Chapter 1

A Chapter by Alix

Chapter One

Seventeenth Day of the Earth Moon, 1864 A.E.

The Grand Palace

Vienna, Rhea JXU29

Dearest Seline,

Something strange happened today as I was weaving. I was at my loom finishing a scarf with a pattern of fireflies when all of a sudden Anne, one of the palace weavers, shrieked.

“What’s wrong Anne?” I asked wondering what in the Great Mother’s name was wrong with her.

She did not answer me, and instead started whimpering and raised a trembling hand to point at my tapestry. I turned back to my tapestry and gasped. The fireflies were glowing. I got out of my seat and walked unsteadily towards Anne and covered her mouth with my hand (She was the only one in the room so I did not need to worry about anyone else.).

“Not a word to anyone. Do you hear me? Not one single word,” I said shakily. I took my hand off her mouth.

She dropped into a curtsy and said, also shakily, “Yes, your highness.”

“You are dismissed,” I told her. She curtsied again and left the loom house. As soon as she left, I grabbed my almost finished scarf and ran to my quarters and burned it in my fire. As I watched it burn, I thought about what had just happened moments ago. There was no explanation except that the Gods’ were not pleased with me. There was no way I could have magic. It just didn’t run in our family. At least, it didn’t through my father’s side. But my mother…

I ran towards the library and searched for a book on the Ainsworth family. I found a book bound in gold and flipped to the back where there was a family tree. I ran my finger through the names embossed in gold, looking for one who just happened to have a special ability. I didn’t find a match until I reached Great-Uncle Albert’s name. Right beside his name was a dash and one word: healer. I slammed the book shut.

I walked slowly back to my quarters muttering impossible at the same time. Just as I was turning the doorknob, I thought of something and walked in the opposite direction towards Will’s quarters. I knocked on his door and waited.

Will answered the door, his golden hair as chaotic as usual, “What is it Alix?” I must have looked wild for him to ask me that, but I didn’t care.

“Are you going to invite me in?” I asked.

“Oh, um, come in.”

I walked into his sitting room and sat down in a plushy chair and waited for him to sit down before I asked him my question.

“Um, Will? Have you ever shown any…special talent?” I asked.

“You mean, like magic?” He replied.

“Well, yeah.” I said.

“I don’t believe so. Why do you ask?”

I blurted out the whole story to him. When I finished he stood up and paced for a minute or two.

He finally answered, “Well, Alix, I think you should find yourself a teacher before it…you know, before you…how do I word this…go to the realm of the Gods prematurely.”

I nodded and asked him, “One more question, do you know any weavers who…have magic?”

“Um, I think a woman in the village has it, but I’m not sure.”

I nodded once more and got up to go back to my rooms.

I shall need to go, because dinner is about to be served.

Tell Uncle Will and your stepmother hello for me (Well, you don’t have to say it to your stepmama.).

Yours,

Alexandra Elizabeth Swan

Twenty-second day of the Earth Moon, 1864 A.E.

Summerseas Manor

Summerseas, Rhea, A.S. 133

DearAlexandra,

As to your strange event, I do believe the cause was you, not the gods. Consider. Why would gods that have a somewhat angered personality give you an otherwise unknown power? I must say, this should be put to use, not hindered until it withers away. Sorry, I didn’t mean to impose. But I insist that you learn how to harness this magic and understand it to the point where you and it are one. Also, do not share this secret to anyone else, not even your parents. I suspect that if you do, the information will reach the wrong ears. Do not trust everyone in the castle.

My, there are so many things of interest that are happening in your household! As for me, nothing much, really. My stepsister, being the hag she is, has unleashed a terror that has since haunted me every day. You know Williams, the apprentice of that tailor on the nearby hill? Oh, the poor tailor has too much patience! If it were up to me, I would have booted the fool out the back door with a hive of stinging bees on his head, accompanied by a bear. Oh, the joy of it all is enough to make me roll on the floor with laughter. But, back to the topic of discussion. So, as I was saying, my toad of a sister has whispered to idiotic Williams that I liked him. How embarrassing! Of course, acknowledging the fact that Williams has fallen in love with me (but not I with him), he has now set his mind on forgetting the master tailor and is now occupied with wooing me. And I say again, the poor tailor! I am getting weary of kicking his backside to the moon every day, no matter how fun it is. I do not know how long this pathetic nightmare is going to last, but if there is one thing I do know, it is to get back at my stepsister. I am currently thinking about snakes and mice in her drawers… No, that would be cruel. To the snakes and mice, I mean. I do know where to find them, however. As you know, there is a nearby town at my summer home. They have a simply marvelous shop filled with every critter you could possibly find. And there are some wild creatures in the nearby woods. I doubt I would be able to reach there in time, though.

