-----------------------------------------------------------

I got into Kevin's car with a sigh.

"You okay?" he asked, looking over at me, his brows creased in concern.

"I miss Noah."

He glanced back at the campus. "But he's still here."

"I know."

I leaned my head against the cool window and watched as the scenery blurred by.

"Hey, cheer up," he reached over to ruffle my hair.

I pulled a book out of my bag and flipped it open. It was from my etiquette class, which was where Kevin was taking me right now.

My days were getting a lot busier and I couldn't wait for the weekend. After school, I had my college classes and then I had to go over to the palace for royalty training. After that me and Elena would have a study session later tonight.

I just had to endure it for a few more weeks. After that, the betrothal contract would be nullified and I'd finally get to meet my biological mother. Ashton didn't think his dad would let us off so easy, but he was the king. He had to stand by his word, right?

"How's Ashton?" I asked.

"He's still unconscious," Kevin replied. The worry for his best friend was visible in his eyes. "I thought he would have gotten up by now."

"Me too. His dad went too overboard this time," I scowled.

"I'll make sure he doesn't even breathe in your direction," Kevin said. "He'll do anything to get his way. We think he's planning something big."

"Like what?"

"I don't know," he shrugged and another frown was etched on his face. "Jackson's looking into it."

"You should be careful too," I sighed. "You guys are at risk by being around him so much. I don't want you to get hurt too."

I looked out the window, feeling a sudden wave of helplessness. Wasn't there anything I could do for them?

"As long as you're okay, then I'm okay," he smiled. "You already have a lot to think about. Don't worry about us."

----------------------------------------------------------

"Straighten your spine, Elizabeth! Shoulders back! Keep your chin slightly lifted and your feet flat on the floor as you walk. One foot in front of the other, remember the invisible line."

"Yes Madame."

"Heel, toe, heel, toe... Don't stomp around. You are not King Kong. Step lightly. Keep that smile on!"

I wobbled a bit as I glided around the room under Madame Lucille's keen eye. She kept watch over my every movement, making sure that my walking mirrored that of the royals.

"Hands should be by your side, swinging gently," she said, pulling them away from my head where they kept drifting every time a book wobbled.

"But the books are about to fall," I protested.

"They won't fall if your posture is perfect. Get it right!"

I sighed, straightening my shoulders. My lessons in posture had been getting more advanced. I was now walking in heels with four books on my head. An apple was added on top of the books for extra difficulty.

"...King Joshua the third was succeeded by his first born, Prince Cole, who was succeeded by his first born, Prince Caden who will be succeeded by his second born, Prince Ashton." I wrapped up.

Madame Lucille nodded, pleased that I'd finally managed to memorize the lineage of the rulers of Crysauralia. I now knew all the names of the past kings and queens in order of birth.

"You may not be so hopeless after all," she remarked. "Now onto sitting."

I was happy to finally sit down. My feet were killing me after all that walking in those atrocious heels. They weren't even that high, but that didn't make it any better.

We spent another hour going through conversation topics and me getting scolded for slouching.

"Knees together, shoulders back," she said, pulling my shoulders back. "Put your hair up and never forget to smile. We don't need a queen with a resting frown on her face."

I rested my hands on top of each other and sat with my legs slanted and crossed at the ankles. I gave her a smile and she nodded satisfied.

I groaned internally. I felt incredibly stiff and totally ridiculous. Did royals really have to go through so much training? Queen Arabella made it look so effortless.

"You will be succeeding the queen," Madame Lucille spoke suddenly, pulling me out of my thoughts. "She is the embodiment of royalty, poise and grace. The same is expected of you."

I glanced down at my hands. This still felt so foreign to me.

"I know this is hard for a mere commoner like you," she said curtly, "But you've been selected to marry the crown prince. So I will make you into a proper queen, no matter what."

I nodded absent-mindedly, wondering how much longer I would have to keep this up.

"Do not shake your head at me," she frowned. "Speak. Your voice should be gentle yet strong."

I stifled a sigh. "Yes, Madame Lucille."

"If you don't master the basics, you will be ripped apart by the other royals," she continued. "Pay attention so you do not disgrace your kingdom. Every second of every day, you must embody the attitude of a princess, whether you're at the palace or elsewhere."

"Yes, Madame."

She nodded at my obedience, smoothed her bun and then we moved on to talking about current affairs.

After that, we got into the dos and don'ts of dressing. What I was allowed to wear when I became the princess and what was strictly prohibited. Madame Lucille was relentlessly strict as our lessons continued throughout the evening.

I still had a five o' clock curfew, but my parents were a little more lenient when I had extra classes.

"Elizabeth!"

I was startled out of my thoughts to see Madame Lucille frowning at me, with hands on her hips. I guess I'd spaced out for a while. I really just wanted to go home at this point. We'd been at it for hours.

"Do you think commoners can become princesses overnight?" she asked drily. "You need to pay attention until everything becomes second nature to you. Walking should be as effortless as breathing."

"It was a few days ago," I mumbled.

Her mouth was drawn in a thin line as she moved closer to me.

"I get the feeling you're not giving this your all."

I wonder what gave that away.

"You have a large role to fill," she sighed. "I would rather this enormous responsibility not be left to you, but I have no choice in the matter. Our dear queen did not know the traditions of Crysauralia, but she worked hard to prove her worthiness as the queen of this kingdom. I expect no less of her successor."

I stifled a sigh and flashed her a tired smile because I figured out that agreeing with her made things a lot easier. It didn't make sense to complain to her about not wanting to be the queen because she wouldn't hear it. Unless the king put a stop to this, Ashton and I might end up engaged by the end of the year.

A look of uncertainty filtered into her eyes, but she shook her head and gave me a pat on the shoulder.

"It's hard, but you'll get used to it. You are our future queen, Elizabeth, and I will be loyal to you. This is your duty to your people. Please do not disappoint us."

A lump formed in my throat and I couldn't bring myself to smile and agree again. She sensed this and then left the room, saying I should go home and get some rest.

I left the palace with a heavy heart and a crowded mind.

----------------------------------------------------------

?

!