Winterfall

About an hour after returning to my office, Fredrick knocked on the door three times. I sighed, "Come in!"

He opened and shut the door behind him and sat across from me. "Ready to go over your lessons?" His hands gripped a book that he had placed on his lap.

"Like I have much of a choice."

"We could let you go into it blindly, but I highly recommend against that."

"Fine, you want me to go over the pledge again or other business matters first?"

"We can save the pledge for last. I have a list to go over with you." He pulls out an old piece of paper with very smudged-looking ink. "Item one, the walk."

"The walk?" What in the hell was wrong with my walk? I walk with pride nowadays instead of darkness.

"It's nothing against you. It's the rule. Walk tall, heel to toe. Don't slouch. Don't hesitate. Walk with pride, and you'll be a beacon of hope."

I rolled my eyes, stood up from my chair, and moved to the side. Tall, heel to toe, no slouching, no hesitation. I got it. I straightened my stance the best I could and walked heel to toe—something one of my classes taught me to do. "Like this?" I began to step carefully, and the sound of my gentle footsteps filled the air.

"Perfect! Item two, dress to impress. Wear your best gown, and those surly around you will be impressed."

"I already have an outfit choice that will be sure to turn heads."

"Nothing too revealing." He reminded me. "The robe you will wear during your induction, but at the after party, you can wear what you want. Just nothing revealing, got it?"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't sweat it." His eyes locked mine with a firm glare, "Fine. Nothing too revealing."

"Item three: bring an appetite as food will surely fill you up. As food is a way to most people's hearts."

I cocked my head. How can I practice my appetite? What type of rule was that? "As long as there are sweets, that won't be a problem."

"There usually is Princess."

"Good." At least I had that to look forward to with this thing.

"Item four: Prepare a speech as the words of the Royal Head will ring true for years to come."

Not only did I have to cite a pledge, now I had to give a damn speech? For fucks sake. "I suppose no foul language involved in this speech?"

"Yes, Princess, no cussing, no finger-pointing; it has to be a clear, consistent speech with a purpose."

"Fine. I'll work on one." I could look through my father's files for inspiration.

Theo laughed, using a speech already given, which I assume is against the rules.

I am not using it—just inspiration.

I can help you write your speech.

"Item Five: When addressing The Council, speak clearly, speak with pride, and most importantly, don't show fear."

What does The Council sense fear? Great. "So speak how I would address my nation. Got it." Fredrick nodded in approval.

"That's it, Princess. If you follow these rules and cite the pledge I know you love, the formal celebration will go well."

"Thora mentioned wine at this celebration?"

"Yes, a toast is given, and wine is drunk. You should be on your best behavior during the event. I wouldn't get hammered if I was you."

Ugh. This celebration is starting to sound less fun.

Hey, it's a celebration where we get to be together. Look at it that way.

You are right on that. It still almost sounds like a cult to me.

He laughed. It's not. I don't think your father would have been part of a cult.

Your right. There are just so many rules to this stupid thing.

They are in place for a reason.

You are right.

Pay attention to Fredrick. He seems to know you are not entirely with him.

I glanced over at Fredrick, who was staring questionably at me. "What?"

"Nothing, Princess. Well, it did just seem like you were in another place for a second."

"I got lost in thought; it's all Fredrick; it happens."

"Just don't let it happen at the celebration."

"I'll try." That was a lie. It was bound to happen during the celebration. The only way it wouldn't happen is if we put up a mental block between each other—something we have never done but have read that it is possible between bonded pairs. I wouldn't say I like the sounds of doing, and when we briefly discussed it, Theo was on the same page with me, as it made both of us uneasy and unsettled.

"Shall we go over the pledge?" Fredrick asked, to which I nodded. The pledge lasts for a few minutes, and I must raise my voice and speak it loudly and clearly. Fredrick had suggested I amplify my voice, but it carried well, and I didn't need help amplifying it.

After I finished the pledge for the tenth time flawlessly, Fredrick left me be. He could tell I was getting irritated going over this stuff for the one-hundredth time.

That's an exaggeration.

Says you.

You have had ten practices since you agreed to be the Royal Head. I should know. I watched all ten.

Ugh.

Sometimes, you irritate me, you know.

I know. But you love me anyway.

I rolled my eyes and heard him chuckle through the bond. You're lucky I still love you after all this time. I don't think anyone else would put up with you.

Ouch. That hurt. Why are you so aggressive today?

You can thank Marcel for that.

I knew he irritated you, but damn, no need to hurt my self-esteem in the process.

You're fine, my dear. I'm only joking around with you.

Better be. I'll see you at five tonight at the Phoenix Tavern, right?

You know it. I hope you are ready to pick up a pretty large tab. Your guards are going to drink you dry.

I felt his eyes widen. I could sense he was prepared to pay a hefty tab, but my choice of words made him realize that his offer to pay the tab for tonight was something he was going to regret.