Letters To The Heart

Entry 1: Currently My Life

Dear Stranger,

"Please refer to the document I have placed before you! We cannot afford another uproar, Your Majesty!"

At this moment, I find myself sitting in a vacant chamber, hiding from the men of the court, who are locked in yet another fervent debate with counselors and advisors. Though I excused myself to 'use the facilities,'—which I did—I then sought refuge in this quiet spot, waiting for tempers to cool. Unfortunately, that has yet to happen.

This is a rather typical day for me. At eighteen, I have completed my formal studies in writing, arithmetic, and diplomacy. These days, I find myself in extended meetings, watching the noblemen dispute over matters of state with alarming regularity. Occasionally, I present proposals and strategies to them. The task of my advisors is to find every flaw, point out my failures, and send me back to revise them.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, it sounds as if the diplomats have managed to settle their differences. They appear to have agreed to leave our ships stationed as they are and instructed to send a message if any suspicion of conflict arises.

What a thrilling life, wouldn't you agree? I suppose I should leave this delightful sanctuary before I'm discovered.

~ Princess Elise Ever-Loreigh-Baya Forjayn

★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★

Before I can even reach the end of the corridor, two towering guards approach with swift strides. Most people might feel a sense of trepidation, but not I. I've grown up with these men.

The one on my right is Reggie. Reggie Mick.

He has served our family for quite some time now—long enough to earn my fondness. He's my favorite, truth be told. We share countless inside jokes, and during my childhood, he would sneak extra desserts to me after the kitchen had closed for the night.

The other man beside me is General. Yes, that's his name. Don't ask me why his parents thought naming their child General was a wise choice.

General is wonderful, though a bit more solemn than Reggie. He must be in his early sixties by now, whereas Reggie, still in his youth, is no older than twenty-five.

"Hello!"

"Greetings, Princess. I see you made a timely escape while you could."

I turn to face them, just in time to catch sight of a young gentleman storming down the opposite hallway, clearly displeased.

"I take it his advice was...?"

"Considered, but nothing more," Reggie replies with a smirk.

"I imagine it was an eventful meeting."

"Oh, you missed quite the show. A real collection of eccentrics in there." I chuckle at Reggie's remark and continue walking.

As my personal guards, it is their duty—though perhaps unfortunate for them—to accompany me everywhere.

"Christmas is approaching," I note, hoping to change the subject. General nods in agreement, ever watchful for any potential threats. "I've been thinking... we don't have any Christmas traditions, do we? Why is that?"

The moment the question leaves my lips, General's attention fully shifts to me.

"We used to have many, Your Highness. But that was before..." His voice trails off, leaving an uncomfortable silence hanging in the air.

"Do you think I resemble her?" I ask softly.

"Very much so, Princess. And you carry her heart."

Before we can continue our conversation, we arrive at yet another large, imposing wooden door. The commotion behind it suggests that we're not the only ones dealing with heated discussions today.

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