by Aya Ling
Elaine slipped in a side door and found an elderly professor plodding slowly in her direction. Panicking, she raced up the nearest flight of stairs, two at a time, until she reached a long corridor that seemed deserted. Plaques and paintings adorned the walls. Once she got a closer look, she noted that the paintings depicted former students and teachers at the University.
"Sir Ian Fulton, most well known for his invention of the alcohol thermometer." Garam had used a thermometer when she was running a fever. Even in her state of mental incoherence, she was intrigued how the red bar containing alcohol had moved and became longer, after it was removed from her armpit.
"Lord Coleridge, known for his invention of the fishing reel."
She had a fishing reel hidden in her wardrobe, which came useful not just in fishing. She had used it to hook off the wig of an old aristocrat who had criticized Valeria's figure in public. Elaine was punished with a week of bread and water, which she cheerfully endured. The look on that old aristocrat's face--when his wig floated away--had been priceless.
Then she came upon another portrait. It was a middle-aged man with bushy brown hair. The date of his birth indicated he was still alive. "Sir Hugo–Honorary Member of the Royal Society of Engineers and Emeritus Professor of Engineering. Is widely renowned for his invention of the steam machine."
Elaine let out a low whistle. She loved the steam carriage that the king owned. She loved to climb up and sit on the box next to the driver (much to the disapproval of her mother), watching how he navigated the carriage, making it fly on the road without using horsepower.
Elaine stood rooted to the ground, her mind racing. The boring old University had turned out inventors who made such exciting objects. Now it didn't seem that boring. She wanted to learn more about it.
Voices floated from the stairs. Elaine scurried to the end of the hallway and found another staircase leading to a floor below.
The princess looked around. Either she had to go downstairs or face the people who were going to enter the hall. Since she would much rather not be questioned now, before she had a more in-depth tour of the University, she flew down the staircase.
On the floor below was a row of lecture halls. Elaine tiptoed towards one of the halls and slipped in through the back door, found an empty seat in the very end and sat down. Everyone was seated in front of her, their attention fixed on the professor standing on the podium. No one noticed her come in.
The room was a marvel. There were wooden models of carriages and gliders hanging from the ceiling. A miniature water mill stood on a high table; she could hear the faint sound of water running and she could see the wheels turning.
"Good morning," the professor spoke. "Welcome to your first lesson in the world of physics. I am not certain if you had any acquaintance with the subject before you enrolled, but I will say that this is one of the oldest and most important subjects known in history."
Elaine was tempted to ask why. None of her governesses had ever mentioned the word "physics," much less taught her anything about it.
"Physics is concerned with the study of matter and motion. We will learn how force works, how objects move, how energy is calculated. With a solid knowledge of physics and related subjects like math and chemistry, it is possible that one can do great things. Of the inventors you find in the Hall of Fame above," he gestured with a motion upwards, "almost all had a strong foundation in physics. When they knew the theories and exerted their creativity, they changed the world."
The professor went on to explain how the class would be conducted. "Feel free to ask me any question in this class. There will be no question I will call stupid or meaningless. Unless you are asking how soon this class ends."
A few students laughed and Elaine grinned. On a sudden impulse, she raised her hand.
"Why do apples fall on the ground, sir, instead of floating in the air?"
More laughter. Several boys turned to see who was speaking, and Elaine averted her eyes, afraid someone would recognize her.
"An interesting question indeed," the professor chuckled. "In fact, the great inventor Ian Fulton had questioned it himself. The answer is the Universal Gravity principle; the very land we live on has a magnetic force that pulls everything to the ground. In fact, later we shall learn how to calculate using the Law of Gravity..."
When the bell rang, Elaine skipped out of the classroom, her face glowing. James was right; she did find the University much more exciting than her princess lessons. Once she was back at the palace, she would ask her father to enroll her in the University. The institute didn't welcome female students, but she didn't care. She was used to having her own way; she was sure that a good coaxing with wide, pleading eyes would gain her admission.
"Hold it!" A figure blocked her way. "Take off your cap. Caps shouldn't be worn in the University."
Dash it. Why did someone have to notice her now, just when she was ready to leave?
Elaine slowly raised her head. It was a middle-aged man, tall and imposing, with a stiff collar and stern gray eyes.
"I...I'm afraid I can't, sir," she said, trying to pitch her voice as low as possible. "My mother gave me a bad haircut."
"Don't be impertinent, young man. Take off your cap this instant!"
By now, a substantial crowd had gathered around them. A few students were staring at Elaine suspiciously.
"Isn't that the princess?" someone spoke up.
"Princess? You mean...Princess Elaine?"
At the sound of her name, a murmur ran through the crowd.
The professor adjusted his spectacles and peered at her closely.
"Indeed! What an...an abominable rig." He cleared his throat. "Your Highness. Kindly explain what the deuce you are doing in the University?"
CHAPTER FOUR
"I wonder how Lady Matilda managed to stay disguised as a boy for years, when I can't even fool people for a day," Elaine grumbled.