My dear older brother, the only one that is biologically related to me, cares about me. Perhaps too much. He thinks I’m a delicate little china doll, and that I cannot fend for myself. In a way, that is bad, for I need freedom like air. And in a way, that is good, for ever since Father met my poisonous and deceiving stepmother, he has been smitten about her, and does not care for Jon and me anymore. Jonathon insists he can take care of himself, but he often worries that I will struggle because of Father’s poor decisions. He is practically the only male that I hold dear in my heart. Ah, my worrisome brother. He is so worried every day, but perhaps that is my fault. I have participated in so many risky pastimes, like archery, hunting for stags, and horse-back riding, that one day I could possibly cause ill to my dear brother. My true mother would tell me that I was just like my brother. I would have had a little sister to mold into myself, but my poor mother died, with my unborn sister. That is why, I believe you must be stronger than you can be, or else you deserved to die. I am very serious at times, I admit.

Jon has said many a time with a wry smile on his face, “Seline, you can be at times, more serious than a boulder, although I have no reason why.”

I have one, though. I have supposed that over the years, my back-straightening moral has formed a hard shell of stone over me that is frustration, anger, and stubbornness. Of course, my peaceful brother would never understand that. I should appreciate every second I have with him, however. Jon will soon be leaving to train as a page, then as a squire. And if the fruits of his labor are ripe, he shall ride back home a knight.

In the meantime, though, I shall have to endure the tormenter that is my stepsister, the ignorance of my once-loved father, and the venomous nightshade that is my stepmother. Have I mentioned that she hits me over the head while smiling deceivingly to my father at the same time? Can he just for one second look at her and see her for her true self?! I may sooner commit suicide than have to endure years with this hag! Perhaps I could go with my brother. Well, enough of my problems. Take care. And, please, visit!

Unfortunately Still Living,

Seline of Summerseas

Twenty-Third Day of the Earth Moon, 1864 A.E.

The Grand Palace

Vienna, Rhea. JXU29

Dearest Seline,

I have taken your advice as well as my brother’s and went to search for a teacher.

Yesterday, I went out to the village with my brother as an escort (Sometimes, it is such a pain being a princess, especially a princess royal. You cannot go anywhere without an escort.). We passed many small cottages and shops until we reached the local loom house.

Once inside, a village woman turned around to see who had entered and stared at us until she regained her senses. Then, she got up and curtsied. As soon as the other women saw what she did, they too got up and curtsied.

The woman who had first seen us then asked us in a deep voice, “Your JHighnesses, we are honored by your presence. My name is Isalette and these are my fellow weavers. I beg your pardon, I am being rude, would you like some tea in the other room?”

Will coughed then said, “Actually, we are here to discuss some important matters.”

The woman who had introduced herself as Isalette looked around and started to panic, “Did the king raise the taxes again?”

“No, it’s not that. May we speak to you privately?” Wiill asked.

“Yes, yes of course! Right this way,” Isalette said.

She led us down a long hallway until we reached a tiny, cramped room.

“I’m sorry if this is not what you are used to. This is the best we can do,” Isalette looked at us apologetically as she gestured to the room.

“No, it’s fine. We came here to inquire if you have one with the gift amongst you?” Will replied.

“Yes, we have one, her name is Hannah. She has a… a gift with thread, though why you would ever need her is beyond me,” Isalette said.

“Not to be rude or anything, your Highnesses,” she added quickly.

“No, no, of course not. Actually, my sister, our cousin, the Lady Seline, and I have reason to believe that my sister has thread magic. May we speak with her personally?”

“Yes, of course. I shall get her,” Isalette said. She then scurried down the hall back to where the other women were weaving.

A minute or two later, she came back with a middle-aged woman. She was small, but looked strong, had auburn hair with wisps of gray, and piercing green eyes.

If looks could kill...I thought.

She glanced at me and whispered something to Isalette. Isalette then whispered something in Hannah’s ear. Hannah nodded and Isalette left without another word.

“Isalette has told me that you have a gift, newly discovered. Correct?” she asked in a strong voice with a thick country accent. In fact, it was so thick, I could hardly understand her.

“Yes,” William answered for me as I sat quietly in my seat with my hands in my lap.

“How did you discover your…gift?”

I spoke for the first time since I had arrived at the loom houses and told her my story about the scarf I was weaving and the glowing fireflies to her.

“Hmm…it would appear to me you have a strong gift. We shall need to start training it as soon as possible or else you could lose control of it.

“Excuse me?” I said, “Could you please repeat what you said?”

