Love Shimmers

Chapter 8

The very next morning, our etiquette lesson started. Several instructors who were appointed by the prince were there to guide us. The lesson covered were ways to dance, drink tea, how to begin conversations, how to address royals, how to walk elegantly, how to dine with the royal court and a lot more.

Firstly, we started with basic etiquettes which were to learn how to walk elegantly and all about conversation and way to address royals. Our instructor, Countess Madeleine introduced herself first and followed by us. “What a hard way of walking. These high heels are bothering. It hurts too much.” Rosalie exclaimed. “No talking allowed, Ms. Rosalie. Bravo Ms. Daphne. You see how well she is doing. She walked so elegantly. She is just like a princess.” Countess Madeleine said.

Shyly, I said, “You flattered me, Countess. I am still an amateur. Rosalie let’s work hard together. After all you are also looking forward for tonight.” Suddenly, Prince Damien walked over. He giggled and said, “Well well how are our young guests doing, Countess?” She answered, “I am really impressed of Ms. Daphne skills. However, I am quite disappointed with Ms. Rosalie. She complained a lot about etiquette and still she has not mastered it yet.”

“Please be more patient in teaching Countess. I am sure it is just a matter of time until she mastered it. Countess may I borrow Daphne for a while?” Damien said. “Prince Damien where are your manners? How can you call a lady directly by her name! All right you can take her. She mastered the etiquette already.”“Well then, should we go young lady?” he asked. Without further hesitation, I bowed and answered, “Of course, Your Highness.”

He took me for an afternoon tea in the royal garden. The garden was not like what I had seen till now. It was a beautiful garden full of tulips. There is a section covered in glass which is full of crimson red tulips. There, a table and chairs were fully prepared and we sat while enjoying the view and tea.

“So how was your-” he stopped asking when he realized that I was gazing at the red tulips. It was so beautiful when the sun shine through the glass. “How do you like it here? This place is where I used to play during my childhood. A place my mother loved the most. She takes care of these tulips herself.”

I realized that he was waiting for my reply. So I said, “This place is so beautiful. It is unbelievable. To be able to raise such tulips, your mother must be really patient and loving. As expected as the famous royal garden of Ecrutia.” He smiled and said, “Yes, it is very true. So I hope you will enjoy the afternoon tea.” “Certainly, Your Highness.” I said.

Calmly, we enjoyed our afternoon tea together until he suddenly asked, “Who are you actually?” I chocked while I was eating the cookies. After calming myself, I answered, “I am just a normal person.” “Hmm… A normal person I see. Daphne, tell me can a normal person learn all the etiquette of a princess in just one day? It seems impossible for me. What do you think?” he asked.

He had taken me off guard and I could not say anything, “I am just-.” Before I could say anything more, he said, “It’s all right. I don’t mind if you don’t want to tell me. I understand your difficulties but if you need any help, I will be glad to help you. You also don’t need to call me Your Highness. Just treat me like your friend and call me by my name.” I nod and sipped my tea.

I said, “Actually my identity is complicated.” I couldn’t believe what I had said. Nonetheless, I continued, “I come from a Kingdom which is also famous of its royal garden of roses. Though it once lost its fame but now it is once again flourished and raised with love by my father and elder brother. I have some circumstances so I cannot tell you anymore details. I am sure eventually you will know everything, I promise.”

“I understand so I will let you go today. Next you will have dancing lesson but you will be separated with Rosalie. You will be taught by me while I will leave her to Countess La Cantrella.” he said. So we headed back to the lesson room to let me see Rosalie before taking separate lesson with Prince Damien.

Rosalie looked exhausted by the time I arrived, she said, “At last that cruel Countess let me go. My feet are all sore and I still have dancing lesson together with you. This is just absurd. What will happen if my feet cannot move! Oh, where have you been?” “I have been together with the prince. First of all-” It seemed that she was going to open her mouth before letting me finish my statement. So to prevent that, I told her to listen to me first and so I continued, “First of all, I want to say that we are going to take different lesson. You will be taught by Countess La Cantrella while Prince Damien will be teaching me. I am prepared to hear any complaint from you so go ahead.”

Rosalie shot me a look of what-do-you-think-I-am and said, “I am fine by myself just don’t work too much.” I laughed and said, “I can turn that sentence back to you. Anyways, good luck.”

So I followed the prince to another room. I was surprised when I entered that room. It was so similar to my mother’s room in Roseland. A room with private rose garden. Moreover, the rose itself was the same color as the one in my mother’s room, sweet white rose. Unconsciously, tears started rolling down from my eyes.

Comment please. this is my first novel so tell me how you like the story and do you think it is too slow?