"Little princess," Winifred said half-exasperatedly, half-chidingly. "You should be concerned about your wayward behavior, not your failure to deceive others."
"That's because she's too pretty," Effie said, combing the princess's silky hair. "No matter how she tries to hide it, she'll never pass for a lad. Look at her eyes, her nose, her cheeks! Lord, I'd be in heaven if I had her problem."
Elaine rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue, making a dreadful face. She did like being pretty, but more often she was frustrated that people wanted her to behave like a traditional princess, simply because it would be 'a waste' to spoil her looks. Lady Wesley had voiced strongly against her taking any other path than a lady's.
Darn. Wasn't it accepted that princesses could follow any path they wanted now?
Minutes later, Elaine stood outside the throne room in a frilly pink-and-white frock and her hair done in two pigtails.
"A regular little beauty," Effie had said when she finished doing Elaine's hair. "They won't punish you as long as you plead nicely enough. It will be all right, little princess."
But what if she was forgiven and made to go back to her lessons with Lady Wesley?
"Something must be done about her."
It was her father, King Ronald, speaking. Judging from the exasperation in his tone, it was very likely that he was talking about her.
She probably should have knocked and gone in. Instead, Elaine leaned forward and pressed her ear against the door.
"You cannot simply replace Lady Wesley," another voice said. It was deep and authoritative–Elaine recognized it was Sir Greenwood's, one of her father's subjects. He came from one of the oldest clans of Riviera, and like Lady Wesley, was still in favor of traditional ideas. "She has tutored several excellent young ladies, all of whom made brilliant matches and are now settled down most respectably. No one is better qualified to teach the princess in courtly manners."
"She spoke disparagingly of my wife," Ralph said curtly. "Elaine's mind is not to be influenced by her bias."
Elaine could have hugged him.
If only Valeria could hear him defending her!
"But what else are we to do?" her father said. "Elaine has been through eight governesses already. Are you suggesting that she should try for the Academy instead?"
No! She did not want to become a warrior maid, even though it was the trend for princesses these days.
"In my humble opinion, Elaine's talents lie elsewhere." James' voice. Elaine's heart beat fast. "I suggest she enroll in the University."
Greenwood snorted. "The University, Your Highness? Do you mean to make the princess into a...an academician?" A blind man could have seen the incredulity in his tone.
"Unthinkable." Another man spoke. Elaine couldn't believe it–it was Thane, the headmaster of the University. He was an elderly man who seldom spoke without stroking his beard. "The University, as a rule, does not admit women. The only exceptions are those who have proved to be extraordinary cases of sheer brilliance. The princess does not fall into that category."
Elaine clenched her jaw and tried not to return a scathing remark. All right, she wasn't exactly a genius, but the condescending note in his voice! He made it sound as though she were a hopeless case whose mental capabilities couldn't fill a hummingbird's egg.
"Elaine might be a bit...undisciplined," James said slowly. "But she doesn't lack intelligence. She picked up the multiplication table faster than Ralph and I."
A brief pause passed before Ralph concurred. "Yes."
"Were she in the University," James continued, "I am sure that she will carve a better path there under proper instruction from the professors and peer collaboration from her fellow classmates."
More silence.
"It is an alternative," Ralph said.
"The few occasions we agree on something," James said. Elaine could imagine him grinning. She leaned closer to the door, flattening her ear completely against the polished wood.
"A ridiculous, outlandish idea," Greenwood said scornfully. "The princess inherited her mother's looks. She could do more with a smile than she could ever hope to do with her brain. Besides, the female brain is not physiologically-inclined towards science. A little cleverness in doing sums may not be unusual, but undertaking serious study is impossible."
"Excuse me?" James said.
Elaine couldn't contain herself any longer. For the first time in her short, yet frequent record of eavesdropping, she yanked the door open and stalked into the room without a trace of shame.
"I want to enter the University," she announced and did her best to smile as beguilingly as possible. "Mayn't I, Papa?"
Greenwood's jaw fell so low that an entire bread stick could have fit between his teeth. Vertically, of course.
James smiled broadly. Ralph raised an eyebrow. Thane stared at her as though she grew a horn on her forehead.
King Ronald blinked. It was the first time that Elaine had volunteered to do something about her future.
"Well dear, if you're certain about it, I'll tell Lady Wesley to cease the lessons and we can start making arrangements for your transition to the University."
"Pardon me, Your Majesty," Thane spoke. He was sixty years old, but his eyes remained sharp to observe and quick to appraise. Now his gaze raked over Elaine with suspicion. "But as the head of the University, I beg to offer my opinion. As I have heard, the princess has been through eight governesses. I seriously question her competency to study at the University, since the sheer number of governesses must have had an uneven and may I say, adverse effect on her education. To uphold the sterling reputation of the University, I cannot accept such a student. Not even if she is the princess."
King Ronald frowned. Thane was highly respected as an erudite scholar, and what he said made sense. If a noble wanted to advance his studies and enter the University, he had to take a test in core subjects, along with letters of recommendation. He had forgotten to consider his daughter's request might not be acceptable.
