Daring Further

Chapter 1

"I already know this." Vanessa complained and shut her history book with a snap.

"This is important." Maia, her governess, insisted. "You were born in Rigneria before it was invaded and divided among the other countries. It's your heritage and you should be familiar with its history."

"I am familiar with it. The north became a province of Soliber, Phzan took the eastern side, and Dazeraik took the largest portion on the west and south sides."

"That is correct, but that is basic knowledge anyone would know. Vanessa, you must try harder. I know you dislike history but it's your-"

"My duty, yes, because learning history is so necessary and valuable these days." Vanessa said sarcastically.

Maia sighed. "There may come a day where you might have wished you had studied a little harder." She warned. "Now, give me the main differences between Dazeraik and Soliber, and how it differs from our province."

Vanessa clasped her hands behind her back and closed her eyes. "Northern Rigneria became Soliber, meaning 'place of the sun', and took on most of the customs of the country. The area was known for its love of tradition and the arts. Before it was annexed by Soliber, it was the most populated part of Rigneria. The nobles were the few in the very top of the social circles and they were constantly abusing the rest of the poorer classes and spending lavishly on luxuries. Except for the neighborhood of nobles, beggars lined the rest of the streets. Dazeraik on the other hand was where the castle was situated and the middle and lower classes around fared rather decently. The ground was fertile and there were plenty of farms."

Vanessa opened one of her eyes and peeked at Maia. "Today's a nice day." She wheedled.

"You're not done with your lesson yet. Finish reciting."

Vanessa sighed. She loved Maia, she was a friend to her, but she could be quite strict sometimes. "I don't remember any more." She sulked.

"Fine, we'll switch to mathematics. You can study history after your dancing lesson." Maia warned.

Vanessa made a face. She disliked receiving a "fine lady's education". She was fond of her music and dancing lessons, and she adored art. She complained that she would even like history, except her book was boring and dry; as for politics, she found it interesting but she pointed out to Maia that daughters of nobility weren't allowed in the government anyways. Anything remotely to do with math or science she hated.

"And I hate the etiquette classes, too. All the girls are so stuck up." Vanessa observed, looking up from her math problems Maia had set her.

"You don't even try to get along with them, Vanessa."

"That's because all they care about are young lords and dukes, and who they'll marry, and how rich they'll be, and gossiping, and-"

"Apparently we need to touch up on your grammar. Proper sentence construction, please."

Vanessa gave Maia her most defiant look. "Today's a beautiful day, and I've done my math and history, and I'm going to enjoy the sun before my dancing lesson." Before Maia could even open her mouth to protest, Vanessa flew out of the room and raced to the gardens.

Maia sighed. Vanessa was willful and spirited, but she had a kind heart and Maia couldn't blame her for not wanting to stay inside on such a day. The winter had been long and hard, and this was the first real spring day of the new season. Young blood got stirred up at a time like this. Maia smiled to herself- Vanessa would soon be plunged in a sea of galas and parties, and join the most exclusive social circle in the spring season. No doubt some young man would catch her eye.