The Cursed King

The first thing that Elise saw in the morning beyond her maidservant Alina was the presence of a certain lady at her door. It was a jumpstart to her day like any other.

"Good morning, Your Grace," Lady Rose greeted Elise with a smile. "Today I have some activities planned in order to help you familiarize yourself with the kingdom. Since His Majesty is busy, I am unsure if you have seen other areas of Castilse."

"Huh?" Elise was somewhat bothered that the start of her day immediately included Rose. She normally visited her mother-in-law and maybe tried to see if Loriel was actually around for breakfast…

"Yesterday, when His Majesty agreed to have me as your lady-in-waiting, I can recall that Your Grace asked me to assist you in understanding the customs, cultures, dos and don\'ts, right?" Lady Rose said. "That is what we\'ll be doing today and for the next several days."

Elise remained calm and managed a smile. "Yes, I\'ve said that, haven\'t I? But I thought that you would ask for my permission first before you planned activities for me. This is really surprising."

It was also an offense to Elise\'s higher status and standing.

Normally, a lady-in-waiting would seek permission, wouldn\'t she? 

"Ah, apologies," Lady Rose ducked her head and curtseyed. "I was used to having people always agreeing with me, that it did not occur to me that you may not be interested in going out today at all, Your Grace. Shall I rescind all our plans today and settle on a better date?"

There was a look on Rose\'s face that said, \'I thought Your Grace was eager to learn as fast as possible?\'

It was almost like a non-verbal challenge.

"I didn\'t say that." Elise sighed inwardly. What would people gossip about if everyone learned that Elise refused Rose\'s offer to go out? She wondered if Rose was actually hoping for that to make her lose more favor. 

"Then what is it that you desire, Your Highness?" Lady Rose asked carefully.

"Let us go with what you have in mind for today."

"Thank you, Your Grace." Lady Rose smiled brightly and started to walk ahead. 

Almost like Loriel when he left her without a word.

Were all people in Summeria really like this? Elise frowned at how different the customs and cultures really were. 

Most people waited behind the princess and trailed after them, but those in Summeria walked ahead without waiting for a higher rank?

Lady Rose paused in her tracks when she realized that Elise wasn\'t immediately walking after her. 

"Your Grace, today we will start with nearby avenues that may spark interest in your possible hobbies and also showcase the wonders of Castile. The carriage has already been prepared so we shall set off."

"Immediately?" Elise frowned. "What about breakfast? Normally—"

"His Majesty is currently out doing some military tours with his soldiers. There\'s an upcoming festival that is open for all neighboring nations, so security perimeters are being checked and secured, Your Grace." 

Elise decided to ask what was bugging her at last. 

"Is it normally common for people to walk ahead of their lords and ladies or to make plans for them ahead of their consent? We do it differently in Myreen. So, I am trying hard not to find what you\'re doing offensive to me."

Lady Rose looked back and then retraced her steps.

"Would Your Grace think it is weird that a servant walks ahead to protect their master? I believe that the kingdom of Myreen is safe, but there are instances where assassins prowl and attack nobles in broad daylight."

"Huh?" Elise tried to check if Lady Rose\'s words were genuine. 

"If a servant walks ahead of their lord or lady, when the noble is attacked… the servant can take the dagger often attacked straight to the heart or face." Lady Rose smiled. "So if you\'re asking if it\'s common, why… actually, yes?"

Elise still thought it was a different situation entirely, but she was now aware that Rose would put up whatever words of story to make it seem like she was still in the right. Perhaps that was to be expected from a Prime Minister\'s daughter.

It was now obvious that Elise constantly needed to have her guard up.

***

During the carriage ride, Elise was able to receive something to eat and drink. It was strange that she had to do all of this while traveling to their destination, but complaining would only make her look even more annoying.

This was what Loriel was probably doing as well, traveling on horseback and eating as he went about his duties. 

Elise needed to become tougher and she tried not to spill the tea in her cup as the carriage travelled across the capital.

"Education is something highly prized by those in Summeria," Lady Rose said as she looked out the window. "Castilse as you may have encountered before coming here is surrounded by several mountains from all sides except for one area that counts as the only entrance and exit."

"It almost looks like a hill with a huge cut made to function as a doorway to allow you to step inside of it." Elise smiled at the memory of arriving in Summeria for the first time.

"Yes… you could compare it to that."

"And education is highly prized here in Castilse because of how it is cut off and separated from the rest of the towns, cities and other landmarks in Summeria?" Elise guessed.

"You could say that," Lady Rose momentarily paused. "The topography of Castile means that powerful storms are incapable of penetrating our area due to the tall mountains surrounding us. It\'s a fortress-like place, but it also accounts for a rain shadow."

"Rain shadow?" 

"Castile is dryer than other areas of Summeria as rain clouds rarely manage to get past the mountains surrounding us." Lady Rose sighed. "So naturally, most of our food supply comes from outside of the city and is simply imported."

"Ah, and that is why education is more sought out here," Elise said. "It\'s more feasible to be a scholar here than a farmer."

Lady Rose pursed her lips, but then nodded.. "You are correct."