"Entering the University is no child's play," Thane continued. "The princess will have to stay in the classroom for eight hours a day, complete homework assignments, take quizzes and exams, and write papers and reports. We had a girl sign up for the University a few years ago, but she gave up due to the enormous workload. If the princess cannot even study under the careful guidance and personal attention of a tutor, then how is she expected to succeed at the University?"
"The Academy allowed Ari to enroll, even though she barely knew how to fight," James said. "She just received her shield in the Tournament–finishing before the average duration of five years."
"What about Princess Valeria?" Greenwood countered. "She ended up withdrawing from the Academy. I would say hers is the more likely case. The Linderall princess is an exception. Besides, remember this is the University we're talking about. The Academy has been accustomed to accepting female students and training them, but the University is a different story. A few girls who have shown more promise than the princess have dropped out within a year. I find it difficult to fathom that the princess could adjust to the life there."
Elaine scowled. It was true that she didn't enjoy her lessons, but after listening to the physics lecture, she wanted nothing else than to take the classes taught at the University. After all, none of her former governesses answered her question about apples hurtling to the ground.
King Ronald's brow furrowed. "Would it be all right if we ask a professor from the University to tutor Elaine? Then, when she is deemed qualified to enter the University, she can be transferred?"
"The professors at the University have more than they can handle already," Thane said stiffly. "Considering that they are mostly beyond their prime, have to prepare for their lessons and grade papers after classes, I doubt any would have time for the princess. But I do not want to object solely based on the princess's previous record."
Elaine's scowl disappeared. She resented being talked about as though she were invisible, but now she was curious to hear what Thane had to say.
"I propose to administer a qualifying exam. If she passes, I will allow her to enroll. That way, we shall have proof that the princess is capable, and convince others that raise dissent."
An exam! Elaine detested exams. She disliked sitting at a desk for long hours with only pen and paper and the hostile presence of the examiner.
"Sounds reasonable to me," Greenwood said. "To ensure that the exam is just, no professor should know that the exam is intended for the princess. She shall not sign her name on the answer sheet. Let them think that it is merely a male student who has recently expressed an interest in attending the University. Then if the princess actually passes, they will not be judged of showing partiality."
Elaine could tell that he had no doubt she would fail the exam. She didn't let her irritation show, however.
"Of course!" she clasped her hands together and nodded eagerly. "Thank you, Master Thane, for allowing me take the exam. I will study the best I can and pass it. Thank you, Papa, Ralph. James, just you wait. I'll be at the University the next time you see me!"
Sir Greenwood snorted. Elaine pretended not to hear him. Nothing would stop her now.
CHAPTER FIVE
"My dear princess!"
Elaine raised her head from her desk, a big fat book propped open before her, a pencil grasped in her right hand. Lady Wesley graced the doorway, and her expression was one of pleasant surprise.
"How gratifying to see that you are devoting your time to your lessons." Lady Wesley beamed, removing her plumy hat and satin gloves.
"Mrs. Wesley, there is one part here I cannot understand. May I trouble you to help me?"
Her tone was respectful, polite, absolutely the ideal model of a lady. Lady Wesley positively glowed--perhaps because it was so rare that Elaine chose to behave like a conventional princess.
"I shall be delighted to help." Lady Wesley swept over to the desk and peered over Elaine's shoulder. "Calculate the negative exponent of the number five," Lady Wesley puckered her forehead. "What are you reading?"
&n
bsp; "An algebra problem." Elaine still used her utmost courteous voice while trying not to smirk. "I need to pass math, you see, in order to enter the University."
"The University!" Lady Wesley exclaimed. If Elaine had suddenly expressed a desire to walk on her hands over the courtyard, she could not have been more surprised. "Have you gone mad, child? Whatever possessed you to think about entering the University?"
"Because it's interesting!" Elaine enjoyed the look of horror on her governess's face. "Thane promised me that as long as I pass the entrance exam, I can go to the University."
"But...but..." Lady Wesley had to grasp the back of a chair for support. Had the princess gone insane? Elaine always had some quirky notions and outlandish ideas, but this was simply inconceivable.
"Young ladies do not go to the University," she managed to get out. "It is most improper. No normal young lady does academic studies."
"That's what people said about the Academy. Before Lady Matilda arrived."
"That is a different matter! I must say that I do not approve of girls becoming warrior maids either, it's indecent. Elaine, have the goodness to remember that you are the princess of Riviera. Princesses have no business doing math problems."
"Then I shall be the first," Elaine declared. "By the way, how do you simplify a square root?"
Lady Wesley was in a very peevish mood when she quit the room, muttering that the princess was out of her mind. "She had such perfect prospects to become an accomplished lady, and now she's throwing it away to study math?"
Elaine could have explained that day when she disguised as a boy and slipped into the University, and how the lecture had charmed her and made her want to take classes, but she didn't bother. Thane had only given her one week to study for the exam. The school term had already started; it would be impossible to catch up with everyone else if she enrolled much later.
