Confusion and Ignorance

"So," Emily started, once the maid cleaned up the table after the meal and left. "First of all… Your Highness, may I know your name?"

The man seemed to hesitate for a moment, before responding, "Finlay Theo Rhosadian. The First Prince of the Friscar Empire."

"Oh." Emily paused for a second. 'So he really is a prince.'

However… It still didn't tell her anything. She couldn't recall any character with such a name from the book. Or any other prince, in fact, aside from Prince Micah, the now-deceased previous King of Artina, and Prince Kieran, who was the current reigning king. There were still other things she needed to ask, though, so she pushed it aside for now. Figuring out her new boss's identity could come later. Besides, even if she were to ask, she doubted the prince would clarify.

She cleared her throat, and trying to hide her ignorance, quickly asked, "Your Highness mentioned something about an engagement I need to break?"

Prince Finlay observed her carefully, leaning back in his chair with his legs crossed, and his chin resting on his hand. His gaze was dark and vigilant, scrutinizing Emily's face as if he were looking for any signs of treachery or deception. "Yes," he answered calmly. "Lady Danielle's, the daughter of Duke Cehiren, to the current Crown Prince of the Friscar Empire, Aston Lachlan Rhosadian."

"Mm-hm." Emily nodded as if acknowledging Prince Finlay's words, but her mind was blank. The tone of his voice suggested she should be at least familiar with the names… But as far as she could remember, she had never heard of the Friscar Empire! Let alone the Imperial Crown Prince or some Duke's daughter!

"You… do know about the Empire, right?" the man asked, noticing her confused expression.

Emily tensed up, her thoughts racing, trying to come up with the best response. Should she admit that she didn't know anything? But what if the prince were to then decide that she was useless? Would he throw her back into the dungeon? Or ditch her in the monster forest? But if she were to lie, then she would be easily found out, as soon as the price asked her even one question about the Empire… 

"I assume that means you don't," Prince Finlay sighed, correctly interpreting Emily's silence. "I expected better from a former Artinan queen… We might be on different continents, but the Kingdom of Artina is one of the major importers of our silk and liquor, as well as other luxurious goods. I believe our fashion and music are popular in Artinan high society…"

'Ah, this Empire!' Emily's eyes brightened a bit. Although she was unfamiliar with the name, she could remember there being mention of 'the Empire', or 'Imperial style dresses'. She didn't share this with the prince though - in the end, those were just short mentions in the book. Even if she could recall the descriptions word for word, it still wouldn't be enough to help her recognize Imperial attire - they weren't particularly detailed, as they weren't important to the plot.

"Then it is safe for me to assume that you cannot speak Friscar either?" Prince Finlay stated rather than asked.

Emily lowered her head. "Yes, Your Highness. I… I don't."

Technically there was a possibility she might. She didn't know the language spoken in the Kingdom of Artina either upon her arrival - it took her a day or so to adjust. Perhaps after listening to Friscar, her brain would recognize the language, and she would be able to use it comfortably, just as she did with the other one… But it would be too risky to bet on that. The original Sylvie was an illegitimate daughter, and her education was seriously lacking. And if her predecessor couldn't speak Friscar, then it was likely Emily wouldn't be able to either.

Prince Finlay let out a long sigh, reaching out for his cup, still quarter-filled with the amber spirit he had been drinking, and swallowed the contents in one large gulp. "This is going to be harder than expected…"

'This doesn't sound good…' Emily stared blankly at the table, her mind racing. She had to convince the prince that she could still be useful somehow. Full of determination, she raised her head…

Before she could utter a word, though, Prince Finlay put the cup back on the table with a loud thud, and said, "I guess that means we need to change your education plan a bit, then. I hope you are a fast learner."

Emily tilted her head, confused. "My education, Your Highness?"

"Well, yes. You can't possibly think you can survive in Friscar higher society without a good grasp on our etiquette and customs, or, of course, without the ability to speak the language? I have already arranged the teachers for you in advance… Although I expected them to help you better familiarize yourself with Friscar culture and nobility, not with the language."

"Thank you very much!" Emily bowed her head low, clutching onto the thick material of her dress underneath the table. Although she was thankful for the chance, she couldn't help but feel skeptical. Learning a new language took time, even when studying every day. Would she be able to master it in time, before the royal marriage took place? But, of course, she didn't point it out to the prince. After all, if he were to realize the task might be impossible to accomplish, he could get rid of her. The best course of action was to stay quiet and go along with it for now, and try to find another way out.

"You can rest for tonight. In the morning, your lessons will start. I expect you to study well, if you want to live, that is," Prince Finlay said, getting up from his seat. "We will discuss the plan in more detail once you're ready."

He was about to leave the room, but paused at the door, glancing back at Emily. "Oh. And don't even think about escaping. Even if you somehow make it through the forest without being torn apart by the monsters… I put a spell on you, so that I will be able to trace your location wherever you go. Also, all of the people in the castle know of your past. No one will trust you here. So, do us both a favor, and stay put. It would be a shame to end our deal because someone couldn't let go of their bad habits…"

Emily's face paled, but she tried to appear as composed as she could, hiding her true emotions. "Of course, Your Highness! I wouldn't dare!" she said, her voice calm, even though her mind was in a state of panic.

She was doomed.