That was how thick her accent was! Even I, a royal princess fluent in seven languages, couldn’t understand what she was saying.

She repeated what she had just said, enunciating each word.

“How soon can we start?” I asked eagerly.

“Well…as soon as you want to, really,” Hannah said.

“Can you come perhaps tomorrow? I can write you a note that will gain you entrance into the palace without the interference of the guards. And, your payment?” I said.

“Oh no. I could never take a person of royal lineage’s money.” Hannah said.

“But I insist, one gold ruble for every lesson. How is that?” I asked.

“No, no. Too much,” she said shaking her head as she spoke.

“No? Shall a bag of barley suffice then?” I asked, refusing her to teach me as a charity case.

She contemplated this option and after a moment she said, “Fine. I shall take a bag of barley per lesson.”

“Then it is settled. We shall begin tomorrow?”

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” she curtsied.

“My brother and I are highnesses, our parents are majesties,” I told her not unkindly.

I wrote a note on parchment permitting her into the palace every day.

As soon as I was done and had handed her the note, Will stood up and held his arm out to me. I took it, and we made our way slowly back to the palace.

Dinner is about to be served. I shall write some more later.

Later

You would not believe what happened tonight at dinner! A mouse scurried in while we were eating, right after we had been served. All it took was one scream of, “Vermin!” to bring the whole palace down in chaos. In the midst of the chaos, the high table, where I was sitting, overturned, spilling soup and other delicacies into our laps. Thank the Goddess Mother the twins were not present, but instead safely eating in their private nursery, otherwise they would have begun wailing. Both of them! The screaming finally subsided and the servants were able to clean everything up.

Now, about your dilemma, I have to say, you have got to tell your admirer you do not...admire hime as he does you. No matter what, you simply must tell him so, because it would be quite cruel to…lead him on…

As for your stepsister, I would suggest bribing her maid to put her bed warmer a tad closer to her feet, just enough to singe her toes a tiny bit.

I promise to tell you how your dear brother does when he comes to the palace to train to be a knight. It should be a very good experience for him.

I shall have to ask if I may go to Summerseas perhaps…this midwinter? Or, if possible, perhaps you could join me here?

Yours,

Alexandra Elizabeth Swan

Twenty-fifth Day of the Earth-Moon, 1864 A.E.

Summerseas Manor

Summerseas, Rhea, A.S. 133

Dearest Alexandra,

By your description of Hannah, I say I would love to meet her. She sounds like a very strong woman who is capable of thinking her own thoughts. Hannah would be a very good tutor to have around. But remember, she is still a newcomer in your life, and may not be what she seems on the outside. For all we know, she could be a spy from Tortuga. Do not let her near your food or bedchambers. You may regret it. Do not act like you are suspicious, or she may decide to be rid of you. Literally. Be on your guard at all times.

I see now that I shall have to visit you, for the sake of you and my sanity. My stepmother is worrying me. She is fairly nasty right now, but when my father leaves for his meeting discussing certain affairs of his land with the council, he shall be in Carrington, an island away from horrible things that may happen due to my stepmother and sister. I do not have to worry yet, for Jonathan is still here, but when he leaves, Father shall be gone already. I do not know whether to retreat from Lady Sandra to your hospitality, or to stay home. I have to take care of my people, you know. Leaving Lady Sandra in charge may be the worst idea in this century. Who knows what she will do! If I do go to your castle to visit, when I come back, what do you think I would see? Perhaps a slave ring or a ghost of a land that once was fine. I need advice. Tell me what to do! I cannot think anymore. Oh, why should my father’s meeting be in Carrington, for Dias’ sake? Seriously, that is the worst location ever. You obviously know about the tyrant king, King Adrian, considering your father and he hate each other. He owns the whole Kraken Isles, and Carrington is one of them. My father, a fool. I fear his life will be taken before Lady Sandra dies. Humph. I, Seline Kai of Summerseas, solemnly swear to protect my land from Lady Sandra. By the way, I would very much like for you stay at Summerseas, but my stepmother is too much of a headache, and she will know that I wrote to you for you to come, which I am forbidden from. If it is not too much to ask, may I stay at your palace for a few days? I shall write after Jonathan gets on the train, for I want to spend some time with him before I go to your castle. Oh, and if you want me to come, you must send an official invitation or else Lady Sandra shall suspect that I wrote to you. Write as soon as possible!

Sincerely,

Seline of Summerseas

Twenty-Seventh Day of the Earth Moon, 1864 A.E.

The Grand Palace

Vienna, Rhea, JXU29

Dearest Seline,

I have taken you advice and have already arranged for the lessons to be held in the library, where it is quiet and easy to concentrate.

