch me go away..."

"Don't be silly, Your Highness," replied the woman. "People are always moved by something, call them ideals or desires, but they don't stay the same forever. They are constantly changing, adapting to who they meet and what happens. Look at me, I decided I wanted to serve the royal family just to avoid marriage, but after meeting you... My views changed, and I found a new purpose."

I'm not sure I want to listen. I... I shouldn't be afraid of thinking with my own head.

"What do you mean, Annette?" Elise's voice was faintly trembling.

"I discovered that even a princess is a human being, who needs help like anyone else. So, even if Roric followed you out of convenience, it should be clear to you why he put his life and well-being at risk by saving the day at that feast."

The girl remained there, speechless, while her lady-in-waiting stood and walked to the door.

Before her exit, she just turned around and said, "Think it over, Your Highness."

My feelings... How can I describe them? I never thought it was so difficult.

Lately, Elise had started realizing that she was a bit too focused on her role as a princess and the duties she had imposed to herself. She already knew that, but deemed it as something necessary, something a person like her couldn't avoid.

Having Roric at the palace hadn't been a burden, until the incident. It was nice to keep him close, because he reminded her old life, when she was just the foster daughter of an unimportant farmer, a carefree girl who only sought to know who was her father. Moreover, when they were together, his presence made her feel safer.

It's different now. Since the moment I saw him doing... Those things, I feared that it could compromise everything I'm working so hard to achieve. The princess of Cassidia would get rid of anyone like that, or at least it's what my people would expect from me. And yet, for some reason, I can't get him out of my head. Almost like I...

Almost like she cared for him more than she wanted to admit. Elise didn't even dare to touch that idea. What was she thinking? It was impossible for a member of the royalty to choose someone so...

No. Stop it, Elise. Pull it together. Remember why you are here. It doesn't matter what your desires are, the only goal you should have is showing your father and the whole country that you are a good princess. Nothing else matters.

The girl buried her face into the pillow, forcing back the tears. She had to stay strong.