Yearning For Familial Love

Chapter Five: Cleo Reintroduced

[Cleo]

Chapter Five: Cleo Reintroduced

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To avoid future confusion, let me reintroduce myself...

Hello, my name is Princess Cleo. From what I've gathered, I'm next in line for the throne, which naturally means that, at the tender age of two, I am already unofficially engaged to a distant relative. For now, all I know about this is that all those born of royal blood. Well, more specifically, direct descendants of the heroes of the past in this kingdom are formally engaged at five years of age.

This also coincides with enrollment in the Academy of Excellence. Which is an elite school that does not accept students based on their social standing. Or anything to that effect. On the downside, if I fail the entrance exam, I will most likely be banished to the Lily Palace. And disowned by my parents, whom I haven't even gotten to meet yet.

I didn't ask to be of royal blood. But because our bloodline carries the blood of heroes, we don't seem to get a say in who we marry. Though that's still mostly speculation given an engagement, so young doesn't really mean much. Considering one's status and influence can change drastically over an eleven-year engagement.

Also, Yuri didn't break her word. However, referring to her as a genie from now on wouldn't be unjustified. I am technically part of the biggest family in the entire kingdom. However, my sister and I live in a palace on the outskirts of the kingdom. In an isolated part of the palace at that.,

I'm not sure why we are isolated in this specific part of the palace, with all the smaller bits of the palace laid out in subdivision-style rows Covering the countryside behind the palace. Occupied by those closely related to us. Surely, we could at least invite those similar in age. Lizzy seemed mortified by the idea of inviting our cousins up to play. So I dropped the subject.

We will be moved to the Estalle Palace in the center of the capital after our 5th birthday. But for now, we are completely separated from our parents. This is normal for direct descendants, as before our 5th birthday, our political influence and magical power are insignificant.

The Lily Palace was a gift from Yuri in the early days of the royal family. It's unique, as no child born of the blood of heroes can die here. And no one intending harm can enter. Be that as it may be, the nobles insist the direct descendants of the throne attend the academy from 5 to 14 years of age.

On the other hand, I'm not sure how the tutors got in, given that they seem intent on torturing me. No two-and-a-half-year-old should have to study. Or have to write anything, for that matter. Lizzy joined them in this pursuit. As I was forced to write... "I Will Not Run Off Without Lizzy Again," one hundred times over,. My little hand still hasn't recovered from the cramps.

This start isn't exactly what I had in mind, but I'll give this life my best effort. The tutors are already introducing stuff that I can't even comprehend. Even with my enhanced memory and intelligence, I have no idea what they are talking about. Luckily, it doesn't seem like they expect me to understand quite yet.

On the down side, I often feel as though they are looking down on me for not understanding. Things like life forces and combat strategy theories. Along with how to manage resources. It's all so confusing, and there doesn't appear to be one best answer. And the concept theory of laws and governing-oh, oh, don't even get me started.

None of it makes a lick of sense, but the answers they say are correct are complete trash, and I don't even fully understand what their talking about. It's clear their solutions would only make things worse.
Today I finally snapped being spoon-fed the crappy half-baked ideas. They wore me down. I spent a long time scolding and insulting their intelligence. Before I realized it, they were all grinning. This was about the time I realized they had been testing me.

In my anger, I said out loud that they should spend a week in the dungeon for such insolence. Now it was mostly a joke... I didn't even realize I actually possessed this power. So I was shocked to find I didn't have class the next day... I did indeed free them, but not before I enjoyed my morning and my afternoon .

Mister Goodwin, the palace librarian, helped me find books related to all the power. I possess with the title of crowned princess. And I have become unsure if I will be able to give Nicole my title. Not because I want it, no; it seems I don't actually have the power to do so, and I have no intent of dying young again.

Speaking of Sissy, we are now to the point where we can enjoy a little socializing without it devolving into a fight. Even still, she doesn't seem interested in being any closer. During our last tea party, she made a comment about family being little more than a bartering chip. I'm unsure as to her meaning, but it seems she does not plan to be close to me.

While it truly hurts my feelings, I decided there was little I could do about it. Thus, I will settle for the occasional meetings. All I can do is hope she'll come around in time.

I hope you enjoyed!
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[End Of Chapter]