My first lesson was on the different elements, earth, air, water, and fire. According to her, my element is earth. Which means the Goddess Gaia protects me and everyone else whose element is earth. Below is a transcript of her lecture (With all the proper grammar and pronunciations she didn’t include.).

“In the beginning of time there was nothingness. In the God’s realm, there was chaos and havoc, where Concordia, the goddess of strife, ruled richly and comfortably. There was also peace and happiness, where Dias ruled the good and kind. Before them there was Gaia and Ouranos. According to the legend, Ouranos came every night to cover the earth and mate with Gaia. But, Ouranos hated the children Gaia bore him. Ouranos decided to imprison his youngest children in Tartarus, deep within the earth, where they caused pain to Gaia.

Gaia decided to fashion a sickle and ask her sons to castrate Ouranos with it. Only Kronus, the youngest, was willing to do the task. And he did, casting the severed testicles into the great sea. From the blood which spilled from Ouranos came forth the three avenging Furies, the Erinyes, Meliae, and, according to legend, the Telchines. From the severed testicles in the sea came Cytherea, the goddest of love and lust. The famed Phaeacians originated supposedly from the bloodied sickle, which was buried deep into the earth.

After Ouranos was disposed of, Kronus imprisoned his older brothers in Tartarus. Gaia and Ouranos, in turn, prophesied that Kronus would be overthrown by his own son. And so, Kronus attempted to avoid fate by devouring his young. But alas, you cannot elude fate forever. Dias, through trickery on his mother, Rhea’s, part was not devoured. So, in the end, Dias fulfilled the prophesy his grandparents had made.”

My second lesson is to be tomorrow. I can hardly wait for it. It is all so interesting.

I do feel for you. Father has agreed to let me visit for midwinter’s eve. I shall include an invitation for you to come and visit for mid-autumn festival. It is set to be the tenth day of the Wind Moon. I am sorry you have such short notice. I shall need the details of your dress right away. I do think purple is rather flattering on you. But, then again, it is your dress. Give me the details and I shall make it even more fabulous than you ever imagined. I will also be sure to not include any red. You know how red looks horrible on you. Have you noticed everyone of royal descent looks absolutely horrifying in red? It is so dreadful, with red being such a bright color, and us not being able to wear it.

I shall need to stow my ink and quill away as I hear the maid coming. If she sees this, she shall surely read it.

Yours,

Alexandra Elizabeth Swan

Twenty-Seventh Day of the Earth Moon, 1864 A.E.

The Grand Palace

Vienna, Rhea, JXU29

I, the Princess Royal Alexandra Elizabeth Swan of the grand country of Rhea, request that the grand lady, Seline Sai of Summerseas, be able to come to the mid-autumn festival, to be held at the royal palace on the tenth day of the Wind Moon.

Alexandra Elizabeth Swan

Thirtieth Day of the Earth Moon, 1864 A.E.

Summerseas Manor

Summerseas, Rhea. AS133

Dearest Alix,

Make sure at least one trusted person is in the library with you as you have your lessons. We would not want something regretful happening. Then who would comfort me in times of need? I am joking, of course.

As for the lessons, would you mind if I joined you? I shall hide some weapons in my clothing, as I, myself, know a tad bit of the art of combat. But I am terribly interested in this subject, so if it is not too much, could you perhaps ask Hannah to postpone lessons until I arrive? You will not have to wait long, as my week with Jonathan is quickly, though I hate to admit it, coming to a close. I will be able to join you at your home in about eight days.

My, how fast a week has come and passed! But on the bright side, I will not need to fear being caught by Lady Sandra as I will be able to talk to you without the aid of ink and a quill.

And, we will have so much fun at the festival. Has a suitor asked you for the first dance yet? You know how I abhor boys. But don’t let me ruin your fun. I am just stating a fact.

By the way, Jonathan says he will train me in the art of combat if he comes back. This worries me; Jonathan seemed so stressed when he said that. His face was carefree, but his eyes were gray and forlorn. He also said if, almost like he wasn’t expecting to come back. Does that mean he will not be home after he finishes his training as a knight? If I knew he would not come back, I would have forced him to stay. But it is my brother’s dream, and I cannot hold him back.

As a precaution, however, I have decided to train as a page when I arrive at your palace, because I will need to watch over my brother. And, with Lady Sandra growing more and more dangerous, someday I may not need to call the bailiff on her. Instead I will be able to do the job. She deserves to die. She has so many sins that she hides. Recently, while rummaging through her bedroom drawer, I have discovered that the drawer will not close all the way no matter how I try. I have offered to fix it for her, out of curiosity of the means of this jamming. Lady Sandra behaved rather strangely and said no in a quick manner. I wonder if she has something to hide. I shall have to get her out of the house for a week if I am to know. A hot spring should draw both of them out of their lairs.

