Madam Dorthy

As you remember, Madam Dorthy has a pointy nose and gray hair. Madam Dorthy was about five foot, and her gray hair was always pulled into a perfect bun. She has observant green eyes, that watches every movement in the room or area. She was a cold and commanding woman, to be expected for someone who dedicates their time, to teach the rules.

Staring straight into her dark green eyes, I was slightly getting aggravated. This was the second time, that she has stared me down, because I didn't do something 'her' way. My back was killing me, due to the countless times I had to practice bowing and curtsying, and she always had something to say.

"Miss Willow, can you tell me what you did wrong?" She held out her hand, like waiting for a reply. Biting my tongue, I looked into those annoying green eyes, she was purposefully trying to get a rise from me, to make her favorite look better.

"I am sorry, Madam. I pulled back my left foot instead of my right. Let me do it again, correctly." In all honestly this was pointless, I knew how to curtsy, and it's become a habit to pull back my left, since I felt more balanced.

Standing straight, I tilted my head down, then pulled lightly at the edges of my skirt. Pulling back the right foot, resting on the ball of my foot, then bending my knees I lowered, then slowly rose. Everything was done smoothly, that even Madam Dorthy couldn't find anything to complain about.

"It was the best out of all of them, next is the daughter of a count." Stepping away from the aggravating old woman, I watched the few others, carry on with their instructions. Some on the verge of tears, as she nitpicked each one of us, but babied Sophie when she did something wrong.

"Well done ladies, next class we'll work on balance, and the beginning steps of dancing." Watching her leave the classroom, I released a deep breath, 'how much longer do I have to endure this?' I thought to myself.

The five other young ladies left the room silently, most likely rushing home to rest, after the exhausting lesson. Laying down my head on the cool surface of the desk, I rested while waiting for Elias to finish his training.

It was exhausting to put up a facade for the rest of the school, I tried everything to not be the star student, but of course being around Elias has put me in the spotlight.

"When should I announce that I'm participating in the tournaments?" I asked to myself, standing up from the hard desk chair, I was rubbing my aching back to relieve some soreness.

The desktops were wood with metal posts, then there was plastic chairs, that were also supported with metal posts. My favorite place in the classroom was by the window, because on sunny days we would open them.

"Today has been too long." Stepping out of the classroom into the empty hallway, I let out another sigh of relief. Rushing to the front entrance, I chuckled lightly at the Prince. He turned around and gave me a smirk, stepping in front of him, I patted his shoulder in greeting.

"I going to assume that you're coming over to the estate, since you said I had other matters this afternoon." Looking at the black SUV parked by the gateway, I knew that Father was waiting in that vehicle. Looking at Elias out of the corner of my eyes, he just nodded.

"I'll be close behind you." Waving him goodbye, I skipped to the SUV, happy to finally leave this school building.

Opening the door, I wasn't surprised by my Father's welcoming voice, "Rebecca, how was school?" I took my usual seat, then waited for the driver to pull out of the school yard. Elias was already in his ride and left the parking lot.

"It was good, I received my armor today." Watching the building and city storefronts blur together, I relaxed a little. "I also have a duel with Jonas James, tomorrow morning." Looking at my father's face, I scrunched my eyebrows in concern, his features were distant.

"Is Elias watching?" His cold voice echoed in the car. I nodded my head, not daring to speak. I could see it from his point of view, however, I wanted to know who my opponent was, and how this would affect family.

Jonas James may not like his father, but he is completely controlled by his father. Even if I do defeat him, I have no use for him, I have no need of a puppet. All I wanted to know is if he's going to use his son as a bargaining chip.

"He and Lieutenant Jones." Father hrumphed in reply, leaving the car silent for the remaining to the time. When we arrived to the luxurious estate, I was shocked to see another vehicle parked by the front. An unfamiliar silver car.

Rushing out of the car, I paused opening the door, taking a deep breath in. Calming down my nerves, and I waited for my father to catch up, he looked back at the unexpected guest's car. A maid opened the door, and my heart dropped when I saw the old lady.

"Good afternoon Madam Dorthy, what brings you by?" Father placed a small smile on his face, and it looked very forced. I was debating walking back out, and telling Elias to come in at a different entrance, but the old lady's eyes locked with mine.

"Good afternoon Duke Willow, I think we should discuss this matter, in private." I swallowed as both of my parents looked in my direction, taking the hint, I turned around and left though the front door. I walked up to the stables, and took a seat outside. It wouldn't be long before Elias figures out where I was.

"What could she have to say about me?" I muttered aloud, last I've checked, I've held my tongue and did as she asked. Looking out over the estate, I was mesmerized by the beauty of green, with the rare colors spotted in the landscape.

I turned to see Elias taking a seat beside me, "What did you do?" he asked with a hint of a smile. I smiled lightly, but couldn't help but be worried.

"I don't know."

***

"What is it you want to speak about, Madam Dorthy?" The Duke took a seat beside his wife, taking her hand, to keep himself calm. He didn't want to overreact, all that he hoped was that the Madam brought good news.

"Duchess Willow, I wanted to bring you the report of how your daughter is doing. I have to say that she is ahead all of her other classmates, and her academic grades are excellent, I don't see the need to keep her anymore." The Duke let out a chuckle, then looked to the Madam.

"We have our reasons for putting her in your class, it is a semester class and she need the fundamentals for later years." He spoke, with a glance to his wife.

Madam Dorthy looked between Ryan and Eleanor, and she smiled. The Willow family was indeed a strong and loving family, and their daughter has grown up to be such a great representation of the household.

"Such as?" Madam Dorthy questioned and the Duchess placed down her glass of tea. Looking straight into the old lady's green eyes, she silenced the old woman, with her cold glare.

"Our daughter, would benefit from learning from you. She needs these skills before her inducted into the society, I know we have plenty of time till then, however her schedule will grow more loaded over the years. It's pleasing to know our daughter does well in your class." The Duchess smiled lightly, while grasping her husband's hand tightly.

"Then she'll benefit greatly under my care." The Madam placed down her glass, and grabbed her hat from the maid. "I'll bring you another report next month." Stepping out of the spacious manor, the old lady bowed gracefully before the couple.

"Till next time, Madam Dorthy." Watching the old lady leave the manor was a relieving sight for them both, they both remember the panicked look on their daughter's face, before she was asked to leave.

"It's for the best, Ryan." Ryan Willow let out a deep sigh, he knew this class wasn't going hinder the young daughter, instead it would help her grow, but it conflicts with the young girl's ideals.

"If you say so, Eleanor. However, it's obvious that its been confusing for her." Kissing his wife's cheek, he went his way to his office. "She's done well so far, but how long before her fuse is lit?" The Duke looked out the window and watched the youngsters chase each other on horses.

His prize in the world, would soon have to choose her fate. It wouldn't be long before Rebecca has to publicly announce that she is competing in the tournaments, and the whole household are just waiting to see what Councilor James has planned, during this annual tournament.

***