A New Beginning: Unexpectedly Public

Chapter 1: Embracing the Roles

" I can't believe that Dad found out that we're the next heirs to the throne! This is so exciting." Anita said. " Me too. But that's a lot of pressure, especially since we're the face of our country and we have to be mature and well-behaved all the time, especially when Nene walks into the room. She's the head of the house because she's the reigning monarch of our family." Oyakhi said. " I know. Being crown princess means that I'm gonna have lots of things to do so I'm growing up pretty quickly, which I need to adjust to because I'm not used to it." Anita said. " Being a royal means that you're being watched... all the time. That's gonna take some getting used to." James said. " I know, but it might be fun. We get to travel around the world and meet different people." Giana said. " We have a lot of lessons to learn like how to sit, how to eat at a formal event, and much more," Anita said. " Plus, the entire country is looking at us all the time. Isn't that wonderful?" Mom said. " It's stressful. As second in line at the throne, I have a lot to learn if I'm gonna take over the land someday." Anita said. " Children, come along. It's time to watch the city." Nene said. On the balcony of the castle, the children watched their townspeople stroll about. Anita gently nudged her brother, which he understood, and stood up straighter. Once back inside, the young royals were given praise.
" Good job looking out for your brother, Anita. I think you should be first in line for the throne." Nene said. " But mother, ownership of the kingdom belongs to the firstborn son... so James was and still is the rightful heir to the throne," Dad said.
" While that is true, Anita is 2 years older than James, so technically, the crown would go to her, but as young royals, you all have lots to learn to be the main models of the country. Please take these things seriously." Nene said. " Of course Grandmother. We're the child representations of our country so we need to start acting like it." James said. " Your schedule is very busy and you don't have that much time to be kids. We need to teach you all about being proper royals." Nene said. " I don't know how we became royals. Is it in the family?" James asked. " Yes. Your great-grandfather was king of Nigeria before your grandfather took over and now the role of King belongs to your father. Since our family is spread out, there are different paternal roles in different countries Uncle Osei is the kingdom of the Southern Lands, right?" Nene asked. " Yes. I'm so excited for our work vacation because we're gonna be doing a lot of things." Oyakhi said. " What am I going to do?" Giana asked. " Well, as royal children, you have many duties, including private school, which helps you balance your schedule as a practicing monarch. But lessons are also learned in the home like perfect posture, speaking levels, polite gestures, etc." Mom said. " Being this out there is a lot of stress and anxiety because you have lots of people watching you," Nene said. " What school are we gonna go to?" James asked. " You're gonna be at a private school. It's the best way for you to get the best education... without the other students distracting you." Mom said. " Royals have advantages and downsides. It's important to be nice and respectful around everyone, especially those in higher positions. You need to work on your posture and technique. Those are the most important things in a royal that everyone looks for." Nene said. " So, how did we become royalty?" Anita asked. " Your great-grandfather was a prince in the Northern Lands, which makes your father king of this kingdom. You guys are your princesses and princes of the Northern Lands. The public uses your title to determine your status but we call you Princess or Prince, and then your first name." Nene said. " Easter is gonna be a busy day for us because we have an Easter church service and we have to meet some important people at a dinner party, so each of you must be on your best behavior." Mom said. " Of course. Do we need to take extra manners classes before the dinner?" Giana asked. " Hmm, that seems like a good idea, but since dinner is very interactive, you learn as each meal passes, and you've each learned a lot," Nene says. " Hopefully, you learn something in those private schools too, because we're paying a lot of money for those teachers," Dad said.