I have just proposed the idea to Lady Sandra and Lady Drizella. They packed their bags in a matter of seconds. It is amazing what they will do for something like that. They are about to head out the door right now. Father will be accompanying them on their journey and then heading to Carrington. How convenient. My brother will be leaving in a day or two. So I will have the house to myself for five days. How convenient again.

As for my dress, it is very kind of you to help me with it. I must say, you have very fine taste. I have decided on a purple gown, as suggested. It will look simply stunning with my eyes. Your taste must have something to do with your special talent with threads. Anyways, I was thinking perhaps a purple gown without the lace around the neckline. And black kid gloves, black shoes, and a black fishnet over my face. Your mistress of wardrobe should be able to make them as they are simple little items. Should I have my hair up in a design or flowing? Seeing as you are the expert, I shall leave it to your decision. Please reply as soon as possible.

Oh, I must go. Lady Sandra has forgotten a glove and is heading towards her room. I am hiding in the closet and I can hear her footsteps nearing. Once again, it is very kind of you to invite me to your castle.

Sincerely,

Seline Sai of Summerseas

First day of the Wind Moon, 1864 A.E.

The Grand Palace

Vienna, Rhea. JXU29 ‘

Dearest Seline,

I have granted your requests and have postponed the lessons until the day after the seventh of the Wind Moon, under the excuse that I will need to spend all my time preparing my dress for the ball.

Speaking of gowns and balls, you must have misunderstood me, I, personally, will be making your gown. I can already guess what you are thinking.

“But, it’s the mistress of wardrobe’s responsibility to make our gowns!”

The truth is I have dismissed her. After all, I can make dresses as well as she can. Perhaps better.

As for your training as a page, that is unspeakable! You know as well as I do that it is against the law for ladies to be concerned in the art of combat, especially ladies of noble upbringing. But, there is a way, and you might feel a great distaste to it, I do recall that one of the pages, when you last visited, took a liking to you. His name is Matthew, and he has been a second-year page since the beginning of this moon. Anyways, I was thinking you could….you might be able to…play with him. You know, pretend to return his adoration of you. All the noble women have done it (Although I haven’t.). It is a rather common practice. Many a young man has had his heart broken by us ladies. I know you disapprove, but this is the only valid way I can think of. Unless, you want to interrupt your brother in his studies, which, I daresay, you don’t. Of course you are already better than any lady with the sword, even me. Even though you’ve had the same amount of practice as the rest of us yet you are able to beat each and every one of us soundly. But, I am better at archery than you are (I persuaded one of the squires to help me train.).

I have taken the liberty to include a sketch of your dress. I have altered a few little details. Your dress is to be white and royal purple, with a whalebone corset. And I have eliminated all the black you requested. Black is so…dreary. Instead, you will be wearing these beautiful shoes that I picked out and white kid gloves. I believe you should wear your hair up. It looks better that way, and works well with your dress. If you have any complaints tell me, and I shall alter it if I agree.

Have you found out anything about the drawer? Anything…scandalous perhaps?

I have to go. I shall write more later. The footman is at my door.

Later

Can you believe that one of the pages asked me to accompany him on a picnic? And my father AGREED! I spent my entire afternoon with a brainless twelve year old!

“Um…hello?” was the first thing he said to me. How stupid is that? He’s talking to the princess royal for Dias’s sake!

“Hello,” I said, feigning pleasantness.

“Um…so…Your Highness, do you like fish?” he asked me. I absolutely detested fish.

“No, I do not enjoy fish very much,”

“Oh,” he said, looking ever so disappointed. I almost laughed out loud! You should have seen the look on his face. It was ever so hysterical.

Anyways, I soon learned his name was Mundain. Isn’t that outrageous? Who would name their child Mundain? I silently prayed to Dias for this nightmare to end all the while he was attempting to talk.

After thirty painful minutes, it began to rain! I never want to see that pig-faced rat again. He was rather slow, I believe.

I await your arrival.

Yours,

Alix

Fourth Day of the Wind Moon, 1864 A.E.

Summerseas Manor

Summerseas, Rhea, A.S. 133

Dear Seline,

As for my first words- WHY DID YOU DISMISS THE MISTRESS OF WARDROBE! Your parents will be very angry at you! After all, she also makes their clothes. What are you going to do?! You cannot possibly make so many gowns in just a couple days! I do not know what to do, Alexandra Elizabeth Swan! The only thing I can think of so far is to imitate your governess and shout at you. Humph. What did the mistress say when you dismissed her? Do not think I am happy about you dismissing her, because I’m not. I’m just curious. But enough about that. I do not want to age through my stress. I have got enough on my plate without the leftovers of YOUR mess. I hope you won’t do that again. Maybe weaving your fingers stiff shall teach you.

