( Elizabeth Aurelius's POV )
I learned very young that honesty was a luxury afforded to people without crowns.
At seven, I learned that servants smiled even when they disliked you.
At nine, I learned that nobles praised whichever royal child happened to be standing closest.
At eleven, I learned that friendship between noble houses generally meant both families wanted something.
By fifteen, I had become exceptionally good at wanting something first.
"Again."
The four spheres surrounding me moved.
Water rotated above my left shoulder.
Fire burned above my right.
A compressed sphere of earth hovered behind me.
Air remained invisible, revealed only by the loose strands of golden hair lifting around my face.
My instructor watched from beyond the reinforced barrier.
"Your Highness, maintaining all four attributes simultaneously isn't the purpose of this exercise."
"I know."
"The exercise requires transitioning between them."
"I know."
"Then why are you..."
