#7 《The Etiquette Lessons》

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❝I may have my moments of jest, but I genuinely want to know what's troubling you. So, please, tell me.❞

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As Y/n and Gowri strolled through the corridors of the palace, Gowri, her tone tinged with curiosity, asked Y/n, "How have your lessons been going, Y/n?"

Y/n sighed and rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Oh, you know, the usual. I've become a pro at curtsying and pretending to be fascinated by endless discussions about royal protocol."

Gowri chuckled, "It's not easy, but it's useful to fit in. You're doing well."

Just as Y/n was about to respond, a certain prince made his unexpected appearance, causing Gowri to discreetly step back and bow, giving the two some space.

With a low bow, Gowri looked over at Y/n before scampering away from the two in a rush. Y/n, crand her neck and caught sight of her bad luck.

"Well, if it isn't the bane of my existence." She muttered to herself

Bhallaladeva's entrance was met with a cool, annoyed glance from Y/n, who was clearly not in the mood for idle chitchat.

With a smirk that hinted at his satisfaction in riling her up, Bhalla inquired, "How have your lessons been going, Monkey?"

Y/n's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, her annoyance evident in her response. "Oh, absolutely splendid," she retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I can now curtsy with the grace of a swan and maintain a poker face during the most riveting discussions about tea ceremonies."

Bhalla couldn't help but find her snark amusing, and he leaned slightly closer, his gaze locking onto hers with an almost mischievous glint. "Ah, the essentials of court life. You're learning to blend in admirably."

Y/n's scowl deepened at his response, her irritation far from concealed. She quipped back, "Of course, because nothing says 'Mahishmati royalty' like mastering the art of politely nodding while inwardly screaming."

Bhalla shot back with a teasing smirk, "Ah, necessary evils, Monkey. Even Monkey princesses need refinement."

Princess?

Y/n, rolled her eyes and huffed, having had enough of Bhalla's annoyance.

"You know what, I have better things to be doing right now, Your Royal Snarkiness." Y/n spat, irritably, Bhalla arched a brow.

"Oh yeah?" He smirked, "Like what, Monkey? Climbing trees so you don't fly too far from your roots?" Y/n glared at him, her eyes narrowing.

"No. Like practicing how to gracefully and formally kiss someone's ass for my next class!" She yelled in a whisper.

With that, Y/n pivoted on her heel, her sari swaying with each determined step, and began to walk away from Bhalla, her annoyance propelling her forward.

Bhalla watched her retreating figure, his astonishment from her final retort evident in his features.

Then, as the seconds ticked by, Bhalla couldn't contain his laughter any longer. The chuckles bubbled up, and soon enough, he was outright laughing at Y/n's sassy retort.

The laughter lingered in the corridor even after Y/n had disappeared from sight, leaving Bhalla with a bemused smile.

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Y/n's next lesson in the etiquette hall seemed like an exercise in patience.

The instructor had lined up her students, which was a group of patient Mahismati children ranging from five to twelve years of age and one impatient 'Mexico-ian' of over twenty that stood out like a sore thumb.

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