I shall now respond to your thoughts on me becoming a page. I know it is unspeakable, but rules were practically made to be broken. I may be sent to the bailiff for my foolish behavior, but that is what I have you for! No, I am just kidding. But I could easily cut my hair, wear trousers, and deepen my voice. I wouldn’t go swimming, or take off my clothes. Easy. As for the second option, you should know better than even mention that idea! I simply refuse to go into such childish behavior around Matthew. And how do you know he fancies me? Have you been spying again? You could get caught by Matthew himself or the guards. I know they wouldn’t punish you, but they can report this behavior to your parents, who are the only ones beside your governess who have the capability of actually punishing you. And I don’t even know Matthew. How could I flirt with one I do not even know? I’ve only seen him once. The only thing I like is his blonde hair. That is all. I might possibly train under him if I knew more about him, and that isn’t going to happen unless by some slim chance, you have a magical book that allows me to view his doings and what his personality. I really doubt you have one. So unless that happens, I am not training under him? And besides, wouldn’t he be busy with his own training? When would he be able to do teach me? Certainly not during the day. And what if Jonathan catches me? He would surely send me home. My head is spinning. Help me, tell me what to do.

As for my dress, your sketch looks wonderful. Excuse me; I haven’t really paid any attention to terms of clothing. I really hope my corset doesn’t hurt. Some silly girls really do think that whalebone corsets make them look thinner the tighter they pull the strings, which, by the way, don’t. In actuality, it only makes them gasp for air during the middle of a dance, decreases their ability to reach or to bend, and creates nausea, and finally, unconsciousness. It is fairly stupid. I just tie mine securely enough that it doesn’t slip down my body. Speaking of pain, nausea, and unconsciousness, a hilarious experience occurred to Lady Drizella that is just too funny. She tightened her corset a tad too much, and it started rubbing into her ribs. Lady Drizella, being the stubborn adolescent that she is, ignored it. Soon she fainted right in front of a great number of nobles. She will murder me if she ever heard I told you, so do not mention it to her.

Now I must tell you about the drawers. While everyone was away (Jonathan was visiting the next town), I was inspecting the drawers. In the end, I concluded that for it to be stuck, there either had to have an uneven edge on the cabinet, or there was something between the cabinet and the back of the drawers. I pulled out the cabinet. The edges were perfectly sanded and were even. I turned around to the back of the cabinet, and found something rather intriguing. A small knob was fixed on to the back of the cabinet. I tried twisting it. The knob didn’t budge. Then I tried pulling it. The knob fell off, along with part of the back of the cabinet. There was a small book in it. I was astonished. This is what Lady Sandra among her clothing! I flipped to the first page.

It read, “Dear Diary, I have finally accomplished my goal of marrying that foolish duke. His money shall soon be mine! That idiotic man actually thought I loved him, what a fool! Did he not guess what would happen to him after dear Richard died suddenly after getting sick with the common cold? He is so stupid! But that shall not matter much as he shall soon be relieved of his riches.”

I was angry, I do not know why. I know that she was trying to do exactly that, but the fact of seeing the truth on print just broke me down. I hate Lady Sandra! And I know that you’re going to say that hate is a strong word, but I mean it. I didn’t want to read the rest. I didn’t want to know.

Forget that. I am stressing again.

One of the pages asked to accompany you on a picnic?! You should have made an excuse! I would have used, in your case, “I am sorry, I must attend to some court duties.” Then come back to him after an hour and state that the court is going to ask that you stay inside and do some paperwork that will possibly take at least a month. That should take care of him. Humph! I cannot believe he loves fish! They somehow unnerve me. The rolling eyes, the slimy scales, and that glint in their eyes. It is rather disturbing. His name is practically one to guffaw at. Mundain sounds so much like mundane. I wonder if his parents named him that purposely. I must go. Jonathan has returned from town, and has noticed that I am sitting up high on the plum tree by the window in my sitting room and is frantically trying to get me down. You and I both know, however, that I can climb up and down a tree quite easily. I must get down or he will die of a heart attack. Hmm…

Until I Get Down,

Seline Kai of Summerseas

P.S. I have read the rules of conduct for the winter ball out of curiosity of my brother’s chuckling. I am INFURIATED! The winter masquerade ball, in case you didn’t know, requires at least one companion of the opposite gender. Why, why, why? Save me! No, actually, restrain me, for I will yell at my brother for laughing at this serious situation.

