Chapter 157: Rumours: Part Two
Prince Conrad shut his book and leaned back in his chair, his eyes now tired from reading and teaching the princess. The awkwardness was still there, and the underlying dislike for one another still filled the tension brewing in the air, but there was now a strange form of familiarity about each other. It had only been a week since they met and the incident that ensued, but after spending at least three hours a day together in the library and then attending dinners and other events, the pair were increasingly aware of each other’s small habits.
If the princess was restless and seemed unable to focus on her work, she’d quietly sigh; it was almost suppressed sigh so as not to be rude. Or she would look up at the bookshelves, her quill in hand, the feather brushing along her cheek. Conrad could see when her mind would wander off in thoughts unknown to him, but seemingly crucial to the point a frown would etch onto her features. At times he wanted to question her what was on her mind, for she was just a young child; what child had such big worries? Then he’d remind himself of how this girl punched not slapped but punched him in the face.
Still, when he saw these little habits, he would suggest a small break, and the princess would return after refreshed from going outdoors and almost smiling in his presence. But just as much as he’d noticed her habits, she had also taken note of when he was not in a good mood, and instead of teasing him like most would, she remained quiet and ordered a servant to bring some herbal tea and snacks. At first, the prince scoffed; the silly princess thought sugary snacks and some tea to which he didn’t like (had not tried), would help improve his mood after being ridiculed by his family.
Minutes later, after trying the fragrant drink and sugary biscuits, he thanked Evanna almost too quietly, embarrassed by his manners and because he did enjoy the drink she suggested. The princess nodded and looked down at her book, not probing further to his mood swings. These mood swings caused him to break more than a few quills, but Evanna would get him a new one, again without questioning further. Conrad didn’t know if she was strange or if he was the strange one for not expecting much.. kindness?
After finishing their tenth lesson, Prince Conrad and Princess Evanna didn’t split up in front of the doors like normal and instead walked side by side down the hallway, the window’s by their side revealing a small courtyard where he had seen Evanna go to on those small breaks. Conrad held his book behind his back while Evanna held hers in front of her skirt. They walked in silence, the only noise was of their footsteps echoing down the hall, but neither were in a rush.
"You don’t seem to have an issue with walking by my side today," Conrad remarked, pointing out what he had been thinking during their walk.
Evanna looked up at him, a little startled before sweeping her gaze away from him and to the side. "I have other lessons to attend to after. But they were cancelled today for tonight’s celebration," She replied politely though there was a slight edge to her voice as if his comment annoyed her. And that, in turn, annoyed him; why was this princess annoyed with him? It was common courtesy to walk like this after, so of course, he would point it out to her.
Conrad frowned and looked away, feeling frustrated that he’d started to take an interest in this moody child. Maybe she was so grumpy because of all these lessons; if what she said was true, she only had a break at dinner. He didn’t believe that. "What subjects do you take?" He asked, not really intrigued by what, but how many.
The princess sighed as they rounded a corner. "The usual, history, geography, royal etiquette, archery, horse riding, music lessons, art, and a few subjects taught to me by my mother," She replied nonchalantly, and the prince turned to look at her.