The Princess and the Pauper

Chapter 3

"I just don't understand why your so judgmental," I argued, sitting across from Mother at the breakfast table.

"I don't understand why you can't just trust me. I am your mother after all," she stated calmly, filling her mouth with another bite of pancake.

"Trust you on what? Being overly judgmental? You're more involved in perfecting your appearance than treating everyone fairly," I muttered, looking to my food.

"Whatever. Your opinion is unimportant until your coronation. I'm doubling your classes, which hopefully will get your mind off this nonsense," Mother added, leaving her half empty plate on the table as she left the room.

I groaned, using my fork to push the remaining pieces of pancake around my plate. Double the classes means half the time for anything else. What a great belated birthday present.

"Princess, your next class, provincial financing, starts in 10 minutes, I advise you hurry to get your books," Mikael's voice filled the room once again.

"Yea whatever," I mumbled, leaving the dining room. I hurried to grab my books before heading to one of the many rooms by classes are hosted in.

Taking my seat, I opened my book to where we left off from the last session, and zoned out as the lecturer started instructing the many factors that go into overseeing the finances of the province.

The rest of the day carried out similar to my first class. I'd retrieve my books for each class, arrive for the class, then zone out, just to be jolted into awareness by the lectures textbook slamming shut at the end of class.

Lunch went as expected. Mother didn't show, in an attempt to avoid me and any further arguments, and Father sat silently to follow Mother's actions towards me.

I was allowed a few hours of freedom near dusk, which I spent out by Pegasus. After having Mikael arrange for a trainer to come during my free time,  I busied myself with his grooming, though I left his stable for one of the hired hands.

"Who's a good boy," I murmured, running a brush over his back. His pure white hide shimmered in the setting sunlight.

"Princess, the trainer has arrived," Mikael said from the door.

"The only good news of the day," I replied, finishing a couple strokes before going to greet the trainer.

"Hello, Princess, I am Britney Breol, the trainer Mikael hired," She said holding her hand out.

I took his hand easily, "Please, call me Isabella, or Isabel."

"Of course, Isabel,"  Britney answered.

"I want to start right away, have no time to lose," I laughed, "so what's first."

"First, is a change in wardrobe. You can't go riding horses in a dress. Well at leased not to begin with. I figured this would be, so I brought an outfit of mine for you to use until you get your own," Britney explained, handing me a bag, it's contents a matching set of black and red pants, T-shirt, and athletic jacket.

"Thank you," I said gratefully, "give me a minute."

I rushed inside the house portion to change. Stumbling through the still unfamiliar rooms, I settled for a bare room to slip out of my dress and into the borrowed clothes.

Awkwardly, I returned to the stable in stretchy pants and a zip up jacket, and the high heels I wore with my dress.

"Ah, yes. Here this these on," Britney laughed, tossing a pair of socks and sneakers. I slipped them on with ease.

"Okay, I'm ready," I said standing up and looking around.

"Lesson one," Britney started, leading Pegasus back to his stable, "Don't be afraid to get dirty."