Fifth Day of the Wind Moon, 1864 A.E.

The Grand Palace

Vienna, Rhea. JXU29

Dearest Seline

I believe you misunderstood me once again. I have dismissed the mistress of wardrobe from making my clothes. She will continue to make the clothes of the rest of the palace, just not for me. I actually think she was rather relieved to not have to make my clothes anymore, not insulted. Considering my constant criticism, she must have had to use all her willpower to not slap me in my face. And, for your curiosity’s sake, the words she spoke to me were not rude, in fact.

“Yes, your highness,” she said as she curtsied.

“You are dismissed,” I replied. She dipped again into a curtsy and left my quarters without another word.

I do believe you are rather quick with your instincts, but then again, you always have been and probably always will be.

Well, since I will probably not help you break the law, I shall give you all I know and all I’ve heard about Matthew.

He was born in Terishire in 1850 A.E. to the viscount of Terishire. He has a younger brother (who will begin training next year), Zachary, and an older sister named Baylee. She is one of my ladies-in-waiting, but I do not know all that much about her younger brother. His mother was the daughter of a knight. That is all I know of his past before he came to the palace.

Matthew started training two years ago. Matthew has, according to what I’ve managed to salvage from his teachers, very good grades. He keeps up with most of his work. But then again, nobody is able to do all their work. Free time for them is a joke. I believe the record for the least number of late homework assignments is ten in one term. It is held by one of the squires; Jackson is his name, I believe.

Now, about his personality, this is what his sister, Baylee, told me: Matthew is kind, he loves animals, his dream is to become a great knight whose name shall be remembered forever as a hero, he is shy at times, and he can be unusually quiet.

Not much, but that is all I have. Oh, and no I did not spy on him. Remember the feast we had last time you visited? Well, I noticed one of the pages stared at you the entire time. Remember when you asked me where I had disappeared to after the feast and I had replied that I went to Will’s quarters? Well, actually, I was asking if any of the squires knew his name.

As for your concern on when he will have the time to train you, remember I have the power to ask one of the pages or squires here to be excused to help me with something. They would not have to make up any work they missed, so you needn’t worry that he will not be able to complete his own work.

And do not worry about your brother discovering you. I shall give you the liberty of training in my quarters. My sitting room should be large enough to let you train if we move some of the furniture around.

Thank you for your compliments on your dress. I am nearly finished with it. By the time you arrive here, I believe I shall have it done. Then all we need to do is adjust the fittings a little, as I am sure you have grown since the last time we saw each other. Your hair shall be fashioned by my own personal hairdresser.

Your stepmother must be such a horrid woman. I cannot believe such person exists. She has such a cold heart, she probably is cold-blooded too. Do you think she killed her last husband? That’s what her words sound like she did. If she did kill her last husband, you may want to keep a very careful watch of your father. She may be planning on murdering him too. You have to keep him a safe distance away from Lady Sandra.

We mustn’t tell anyone of your stepmother’s deeds until we can prove that she did them. But how shall we outsmart her? Give her a glass or two of brandy?

Will is being sent to help with the skirmishes with the ogres. I do worry he will be killed in these minor fights. I can see how you feel about your brother leaving now, and your duty to him.

Speaking of the Ogre Wars, we captured five ogres last week at the Battle of Burnley. We discovered them hiding in the bushes, spying upon us. How cowardly! How they managed to not be discovered is beyond me, but we did force some information from them. They will attack at dawn on the twenty-second day of the Harvest Moon. They believe that as it is dawn, they will be able to beat us easily and soundly and that will be the last battle of this terrible war. So many innocent people have been killed by the ogres. I wish they would just stop trying to push their borders further. Is it not enough to have an entire island? Do they have to keep expanding and killing all the innocent people? I absolutely loathe those wretched creatures. I should not say creatures, they are monsters. I would not be surprised if your stepmama, Lady Sandra was helping them; they are as cold blooded as she is. I know I sound cruel, but they….just will not compromise or obey our laws when they are in our territory. I just…hate those…unmoral monsters. And the thought of Will…battling them…it is just too much. What will happen if he gets killed? That would make me…the crown princess and the princess royal. That would mean I was next in line for the throne…I’m not sure I’m ready for that. Just thinking about that is making my head hurt. I don’t want to rule an entire kingdom. But if it comes to that…which it will not…but if it does, I cannot just abdicate the throne as it will pass into Eleda’s hands. And she is but two summers old. By the look of it, she will be draining the kingdom’s treasury at once.

