The Forgotten Princess...

Starting a new day (2)

Book, she has found, are a way to live a thousand lives- or to find strength in a very one.

Alicia's P. O. V

“U- umm I am really hungry. I will be going inside to eat now. How about you?” I quickly asked, trying to change the topic.

“I have had my breakfast already. I will accompany you inside.” Leon said with a smile.

“N- no need.” I still feel embarrassed. “I mean, I can eat fast.” I replied him. I tried not to sound awkward but I knew I did.

“It is my job to stay beside you, Alicia.” Leon said. Hearing him call me by my name made me blush even more. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. Thankfully he did not see that. “After you have finished with that we would start some lessons in History and Math. And then later this afternoon we would have horseback riding.”

“You will be the one to teach me how to ride a horse?” I kind of felt happy about that.

“Hahaha, you look so cute.” Leon said. “Yes, of course I will be the one to teach you. Better be prepared. I am a strict tutor.” He pressed my cheeks lightly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Aww.” I flinched.

“Come, let's get some food in your slender body.” He teased, obviously waiting to get a reaction from me but I ignore him and kept walking. “You are so thin, like you would be blown away by the wind so easily.” Leon added casually as he walks away from me, his tone almost sounds amused. He didn't even bother to look back as if he knew I was listening anyway.

“I want my woman to be a little plump.”

I stop in my tracks for a second, blinking in disbelief after I hear him say that. I actually think I must have heard that wrong.

“I beg your pardon?” I called out convincing myself that I did not hear his last sentence clearly. Just a few strides and he was a distance away from me. I jogged to catch him. There was no way I heard that correctly. i refuse to believe it.

His long legs made it annoyingly easy for him to put some distance between us. Leon suddenly turned around. “You need some fats in you.” He said firmly as if he was just stating a simple fact. Before I could even say a thing, he flicked my forehead. “I'm sure you would be more beautiful if you have some curves.” He teases me again as he looked down at me, his tall frame engulfing mine.

“Are you saying I am too thin and ugly? Hmph.” I narrow my eyes at him, folding my hands across my chest as I pouted my lips, an hint of irritation already growing in me.

This is the first time I feel irritated by someone saying negative things about me. I am used to the servants gossiping not so good about me and also my stepsisters. i had learnt to ignore it and pretend it didn't bother me. But coming from Leon, it felt personal. It should not have bothered me so much, but it did and I found myself thinking about it more than I should. Thanks to him. I really felt like I didn't want him to see me as ugly... or unattractive.

“I didn't say your ugly.” Leon said as if he was reading my thoughts, then he reached out and pinched my cheeks. “I just said you would look more beautiful with some curves.” He continued. I removed his hand immediately glaring at him.

“I am sure you will when you grow older.” he added with a smirk forming on his lips as he grabs my cheeks lightly again.

“Aww, aww.” I can feel a sting on his pinching.

I frown at him, unsure whether to feel offended or something else entirely. For some reasons I can't get furious at him.

“Now come here. Sit and eat. Leon pulled the chair out for me.

I looked at him carefully. He was still wearing that cheerful smile. I can't help but smile as well. I know he was teasing me but I have to admit that I actually like it.

I sit on the chair and started to eat. What I failed to notice was Leon staring at me with such affectionate eyes.

***

History and Math lesson with Leon are done for the day. He is a strict teacher, but I like that. I will not have it any other way. Good thing I have been listening to Richard's tutors when they were teaching him. I was able to keep up with Leon's lessons.

What I really liked about the lessons was the history part. Aside from the history of Alvannia, Leon has thought me about the neighboring countries. Around Alvannia, there were two countries. The country of Grandcrest in the south to southwest and some in the northwest and then Jennova in the far north. The east of Alvannia is the great Atlantian sea.

Grandcrest was the biggest country of the three and also the most powerful. Because of its geographical location in the south they have locations which has a summer weather for the whole year, which is good in bringing up crops. The locations in the northwest can grow fruits that needs cold weather. Those in the southwest is suitable for raising farms and animals. Their geographical location attributes to their flourishing economy.