Princess of Glass

Chapter One

September 23

I apologize for having no greeting in this specific letter, as I am unsure at the moment how I should address you. But I suppose at this moment, as you're reading, you're wondering who I am and why I happen to be writing this letter to you. It is, mostly, because I can't trust the palace to tell, so I may as well tell a complete stranger. 

I am Princess Robyn Deyn of Muira, a small country that you may live on or perhaps you don't. I don't know who this letter is going out to. But I have a problem. You see, months ago, I had to make a choice for the good of my country. We were at war, and my mother, being as amazing at resolving conflicts as she was, decided to just marry me off to a man. Now, this was completely fine with me! It was what was best for my country and so I married him...but things weren't as amazing as I thought. 

My husband...he seemed so nice at first. He gave me gifts, took me out...but it was all for show. After the night we wed, he changed. It should be nothing, but...I just can't shake the bad feeling I get from him. He's been so...weird since the wedding. I often find him with my waiting staff, talking to them as though planning something. But the war has stopped. For now. 

Now for my problem. He doesn't let me out of my room for anything. The door is locked from the outside, and he's put bars over my windows. Yes, my maid allows me out, when it's night and only when I'm wearing my cloak (that's when I see him with the staff) and even then I have to be careful. He tells me things about my family, tells me...they don't want me. When he catches me outside, he hits me, and I...don't know what happened. I never liked men in the first place, I only married him because it was good for my country, but now I wish I'd done something, anything, to stop my mother from marrying me to him. My maid and I, we love each other, that's why she's giving you this letter, because she knows you can help me. That's what she said, at least. I trust her. I'd trust Essie with anything. 

But this would be where you come in, stranger. You have read my situation and now I ask you to send back a letter with Essie, to help me figure out what to do in my situation. I don't understand what has happened to this man, who was so nice once. Perhaps you can help. If Essie says you can, then I trust her. Please, help me out. The fate of me and my country may depend on it.

- Princess Robyn Deyn of Muira, 

   Heir to the Murian Throne, 

   Wife of Anton Cherry