Regent Witch

Chapter Five

The following days were long and arduous. Sasha found herself visiting the regent every afternoon, to prepare for the coming cotillion. Rather than using books or writing on a board, Uriel simply recited everything on the spot. She never repeated her words, unless it was to correct a mistake. There was no way around the regent's teaching methods. Sasha was forced to quickly memorize and then apply whatever she had been taught.

Culture wasn't the only topic that Sasha needed to cover, however. Uriel read through the list of invitees and provided specific details about them: such as their hobbies, dislikes, political views and even who their favorite cousin was. In addition, Sasha also needed to learn about mannerisms and gestures, which supposedly helped her read people's mood.

One late morning, Sasha wandered around the garden with Lord Melvin beside her. Rosemary and two guards followed a few steps behind. Walking upon a path of white stone, Sasha and Lord Melvin passed several hedges and small trees.

"How are things, princess?" Lord Melvin asked.

"Exhausting," Sasha replied. "The lady regent made me listen to a long and dull story about a teacup that she once discovered in the wilds."

"Why would she have you listen to that story?" Lord Melvin asked.

"Apparently it was to strengthen my patience," Sasha answered. "I am to stay awake and active, as the story is slowly told."

"I suppose that makes sense," Lord Melvin said, as he scratched his chin.

Sasha's head sprung at Lord Melvin's reaction. "It does?" she asked.

"There will be a lot of obnoxious storytellers in the coming ball," Lord Melvin explained. "You will need to show some respect, by giving attention."

"I suppose so," Sasha tone didn't reflect her answer.

"So how did the story end?" Lord Melvin asked.

"It didn't," Sasha groaned. "Or rather, it doesn't have an ending. The lady regent just kept making rubbish, until I finally twitched with frustration."

Lord Melvin faced the other way and quietly snorted a chuckle. He restrained himself from laughing, but his actions came too late. Sasha narrowed her eyes at the nobleman.

Although his response was expected, Sasha couldn't help but stare broodingly. She said nothing, but didn't have to. Her expression was clearer than any word she could have uttered.

Seeing her expression, Lord Melvin stood straight and fixed himself. "My apologies, princess," Lord Melvin cleared his throat. "Which reminds me, princess, have you learned anything about our friend, yet?"

The princess snickered lightly at his attempt to change the subject. At first, Sasha didn't understand, but suddenly remembered the plan. "No, not yet," Sasha answered. "The cotillion is all that we have been discussing about, nothing else."

Lord Melvin hummed. "Princess, I do not wish to rush you, but you should not waste this opportunity," he said. "You should find a way to get the snake to open its mouth."

A stern frown formed on Sasha's face, when she heard Lord Melvin's tone. The stroll came to an abrupt halt by the fountain at the center of the garden. "What do you suggest I do, Lord Melvin?" she asked.

"Princess, the court is like trying to pass through a floor of nails," Lord Melvin said. "You can't just step anywhere. You must search for the right place to step and carefully steer your way to the goal. You need to choose the right words to get the right results."

Sasha softened her expression. She looked down and swallowed. "That actually sounds like something similar the regent told me," she said.

Lord Melvin exhaled through his nostrils and then placed his hand on the princess's shoulder. "Princess, believe me when I say that I truly do not wish such a burden upon you," he said. "I do not wish to see an innocent child enter a field of snakes and foxes. However, you may be the only one who can save us all and discover the truth."