Ch. 5 Day One

I dressed into the clothes that Alexandra had left in the closet in my room. I did it mechanically not really thinking about what it was because all the outfits where already put together and I didn't really have to think about it. I was really thinking about what Gregory had done last night. He kissed me. That just didn't seem like him to me. Sure I'll admit I have feelings for him in a way, but I never thought that he had any what so ever for me.

I grabbed the brush off the bed side table and started brushing my hair and then braiding it in a falconers braid. Right before I was done there was a knock on my door. My head snapped towards it, and I heard someone talking. "Anjanique, are you almost ready for class? We have to be there soon."

I tied off my braid. "Yeah, just a second." I shouted back and then found my shoes. I slipped them on and opened the door.

"Wow, I've never known you to take that long to get ready." I glared at him. "Okay never mind I didn't say that." He stuck he arm out for me and I only took it because I knew I had to. After a moment of quiet as we walked to the library Gregory started talking almost babbling. "Did you sleep alright? It's kind of a jump from apprentice bed to a bed like ours and I know…."

He just kept babbling and babbling. I placed my hand over his mouth to make him be quiet. "I slept fine. No big deal."

I moved my hand when I was done. "Um… we should probably hurry. Simeon isn't to fond of people being late." After that the walk was quiet, and rushed.

We walked into the library and he pulled out my chair for me and I sat down. After that we studied in silence for the hours of the morning with only Simeon intervening every once and a while. It was slightly awkward for him to be standing over my shoulder and looking at everything I did. Out of nervous habit I swung my legs and rolled my feet around in my shoes. "I'm surprised you've picked so much of this up so quickly Anjanique. I would have thought you would have been a bit more behind than that."

I turned in my seat and just smiled at him. I was naturally smart. Or at least that was what my father said. I turned back to my work and kept working on it.

Once it was time for lunch Gregory walked with me to the Great Hall where we were served lunch and then I went to etiquette classes. Right before he left me to go back to the library he held on to my shoulders and said, "Just do what they say and it won't last long. I know three hours seems like a lot but just do what they say and it will be over." I nodded and then he left, hurrying back to his classes with Simeon.

The next few hours were pure torture. They started with the basics. Which fork was for what; how to sit at the table; this is this that is that. Did these etiquette teachers not realize that I was sixteen and had been eating at the palace since I was twelve? I mean honestly. This stuff really wasn't that hard. And that was all we did. Dinner etiquette, but Gregory was right. It did eventually end. It took forever but it did.

When I was finally let loose I practically ran to my room. Once I was in my room I fell flat onto my bed. Sweet peace. When I rolled over I found a note on my pillow. I picked it and it read:
Anjanique-

When you get done meet me in the courtyard. Don't wear the skirt.

Gregory.

I smiled and rolled off the bed and went to my closet and changed into my normal clothes. I hurried out of my room and down into the courtyard to meet Gregory.

When he saw me he smiled. "Well that looks a little bit more like you." I rolled my eyes. "Here catch." He tossed me a wooden sparing sword.

"Now that's more like something I want to do."

"But, not here. Follow me." I smiled again and followed Gregory to a sparing field that was very secluded.

"Why, so far off the beaten trail?"

"Probably better if nobody finds out your sword fighting."

"Point taken."

"Ready?" He said turning to me and holding up the sword.

I smiled and nodded. Holding up my own sword.

"Okay then." He said and then went after me. Every time he tried to hit me, I blocked him, and it went the same way. Him blocking me. It was actually rather entertaining. After a while we did start getting hits off of each other. Gregory swung his sword and it hit mine and it flew out of my hand.

Unfortunately, I lost my balance and fell backwards on my butt. I squealed when fell and felt my ankle snap. Gregory dropped his sword and ran over to me. "Oh my gosh, Anjanique! Are you okay?"

By this point I had already taken inventory, and I knew nothing was broken. At least I hoped it wasn't. "Yeah, I'm okay. Help me up please?" I said reaching my hand out. He carefully grabbed my hand and pulled me up. I stood on my feet and winced a little.

"Are you sure you're okay, Anjanique?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I promise." I said as I shifted my weight to my other foot, so I wasn't standing on the sore one.

He looked at me with squinty eyed look, and then picked me up. "I don't believe you." He started walking back towards the castle.

"Ahh, come on Greg, put me down." I whined as he kept walking.

"No, this is my fault. I brought you out here, and so it's my fault you got hurt."

"Gregory, that's not fair on yourself."

He looked down at me. "Do I have to pull the 'I'm the prince' card on you?" I glared at him and kept my mouth shut. He smiled and laughed. "Now, that's better. So what's the story we are going to feed everyone?"

"I tripped in the courtyard. Good enough?"

He laughed again and opened the door to my room and set me down on the bed. "Yeah, good enough. I'm going to go get the physician. Don't move and don't argue." I rolled my eyes as he left.


The physician said that it was just a minor sprain, and that I should just stay off of it for a day or two. That meant the evil crutch. I had used them before and I hated it. Usually if I got hurt I just stuck it out and walked it off, but little mister Prince Gregory wouldn't have it. I honestly didn't see why he felt so guilty for me getting hurt. We had spared thousands of times, and I had tripped almost every time. It really didn't make sense to me.

I fell asleep at the end of day one, utterly confused and not really sure of what I wanted, or what thought or felt.