The Youngest Alicorn

Lily was undoubtedly, undeniably, completely, totally, and utterly bored. She was trying her best not to fidget, but every time she made the slightest movement, Razor Straight would give her a look, making it even harder not to move. While she disliked all of her lessons, she found some harder to pay attention in than others. Today's lesson? What else could it be?

Sitting on a throne.

Although she was not old enough to rule anything yet, there would come a time in Lily's long life that she would have to be the ruler of something. Lily had raised some questions over this matter, claiming that there were not many kingdoms to rule over, and any that did were not a part of Equestria (she was rather relieved that she would never have to live amongst the slightly violent and carnivorous griffons).

Added to the fact of complete lack of interest in this lesson was the fact that Lily had the worst sort of teacher for the job: Razor Straight. Although he was not a cruel teacher, his stern discipline was certainly not one that anypony would ever want. While his teaching methods were pretty effective, he lacked any sense of warmth, and did not seem to enjoy his job very much (which made Lily wonder why he would even become a teacher in the first place).

As Lily sat completely still upon her "throne" - an uncomfortable wooden chair - she began to nod off, but was soon startled awake by the rapping of Razor's cane on the arm of her chair. She sneaked a glance at the clock to her left, and was annoyed to see that she still had an hour before the horrid ordeal was done.

If I ever have to sit on a throne, Lily thought grumpily, I'm putting the softest cushion I can find on it.

"Lose that surly look, Princess," came Razor's stern voice. He too looked at the clock, and turned back to Lily. "Get out of that chair, Princess, we must work on your knowledge of proper dinner etiquette." Lily nearly sagged in relief, but quickly fixed her posture to avoid his wrath. She gladly removed herself from her wooden prison, and quickly followed after her instructor.

"And which fork is the one on the far left, Princess?"

Lily looked at the fork, which seemed indistinguishable from the one beside it. "The salad fork?"

Razor nodded - making Lily somewhat proud of herself - but was quick to find an error in her answer. "A proper mare does not answer in questions. And do not forget to address ponies as 'sir,' 'madame,' or by their proper titles."

Lily's small hope faded, but kept a neutral mask, lest her instructor correct her once more. "Understood, sir."

"Good," said Razor, bowing his head. "And the fork beside it?"

Lily stared at slightly bigger fork. "It is the dinner fork, sir."

Razor nodded once more, finding no error with her answer this time. Lily allowed herself a small smile for this small victory.

"That will be all for today, Princess. I expect to see you in the throne room tomorrow morning, 8 a.m. sharp."

Lily nodded with a smile, and trotted away from Razor's room. As soon as she heard the door close, she collapsed on the ground, slumping her posture. She winced, as keeping her back straight for the whole afternoon had been very tiring, and suddenly changing position had hurt. She suddenly shot back up, however, as she realized that Razor might open his door again. She galloped like a madmare towards the sweet, sweet sanctuary of her room, and dramatically opened the door with a loud **BANG!

Feather Duster nearly jumped out of her coat, she was so startled. "Forgive me, Princess," she said after she had calmed down, bowing low, "but I did not expect you to be back so soon!"

Lily opened her mouth, but stopped herself from speaking further. She shut the door quietly, and looked around cautiously. She leaned in towards Feather conspiratorially, motioning for her to lean in as well. Feather, who had had to deal with so many of the Royal Sisters' shenanigans that she had become rather jaded, decided to humor her.

"Don't tell Razor Straight, but I HATE him!"

Why am I not surprised, thought Feather wryly. She had known tried to get to know him, but had failed spectacularly. The stallion seemed to have a stick permanently shoved up his plot. Even Rose Glow, the Head Gardener and the sweetest mare Feather had ever met, had failed to melt his icy front.

"And why is that, Princess?"

"He keeps telling me what Princesses are not to do, and which fork to use, which spoon for soup, how to sit uncomfortably-" Feather let out a snort at that one, causing Lily to shoot her a look. "It's not funny, it's irritating! He hasn't taught me anything useful, like how to actually socialize with the upper class, or how to pass a law, or anything!"

Feather smiled maternally. Reminds me of my little one... "Princess, if you would like to learn those things, perhaps you should ask your mother, Princess Luna."

Lily groaned, and dragged a hoof down her face. "But I don't wanna have more lessons!" she whined.

"Princesses often have to do things they would rather not do, and it would be good for you to learn sooner." Feather picked up her duster, and dusted off a bookshelf absentmindedly. "Besides, there will be more ponies like Razor in your life, and it's best you learn how to deal with them. Do I have your permission to leave, Princess?"

Lily waved a hoof dismissively. "Yeah, sure, you can go."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Lily started at the sudden shift from 'Princess' to 'Your Highness,' but Feather was already gone. She took a random book off of the shelf, but only half read the words as she mulled over Feather's advice.