Famoura was training with Prince Philip, learning the art of sword fighting.
Prince Philip said, "There's still time, give up now, child."
Famoura replied, "Uncle Philip, I'll never give up."
Prince Philip warned, "Careful, or those long locks of yours might get cut."
Famoura answered, "It doesn't matter. You can't cut my strength with a sword."
In the next moment, Famoura lost her balance and fell, the sword slipping from her hand. Prince Philip quickly reached out to help her up.
Prince Philip said, "I warned you, didn't I? This isn't a game for girls. A true warrior can only be a man."
Famoura rose on her own, without taking his hand. She smiled softly and leaned toward his ear.
Famoura said, "And yet, every warrior is born from a woman."
Prince Philip gave a faint, knowing smile.
Just then, Famoura caught sight of her three brothers walking toward the royal chamber. Famoura was about to follow her three brothers, the sons of her late elder father, when suddenly her father, Prince Charles, appeared.
Prince Charles said, "There you are! I've been looking for you."
Famoura said, "Yes, Father. What is it?"
Prince Charles said, "Nothing much. I just need you to record the accounts of the townspeople. Write it down here."
Famoura said, "Alright… but what about my studies?"
Prince Charles said, "We'll talk about that later."
He said this firmly and walked away.
Later, in her room, Famoura sat quietly, her face clouded with sadness. She finished writing the accounts and carefully placed the ledger inside the cupboard.
Just then, Famoura's second cousin, Prince Lucien, entered the room carrying a few books.
Lucien said, "I've finished reading these. You can keep them if you like. Read them well—and since they're not letting you go outside, I thought you should at least have something to do."
Famoura said, "Thank you, Lucien."
Lucien gave her a gentle smile.
Famoura happily began reading, studying every page with focus and excitement.
Later, she gathered all the town's accounts and went to Prince Charles's chamber.
Famoura said, "Father, why don't you allow me to study further?"
Prince Charles said, "You girls should be grateful that we've educated you enough to read, write, and handle accounts. You should feel proud, not questioning."
Famoura said, "And what about men? Were they born with gold that they deserve twice as much as we do?"
Prince Charles said, "It's because of questions like that you'll never earn such rights."
He smirked faintly and walked away.
That night, Famoura couldn't sleep. She stood by the window, gazing outside.
She thought, "The moon is more beautiful than the sun—even in darkness, it shines brighter. The sun has all the light, yet never such grace."