In her lavish royal chamber, young Adara stood before the mirror, admiring her fiery features — flaming orange hair, bright amber eyes, and a face freckled like a canvas of sun-kissed stars. Around her, the maids were busy styling her hair while one gently placed a finely crafted crown atop her head.
Suddenly, Adara pushed the maid's hand away in irritation.
"This crown is ugly! And your styling is just as bad. I'll tell Mother and Father to replace you all with better-trained maids. I'll ask Orin to have a proper crown made for me by the kingdom's finest royal craftsman!"
The maids exchanged quiet glances and stepped back respectfully, lowering their heads without protest. They remained in the room, silent and tense, waiting for what would happen next.
Just then, Queen Victoria entered gracefully, her presence calm yet commanding. She smiled gently.
"How is my beautiful daughter today?"
Adara turned toward her mother and huffed."I'm fine, Mother. But I'm truly not happy with the service today."
Queen Victoria looked at the maids and said softly, "You may leave us now. I'd like to speak to my daughter alone."
The maids curtsied and quietly exited, closing the door behind them.
Victoria turned to her daughter and spoke with gentle firmness."Adara, you are a princess, not a tyrant. This behavior doesn't suit you. One day, you may rule this kingdom. You must learn to be fair and wise."
She paused, then continued,"Have you prepared for your lesson? Orin is waiting for you."
Adara crossed her arms."I hate history. I prefer dance classes."
Victoria approached, brushing her daughter's vivid hair with affection."If you want to be a true ruler one day, you must understand your kingdom's past and learn how to govern it. Politics, leadership, and justice aren't taught on the dance floor."
She looked directly into her daughter's eyes."Orin is the best teacher you could have. I trust you. Don't disappoint me."
A knock came at the door. One of the maids peeked in."Your Majesty, King Harold requests your presence in the royal court."
Victoria nodded and stepped toward the door. Adara followed quickly behind her, but as she tried to enter the court with her mother, a royal guard blocked her path.
"I'm sorry, Princess. The King has requested privacy. Only the Queen may enter."
Adara's eyes flared."I'm their daughter! They keep no secrets from me. Step aside, or I'll—"
The guard bowed his head slightly but stood firm."My apologies, Your Highness. But the King was clear — no one else may enter."
Adara clenched her fists, trying to hide the sting in her heart. Again, she felt it — that strange, hollow distance between her and her father. He never held her, never stroked her hair like her mother did. He treated her like a royal ornament, always smiling in public, never looking at her like a daughter.
She turned away, her heart heavy with unspoken hurt, and walked toward the study where Orin, the royal scholar, awaited.
She entered, and Orin stood and bowed politely."Good morning, Princess."
Adara rolled her eyes."Is it really a good morning, Orin? I suppose we'll begin with another boring history lesson?"
Orin looked at the hourglass on the desk and adjusted his glasses."You are thirty minutes late, Princess. In the future, I will not wait. That is today's first lesson — punctuality."
Adara shrugged."And is it right to force a princess to study things she doesn't care about?"
Orin calmly closed his book and replied,"If you wish to rule someday, Your Highness, you must learn to place duty above desire. I am here to teach you, not to entertain your whims."
She glared at him, ready to argue, when the door opened again and Queen Victoria stepped in.
"Good morning, Orin. How is the lesson going?"
He smiled politely."Quite well, Your Majesty."
The Queen stepped behind her seated daughter and gently rested her hands on Adara's shoulders."I trust you to shape her into a wise and knowledgeable young woman, Orin. I believe in you."
Orin bowed."I shall do my best, Your Majesty."
Victoria looked at her daughter."Orin deserves your respect. I expect to hear no complaints about him, Adara. Do you understand?"
Then she left the room, her quiet grace lingering like a soft echo, as Adara sat silently... wondering why the love she sought always felt just out of reach.