War of Hearts

Chapter 12: A Response

Ingrid hardly ever wore dresses; if she could, she would ban the creation of dresses entirely. She saw no use for them other than to make it more difficult for women to run away from their husbands. That, and the fact that women only wear it out of vanity. What was the point of making your waist as thin as a book, or having a heavy frame wearing you down? She saw the entire ordeal just as bad as having to walk through a river full of piranhas. 

But as a princess, she couldn't really say anything about it. Of course the entire kingdom, nay, the whole land would always have to see her in some dress, most usually the heaviest, most extravagant ones. She had seen many servant girls staring longingly at the dresses she had to wear at ceremonies, and all she could think of was how she just wanted to give it to them instead. 

The only times she had to wear a dress was when she joined her parents in a ball, and every single time she painstakingly counted the seconds til she could take it all off in her chambers. She was glad that her uncle allowed her to wear pants around the castle, she couldn't care less about servants whispering among one another that she looked more boyish than a regular princess. So what? she thought to herself, shrugging them off. Dresses are ugly, useless, and too extravagant.

That was how she thought of them all the time, anyway. But why was it now that when she stared at the rose colored dress that lay by her bed that morning, all she could think of was Isaac's reaction to it?

She held her quill above the parchment, staring at the dress and lost in her thoughts. Inside her mind, a battle was ongoing. On one side, she reminded herself that she only had to wear this dress for stupid dance rehearsals for the ball, and she couldn't care less about Isaac's reaction to her wearing it. But on the other side, her mind was full of questions, wondering over and over again if Isaac would find her beautiful in the dress. 

Her heart screamed in approval for the latter, but her mind begged to not be swayed. Why would his opinion matter? her mind repeated over and over. Before she knew it, the ink on her quill dried it up, and she had to steel herself away from her conflicting thoughts to write a letter to her father. She shook her head slightly and dipped her quill in the ink pot once more, doing her best to mentally push aside all thoughts of annoying, know it all, cold-hearted--yet strangely handsome--Isaac. 

Dearest Papa,

I am deeply sorry for the lack of letters that you have been receiving. I've tried to write over the past few weeks, but I have become busy in spending time around Uncle and Isaac, as well as trying to find other weaknesses. 

I have been observing the room that hides the tunnel; I noticed upon passing by one afternoon that two soldiers stepped out from the room, in deep conversation among each other. I noted a transfer of a key between them. I hid behind a pillar so that they wouldn't see me. I tried to listen to their conversation, but they spoke in very hushed tones and I didn't want to risk being seen. One of the soldiers locked the door behind him, and I heard no mention of the room. I tried asking Isaac more about the room, but he feigned being busy and wouldn't talk to me. Perhaps they were adjusting something in the tunnel? I was tempted to break the lock, but if someone found it, then for sure they would block it or close it up.

Don't you find it curious, Papa, that Isaac would show me something that would automatically sabotage them to his own enemy? I know they--he and the king, I mean--try to act a different way with me (Isaac is insufferable as always) but I'm always wary of them. The other entrance of the tunnel opens up in a small village near Midtown. Is there any way you can ask the guards to send some spies to check that area, Papa?

Uncle has brought up news of a big event called the Blue Moon Ball. Perhaps by now he has sent you a letter about it? It is apparently to celebrate both the night of the blue moon and also the "alliance" of Nerea and Adehane. Have you ever heard of a more nonsensical thing? Nerea and Adehane are no closer than oil and water in a glass. I am very suspicious of this ball, but of course I have to play along. Do tell me if uncle invites you, or even just someone from Nerea. I think this ball is a cover up, but I don't have much proof. But if so, I believe that night would be the best time to begin our plan.