"Guten Morgen, Prinzessin Zipporah.[Good Morning, Princess Zipporah.]" Helga, Maria and Petra greet as I step out of the limo. They curtsy and I respond in kind, trying to adjust to this new title.

"Guten Morgen."

"Wie geht es Ihnen? [How are You?]" Helga inquires politely. I inhale.

"Ich bin gut, vielen dank. [I am well, thank you.]"  Before I am able to repeat the question back, Maria motions for us to go inside. She takes the lead and the others fall behind me. The Palace employees stand at attention and bow or curtsy as I pass. I nod awkwardly, and smile, but this is still a drastic transformation. Maria stops at Basil's office and opens the door for me. I step in and they follow closely.

Basil has brought me here multiple times. I couldn't think of a more fitting work space for him, "This is now your office too, Princess. You will use it for all intents and purposes to carry out your role as a Kaiser Royal." Petra explains firmly. I stiffen, remembering the extensive list of royal functions. 

"Ja."

"Today we will evaluate your knowledge of Eldstein. We have prepared a questionnaire for this purpose, and it will take you no less than an hour. The results will determine further instruction." Maria indicates the packet on the desk and I sit down carefully in the comfortable office chair. I'm given two pencils and the test begins. The three spend their time reviewing books and other materials for future reference. 

The exam is far from easy. It is also two hundred questions long. I have to move slowly and analyze each word. By the time I finish, it's been two hours and the clock shows noon. Maria whisks the finished assessment away from me and begins to grade it, "What would you like for lunch, Princess?" Helga asks politely, "Anything you so desire shall be prepared swiftly." This she says as a maid enters with a small pad. From her countenance, I conclude that she is new to the Palace. 

"Pardon my intrusion, your highness, but I have come to collect any requests for lunch." Her voice shakes as she tries to speak english properly and my heart contracts, sympathizing with her. I smile as warmly as possible, pushing aside my awkwardness. 

"A plain roast beef and Swiss sandwich with generous mayo on rye bread would be wonderful..." 

"Any particular beverages, Princess Zipporah?" 

"Water is fine, thank you," I step towards her, "What is your name?" 

"U-U-Uh,.." She stammers in hesitance. Her chestnut eyes betray her fear of insubordination. 

"You must enunciate!" Petra scolds. I shoot her a look and then return to the maid. 

"Your name?" 

"Rosine, your highness." 

"Thank you, Rosine. It is wonderful to meet you." She musters a small smile and curtsies primly. 

"It is my honor to meet you, Princess Zipporah. I will not fail you. If you excuse me, I shall retrieve your meal." I nod and she exits quickly. My heart warms, knowing I helped her out a little. I used to be in her place after all. My three mentors are silent enough for me to shrink back into the office chair.

"Have I committed some crime?" 

"No, but you are proving yourself fully capable of coping with your new life as a royal figure. You are already making sterling impressions on others, especially the Palace Staff." Maria explains. 

"You are of their general background. You were like them once. This will be your greatest asset in securing your seat as a viable Princess of Eldstein. You understand the people and can represent them, so you must use it to your advantage and tread with caution." 

"I see." I remark, absorbing their statements and advice. I have come to trust these women and so I trust their information. They have experience, and know Eldstein much better than I do.

"However, you cannot allow the boundaries to fade. It is a delicate balance to maintain them, and with the recent intrigue it is important to be the source of benevolent authority."

"Of course..." I exhale. A dark cloud takes over the atmosphere of the room and we silence. Petra speaks again. 

"You must soon choose a service detail, as you must select a security detail. You will become acquainted with the Palace staff over the next month, then you shall make your decisions and become an official royal. Prince Basil is also expected to participate." 

"He already has a security detail." I comment. 

"Provided by the government. They are not of his choosing." 

"I can hardly believe the intricacies of royal life..." My remark is greeted with varied noises from them. The doors open again and Rosine enters with other maids carrying silver trays or pitchers. 

"Princess Zipporah, your lunch is ready." She announces humbly and sets down my respective tray. 

"Thank you, Rosine." Lunch is served and the rest of the day flows by. I'm sent home with a binder of materials. I lean back against the seat of the limo, thumbing through the pages. My phone rings and I check the ID; Basil. 

"Hallo, Zipporah! How was your day?"  

"Rigorous is perhaps the best term for it. What about you? How was the meeting?" He exhales loudly on the other end. 

"We're still negotiating with Achterkamp. Gernot is making me realize how much I have to improve before I succeed Grandfather." 

"It's been a couple of weeks of negotiation. I bet you're getting pretty tired." 

"Ja, but I'm also more determined than ever. I want to be the best heir for Grandfather, and I want to be the best husband to you. When I think about my motivation, I find it's a lot easier to press on." 

"I'm very proud of you, Basil." I croon. 

"Those words mean a lot to me, Zipporah. You mean everything to me." 

"I love you, Edelweiss." 

"I love you more, Edelweiss." 

"I'll see you soon, okay?" 

"Ja!" 

We bid farewell and hang up. To my sweet surprise, Basil beat me home. He opens the limo door and helps me out, then picks me up purse, binder, and all, smothering me with a welcome home kiss. 

Please comment and vote below if you enjoy this story! Thank you so much!

~Uilosris