Chapter 2

A Roof Over Both Our Heads

A nurserymaid’s job is to care for the children of her home. But being the only child in the royal family, I suppose it made Elyon’s job easier. Perhaps even more so due to my need to tackle my problems by myself. However, a problem I can’t seem to find a salutation to would be… Elyon’s cooking. It was… is… always has been… horrible. But I never complained though I would wonder… sometimes hoped that she would see the reason for my slow consumption. Testing Elyon’s frighteningly silent patience was not on my to-do list today. I finished my meal as fast as I could, perhaps to see if the taste would elude me. I was wrong, but I made sure to write it down as I do all my ideas. I’ll also note Elyon’s scolding for scarfing down said meals. She usually would stare at me, a look that always told me I was doing something wrong. I think she might’ve had a slight confidence boost seeing me attack her meal like a starving mutt.

“Note to self, Try holding your breath with every bite.”

Thanking her for the meal, she helped me into my usual attire; A one-piece dress that looked like a long shirt. It was thick and with pockets. Bloomers, socks, and slip-on shoes however, I wish my clothing had more space to carry things. Back in my room was a desk where I spent most of my time—studying and jotting down my thoughts of the day. I was free from my studies today, and I was going to enjoy every moment of it, planning a gift for my friend. First, the design, a small yet simple structure; Insulation would be ideal as the last thing I would want is an Alais-cube during the colder months. You’d think she’d be fine with how much of a hothead she is. At the time, I thought, how does she currently protect herself from the cold?… Ah, yes, the stables, I figured. When was the last time I visited the horses? A sigh left my lungs as my focus seemed to hide from me. Looking over my writing and sketches, I had pretty much everything I needed. Or was that simply the lazy side of me, willing to compromise instead of trying to find what I might be overlooking? I closed my notebook, tucking it under my arm to leave the room. Only to stop and give my room a quick once over before shutting the door. Elyon works hard enough as it is. What kind of royal would I be to live such an unbecoming lifestyle? And… I wouldn’t want to risk death from her eyes. Not that she would ever do me any harm… I don’t think… Well, not physically, of course. Lost in my thoughts, I found myself staring blankly at Elyon as she hung up yesterday’s clothing and sheets to dry under the sun.

“Some animals find staring to be a challenge,” Elyon said, inevitably breaking me from my reverie.

“A challenge?” I asked.

“While those of us a bit more civilized simply refer to it as rude.” She added.

“Rude, is it? What if one were to stare at a beautiful flower, hmm?” I asked, hoping that my reply was as witty as it seemed in my thoughts. Either way, it seemed to annoy her as I had accidentally snatched her full attention.

“Apologies,”

I lowered my gaze to the ground, only to look back up when I realized why I had sought her out.

“I’ve designed Alais’s new home.” I held out the book to Elyon, who took it, bringing it closer. “The materials I need are on page 85. Can you acquire these things?”

“I can, I suppose. However, I’m curious to know why you seem so familiar with geometry, algebra, and trigonometry while your studies seem to say otherwise.”

Not knowing if that was a question or not, I said nothing, only to glance away when I caught myself staring again. I started to wonder if I’ve always had a staring problem or if I was… paranoid, or maybe self-conscious?

“I see… well, for the rest of the day, you’ll be studying.”

“But today,”

The return of my textbook immediately halted my protest.

“If your design is flawed, then it could all come crumbling down. And I’m sure you wouldn’t want that for your… friend.”