15 Out of the equation

Today is the first day of class for Vance. However, this is not the first time I became a tutor. So I am not that nervous. It's just that, I was not aware how difficult it is to teach him.

"Your highness...I mean Vance...you still don't understand?,"

Vance gripped his hands out of frustration. "I don't know...it's not interesting. I am tired. I don't want to do this," he muttered.

I sighed. He is a child with special needs for sure but I started off the class with the easiest subject which is learning about his current family.

I may need to approach this in a less practical way.

I closed the book with a thud. Vance realised that and looks up with expectation. "Is it time to play yet?," he asked. I shook my head.

"Before we play, I will tell you an exciting story,"

Vance smiled, liking the idea of that. "Yes stories! I love stories!,". I took a seat in front of him and noticed that Vance had a different look on him. He looked at me gently, smiling, with no shred of ill intentions written on his face. I was honestly shy, but then I remind myself that he is a child at heart and he doesn't look at me with an affection that is for a grown woman.

"First, do you know who your father, sister and brothers are?,"

"Hmm yes. My father is the Emperor Kalice. I have 5 brothers..hm...I think it's Hern, Hugo...I don't remember the rest,"

I nodded my head. Well, the other princes and the princess doesn't matter. All of them are out of the picture in my plans because they are safely married and has no political issues. The current matter is that there is a need to focus on the crown prince Hern Jhilveid Wyrin von Astling and his rival for the emperor's crown, the second prince Hugo Jhilveid Wyrin von Astling.

Although only 15 years had passed, the imperial family has a lot of changes that the public eye dooesn't know. For example, even I missed out the fact that the emperor has a concubine that hails from a fallen clan, the Frigore. Plus, as Xenia, I never once step foot on this kingdom because I was busy traveling at the north.

"That's okay. You need to be careful of Hern and Hugo. The empress too, but now that I am here, Hern and Hugo will try to fight, and one of them will even propose to me,"

Vance becomes pale at my remark. "Propose? That is marriage right?,"

"Vance, that's not the point. What I am saying is that you're now caught in the fray because you left the ball with me remember? It is as if you're showing a weapon that you can brandish to them. The Asperas, my family, is a powerful family that can guarantee you the emperor's crown. They will be alert,"

I held myself back. I think I said things that are a little to complicated. Did he...understand?

He pouted. "I know. The empress and my brothers are a villain and I have to be careful. But I don't want Carina to marry either one of them,"

I smiled. At least he got the gist of it and that's enough. All of a sudden, he took my hand and caress it lightly. "Carina you...you will be with me forever right?,". I was surprised at his sudden question. Did he mean it metaphorically or literally?

When he didn't hear an answer from me, he squeezed my hand tighter. "Vance, a human's life is very fragile and short. To wish for eternity is wishing for insanity," I told him, and that's coming from my experience.

Indeed. It is as if I am immortal. I'd rather be insane, but I am still alive and well.

My expression darkens for a moment, but I quickly recovered and ruffled his hair. "But of course I'll stay with you for as long as I live," I said.

For some reason, Vance doesn't look pleased. It is as if something is itching him.

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