Letters To The Heart

Entry 10: My Answer

I walk through the long halls, the sound of my footsteps mingling with the quiet hum of servants attending to their duties. As I near the council room, I pause in front of the portrait of my parents—my father's strong presence beside my mother's warm and regal demeanor. They were a beacon of unity, and for a brief moment, I wish I could step back into the time when everything felt so certain.

A voice breaks the silence.

"She was truly lovely," Christian says softly from behind me.

I glance back, taking in the sight of him. He looks as though he hasn't slept well, his usually confident posture softened with weariness. I know I should ask if he's all right, but the tension between us makes me hesitate.

"Thank you," I reply, turning my gaze back to the portrait. "She was more than a queen. She was everything—a mother, a wife, a partner in ruling."

Christian steps closer, his voice tentative. "Do you think your father will ever love again?"

I'm taken aback by his question, but the sadness in his eyes matches my own. "She gave him her blessing to love again," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "But he has chosen not to. He's focused on ensuring the future of this kingdom, especially now."

Christian nods thoughtfully, but the weight of his earlier accusations still lingers in the air between us. I turn away, unwilling to delve further into such personal matters with him.

"I should go," I say, eager to escape the conversation. "The council awaits."

"I'll walk with you," he offers.

I glance at him, debating whether to decline, but I allow it. We walk side by side, the tension still palpable but unspoken. The looming council meeting is more important than our strained relationship, and we both know it. His arm brushes against mine occasionally, but we keep our distance as we approach the council chamber.

Inside, the atmosphere is heavy. My father stands at the head of the table, surrounded by his advisors. His usual strength seems dimmed, the vibrant energy that once filled him now replaced with fatigue. Something feels wrong.

"Elise, Christian," my father greets us, his voice calm but lacking its usual warmth. "Join us."

We take our places, but before I can sit, one of the councilmen speaks up, his tone sharp. "We do not have time for pleasantries, Your Majesty. We must speak of the marriage."

My father raises a hand to silence him. "I know this is not what either of you wanted," he begins, addressing both Christian and me. "But this marriage has been arranged for years. It is essential for the stability of both our kingdoms."

I try to stay composed, but frustration rises within me. "Father, why now? Why is this marriage so urgent?"

A councilman I don't recognize steps forward, his green eyes cold and calculating. "Because, Princess, without a husband by your side, you will be seen as vulnerable. A queen without a king is an open target."

Christian moves to speak, but I raise my hand, cutting him off. "I am not yet queen, and my father is still very much alive. There is no need for this marriage to happen so soon."

The man steps closer, his gaze intense. "Your father is not well, Your Highness. He will not—"

"Enough!" I shout, my heart pounding. "What are you saying? Father, what is he talking about?"

The room falls silent as my father sinks into his chair, a gesture I've never seen him make during a council meeting. He looks frail—tired in a way that makes my stomach churn.

"I didn't want you to find out like this," he begins, his voice barely steady. "I've been diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease."

The world feels like it's collapsing around me. "What?"

"I've been ill for months," he continues, not meeting my eyes. "I've had several mini-strokes, and the physicians say it's only a matter of time before..."

I can't breathe. "No. No, there has to be something—"

"Elise," my father interrupts gently. "There is nothing more they can do. I wanted to tell you, but I thought we had more time."

Tears blur my vision as I sink to my knees beside him, my heart breaking with each word. "No, Father, please..."

He places a hand on my head, his touch light but reassuring. "You have to be strong, Elise. You must prepare to take the throne much sooner than we planned."

I shake my head, refusing to accept it, but deep down, I know. My father is dying, and there is nothing I can do to stop it.

As the meeting adjourns, the reality of my situation crashes down on me. My father will soon be gone. I will ascend to the throne before I'm ready. And in less than a year, I will be bound in a loveless marriage.

The room clears, leaving only one person behind—the man who once was my closest friend, but now feels like a stranger. My cold-hearted fiancé.

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