Princess In The Attic

A forsaken princess, confined to an attic and scorned as witless, after two decades of unrelenting drought, she is offered as tribute to the Kingdom of Water.
Yet she is, in truth, the very bearer of the divine mark the Empire had sought in desperation.
“Today was the knights’ full regiment training day.”
“On my way back, I received an apple at the market. Ah, apples are fruits that grow on trees like this. This one is red.”
Fedelius held up a picture fit for teaching a child in one hand, and a ripe, appetizing apple in the other. He presented both before me, explaining patiently.
‘…So apples are red? Do they come in other colors too?’
I stared blankly at the apple he placed in my hand, my expression deliberately uncertain.
‘How much longer do I have to keep this act going?’
When I looked up, Fedelius’ otherwise expressionless eyes held unmistakable satisfaction. He seemed genuinely fulfilled by teaching me.
Even though there’s nothing wrong with me.