The Florist And The Prince

~48~

Avery

The music came to an end with one final twirl of the eligibles as well as the dance lesson before they curtsied to their partners who bowed in response. Unlike their first lesson, which had a duration of one hour, this time, the lesson lasted for three hours with ten minute breaks in between the hours. Not only did they practice the two dances that will be performed at the King's Ball, they also learnt a few more dancing techniques.

"You've gotten better." Eugene praised Avery as they both began walking over to where their mentors stood.

Avery replied. "Really? Do you think so?"

"Yes," nodded Eugene. "Because for one, you didn't step on my feet as much as last time."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Giggled Avery.

"It is."

Coming up behind the line that the other eligibles formed in front, Avery joined it standing beside Yasmin while Eugene stood behind her.

"Well, I am pleased to see that there are some of you who have improved on your second lesson, while some unfortunately still need more practice." Began Madam Beatrice. "You can't learn how to waltz properly just by one or two, even three lessons, but you can still improve."

She stopped, and then Madam Eunice stepped forward.

"Madam Beatrice and her students will be teaching you ladies not only in preparation for the Prince's coronation, where he will decide which of you will be his wife, but also for the King's Ball at the end of the month." Stated Madam Eunice in a firm tone. Her piercing blue eyes landed on every single eligible. "You will be expected to perform three waltz during his majesty's ball. Therefore, it is imperative that you focus and concentrate at every single lesson."

An hour later, after lunch, Madam Eunice and her students left the palace grounds heading back to their school as the eligibles went over to one of the drawing rooms.

"Before we begin our next lesson, I'd like to remind you that after the King's Ball, one of you will be asked to leave the contest." Madam Eunice said once everyone was seated. "Everything you do, whether big or small, is marked and tally down. Don't think that it's only the tasks where you will be scored. It's everything you do, so be mindful of how you carry yourself and treat others."

Avery felt the shift in the atmosphere as this news dawned on everyone. This showcased that some of the eligibles indeed thought that the tasks were the only way to receive marks for your scoring, but now realised that it wasn't and that they needed to work extra hard to earn more points.

"Okay, let us begin with our lesson." Madam Eunice said as she walked over to the large screen. "Today, we shall be learning about the other monarchies around the world, beginning with our closest neighbour, the British monarchy."

Just as Madam Eunice was about to speak on the lesson, the door opened, and Mrs. Collin walked in. Avery watched as she went straight over to their tutor and whispered something low to her before both women straightened up and looked at the class.

"My apologies, ladies, but I need to be excused. Mrs. Collins will continue the lesson with you." Madam Eunice said before swiftly walking out of the room.

Coming forward to the front of the screen, Mrs. Collins picked up the small remote that Madam Eunice had been using to change the slides, then turned to look at the screen.

"Good day, ladies, let's continue, shall we," She began. "England became a united monarchy in the 9th century. However, as history told, it was ruled by various  Anglo-Saxon Kings before Alfred the Great. Now, our monarchy is much younger than that. Does anyone remember how old our monarchy is?"

Avery saw Miranda's hand shoot up first from her peripheral vision.

"Yes, Miss McCintyre."

"Our monarchy is 287 years old."

"Yes, thank you, Miss McCintyre. And what year was it formed?" She looked around to the others.

Avery raised her hand this time to answer.

"Miss Cartwright."

"It was formed back in the year 1735."

"Very good - Now, do you know who the first ruler was?"

Raquel raised her hand this time.

"Miss Montèrano?"

"King Cornelius."

"Yes, he was our first ever King, but before that, he was something else? Does anyone know or remember what he was?"

The entire room went silent as no one raised their hand to answer until Avery remembered reading a book about the first settlers of Northden, then she raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Cartwright."

"King Cornelius was formally a general for the Spanish monarchy and well-known throughout the land as well as the neighbouring countries for his bravery and leadership. His influence was so great that King George II of the British monarchy called him a King, thus he was titled this, and this is how Northend has a monarchy today."

Avery watched as a smile slowly graced Mrs. Collins lips. "Excellent, Miss Cartwright. Yes, that is true and most times overlooked. King Cornelius was indeed a general but a powerful one that even King George II saw him as an equal, to call him a king instead of a general. Unfortunately, his story about how he became a king is doleful. He was betrayed by his people, so he came here with his family and men, who believed him forming a strongholds over the country, therefore conquering it from the British, thus King George II titled him and left the land to him."

That was a very educational as well as informative afternoon lesson for the eligibles. Not only Avery but the others learnt many things, now they realised how much work and effort goes on behind the scenes to maintain a healthy relationship with other countries and their monarchies.

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