Kazia trained for hours on hours each day, leaving very little time for personal life. She had scheduled about an hour to deal with anything she needed to. She read all the books given to her and took tests and quizzes prepared for her. She learned swordsmanship and leadership, working on improving them as she practiced. Anatol taught her religion and the bond between nation and church. One day, Anatol pulled her aside.

“Duke and Duchess Jankauskas have been demanding to speak to you for the past three weeks now and I cannot hold them off any longer.” Kazia sighed softly, standing from her desk.

“Show them in. Offer them tea.” Anatol nodded and vanished down a hallway. She retook her seat. She would get her small circle when she was anointed as King so right now she had to use who and what she had. She watched the duke, duchess, and Radzim all come in. Radzim looked nervous, almost upset. Tea is set before them.

“Duke, Duchess Jankauskas, to what do I owe the honor of seeing you both?” The duchess frowned, looking at her husband. Duke Jankauskas leaned forward.

“We came to discuss your engagement with our son. Let’s get something straight, we will not have a woman lording over our son.” Kazia tilted her head, frowning.

“He would be my husband. Do tell, how will I be lording over him?” The Duke slammed his fist on her desk, causing her cup to rattle. Kazia stared at him, a little shocked.

“You claiming the throne is an act against Pandievas.” Kazia glanced at Radzim, who looked embarrassed. She looked back to the duke.

“Pandievas claimed me. There was an entire display and I had to get pierced by the Holy Arrow ten times in one day until it shattered and turned to dust.” The duke’s face turned red.

“My son will not be some queen to an overpowered girl! You will either step down and be the queen to Radzimierz’s king or this engagement is over!” Kazia stared at him, mouth slightly agape. She looked to Radzim who had tears in his eyes. He looked at her and shook his head, mouthing ‘Let me go’. Kazia swallowed thickly and faced the duke.

“So be it.” The duke stared at her in shock.

“What did you just say?” Kazia stood up, arms behind her back.

“I said so be it. Consider your son free to marry some poor girl of your choosing because I will not defy Pandievas.” The duke sputtered, trying to find words as Kazia strode to the door, and opened it. “You may leave now.” The Jankauskas family began to leave. Radzim stopped and gently took Kazia’s hand in his, kissing it gently.

“I will always love you but I cannot have you defy Pandievas. Farewell, for now, Beloved Kazia. Even if we cannot marry, I will still be by your side somehow.” With that, he left. Kazia closed the door behind him and locked it before sliding down to the ground and sobbing.