Letters To The Heart

Entry 12: A New Face

Dear Stranger,

Today has been nothing short of eventful.

"I hope that today is all you've hoped for!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is! How can I thank you?"

"There is no need for thanks. You won fair and square! Now, go and prepare for your week as a royal!" With that, a young maiden turned away from me, joining the staff to prepare for her special day in the palace.

The "Regal Dining Competition" has been a cherished tradition for centuries. The young lady who successfully navigates the intricacies of having brunch with a monarch—from entering the palace to leaving flawlessly—will earn a remarkable reward: a week spent living as a princess. However, the task is not as simple as it appears.

The chosen maiden must remember every step and rule required for dining with royalty, all without reminders or prompts. For example, one must never sit or lift their utensils until the royal has done so first.

Had my father been present, he would have been the first to lift his utensils, and everyone else would have followed his lead. When multiple royals are present, the one of highest rank must take the first bite before others may begin their meal. If Father were at the table, no one would wait for me; they would wait for him.

Young ladies must be vigilant, ensuring they sit correctly, maintain the proper posture, and use the correct utensils, sipping from the appropriate drink at the right moment. Although not every meal with royalty adheres to these strictures, this represents the ideal approach.

While it is amusing to observe, it is disheartening when a girl is gently tapped by a watcher, indicating a mistake that leads to disqualification. Often, we do not find a winner on the first day, or even the second or third. Yet, this year, we discovered our champion on the very first day!

Lassie Cattle is a striking girl with golden blonde hair and warm brown eyes. Her delicate features resemble the soft petals of a blooming rose, but her hands reveal the toil of a hardworking farmer's daughter. I look forward to having her around the palace; her bright spirit will be a welcome addition.

Speaking of new faces, the "wonderful" Prince Cullen has decided to linger at the palace as well. Somehow, he has learned of Christian's earlier rejection of the marriage proposal.

He announced, in front of my father and me, that out of the goodness of his heart, he would remain at the palace while awaiting a new answer. Naturally, my father took this news with a grain of salt, quickly moving on to more pressing matters.

Lately, he has appeared exceptionally weary. I hope his fatigue stems only from the demands of palace life. Christmas is fast approaching, and the matter of marriage is far from resolved.

Christian has been absent these days. Since our encounter in the art room, I have not seen him. Once his visit concludes, I have resolved not to send any more letters his way. Throughout his time here, he has shown that not only is he a partner I would never choose, but I am also unsure if I even want to maintain our friendship.

Ah, I must welcome the new princess. I shall catch up later.

~ Princess Elise

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