The Masked General

Ceraunophilia

Dear Avira, 

                     Thunder and rain sound against my window as I write to you. It reminds me of how you used to hate the thunder, but now, so you say, you've come to love it. That was surely a surpirse. But with you, I realize that I should expect nothing less than surprising. I mean that as a compliment, I assure you.  I'm sure you know that I am counting down the days till we meet there again. Ivelle and Andrew are doing well, but I'm sure you know that. You'll be happy to know that they delivered a healthy baby boy! Andrew is nervous to be a father, probably more so than Ivelle is. Claude also has asked me to relay his birthday wishes to you, and regrets that he can not come in person for the celebration, but he does not have more regret than I do. But I think he also is missing Eleanor and Sawyer. Truth is, we all miss you. It's been too long since we have last met. I should admit, three years ago when you told me your decision to leave, I was shocked, to say the least, and honestly a little hurt. It's taken me far too long to tell you this, but the night before you left I was convinced that you would stay. I thought that maybe we would stay together. I was wrong, not that I hold it against you at all. I completely understand your decision to head back to Harwen with Marc. The kingdom needed you, and it still does. They would have no greater queen than you. It would have been selfish for me to beg you to stay, though I still regret that I hadn't tried harder to find away to visit each other more often. That's in the past now, I suppose. I remember you telling me that it wouldn't have worked out between us, at the time, because we argued too much. You told me that we argued over little things, and that would cause problems with the bigger things. It was true then, but we've both changed now. Is it time for a second chance?  It's like you said, maybe someday. Maybe someday, we will be with each other forever. I will move on from this topic now, I'm sorry for bringing it up at all, but I could not help myself.  I wouldn't want to spoil this special day for you. Although I miss you dearly, and am sad we are not ruling side by side, I respect your decisions, and I am very happy to see Harwen thriving. Both our kingdoms have been benefiting from each other. Trade has been well, all thanks to you. You've done a wonderful job. I selfishly hope that this year will bring opportunities for us to meet again. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays.

                         All my love, 

                                              Hiroshi. 

                          P.S. I promise the cake isn't poisoned.

Avira clutched the letter tightly, and smiled to herself. Rain pounded against the roof of her carriage. Time had come and gone so suddenly, she had to admit, she really missed Hiroshi. Marc's snoring grew louder as the carriage ride continued, causing Sawyer to laugh. Avira chuckled and and shook her head. Thunder boomed, and lightning flashed, causing their journey to take a while longer. Hiro was right, she'd come to love the storms. As much as she loved him, she didn't regret leaving. It hadn't been the right time. They were young, and their emotions were all over the place because of the little "war." She sighed and leaned against the carriage, pondering Hiro's question. Was it time for a second chance? She had her answer, and was very eager to give him a reply. 

"You're Highness, we are here," Sawyer perked up. He looked over at Marc and shook him awake. Marc sat up dazedly and looked out the window, a smile spread across his face.

As they walked out of the carriage they were welcomed by a very happy, and very loud, "Welcome home."

                                                                           --The End--

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed. 

- Vera A.