You should know I cannot just say “no” when my father has already agreed to the picnic. If he consents, it is my duty to obey. And my father would be rather disappointed in me if I had lied. All of the court would report it to him, and I would be in severe trouble. It is not worth it. I have to agree with you, those fish are disgusting. Just the look of them makes my stomach whirl. I don’t see how anyone can eat those disgusting things.

I cannot wait until you arrive in three days. I had to pay my footman extra to ride to your manor twice as fast as usual.

Yours,

Alexandra Elizabeth Swan

Sixth Day of the Wind Moon, 1864 A.E.

Summerseas Manor

Summerseas, Rhea, A.S. 133

Dearest Alexandra,

It is a relief to hear you say that you did not dismiss the mistress of wardrobe from your castle. That would end with you severely punished. For once, you restrain me from assaulting you with a frying pan. Speaking of frying pans, did you know this is the third time this week that I have had to hit fool Williams on the head with kitchen equipment? When will it sink through his thick skull that I do not fancy him? He will surely push me over the cliff of sanity into the abyss below. Do not be alarmed if you see me come to your estate crazy. I will try my best to force my fingers to claw onto the very edge of the cliff, but it is very hard as Williams is stepping on them. I will surely fall. I must kill him someday. But, for now, I shall get back to the current subject.

It surprises me that your mistress of wardrobe is that polite. I thought she was going to fume or puff smoke. Or try to strangle you. She’d have the palace guards on her in a second if that actually ever happened. I wonder, would she get sent to the bailiff? Considering the laws around here, I do believe she would. And what do you mean, “I am quick with my instincts?” Is that supposed to be an insult? I am hurt, do you hear me, hurt! Humph.

As for Matthew, are you really sure he was born in Terishire in 1850, A.E.? Because I was born there, too, a year later. Ask him if his birth date is the 13^th of the Harvest Moon, on Firesday. If it is, I would say the gods have something to do with it. As you know, that is when my birth date is. Anyway, Matthew sounds much better than the other boys. At the very least, he shares my love for the dark woods and the deer leaping between the trees. At the very least. But don’t get any ideas. I do not fancy him. Humph.

As for training, I prefer nighttime, if you don’t mind. I don’t know why, it just more comforting when the darkness can hide you. I don’t want anyone to see me training with Matthew and think we’re… a couple. It is humiliating. And, I will be severely punished, as women are not supposed to be able to fight like men.

As for the winter masquerade ball, it is so kind of you to help me. I simply am not a person who dresses well. I would wear trousers if I could, but if I went walking in the streets, I would be chased home in disgrace. I do not think I should do that, for the sake of my life. I have decided on which dress I want. It is as you descripted, a white dress with a black border at the top, and black embroidery in the dress. You really could be a good mistress of wardrobe, if not for your status and duties to the crown. Don’t let your talents waste away, burn into ashes, and whirl away on the wind. In case you were wondering, I have been reading Ms. Brownwood’s play scripts. Her theater is absolutely wonderful. So many bright, flashing costumes onstage! Back to the dress. Now that you mentioned it, I have grown a few inches since we last saw each other. I am now 5’ 8”. Hopefully, it won’t be too hard to adjust the fittings. By the way, who is your hairdresser? Are you going to fire her, too? No, I am just fooling around. You don’t have to find everything for me. I have prepared for the rest of the accessories, so they will match the dress. I am thinking of a pair of garnet earrings that look like drops of rain. I asked Jonathan, and he has replied with a simple, “They will make you look old, dear sister of mine.” How pleasant. I have thrown an apple at his head. I shall have to find a shade that will not enhance my age. I do not want to become a grandmother, for the sake of Dias! By the way, I have hit Jonathan over the head with a chestnut, as well as the apple. Why did he have to make me read the ball rules of conduct? Now we have to both get male partners for the masquerade ball. It will completely ruin my reputation if someone sees me with a…boy. I shudder to think of the consequences. How horrifying. It is a very good thing we have a masquerade ball, so I will just simply find a mask. How hard could it be? I shall ask Mrs. Brownwood to lend me a mask. She has tons of them. I will either find a half-mask, or one that covers my whole face. Which one do you think would be better for looking good and hiding my identity at the same time?

My stepmother is the spawn of Orcus. She is the snake that hypnotizes men and then bites them before taking all their wealth with her, as she slithers to another target. I have to refrain from reading anymore novels from Mrs. Brownwood, or I will go delirious. What an absurd way to die. Anyway, she must be revealed for who she is, before something terrible happens. I cannot reveal it now, for I am going to leave for your castle right after I finish this letter. I will be too busy basking in enjoyment. Where shall I meet you? Will you see me as I cross the drawbridge? Or shall I walk to your chambers and address you? I will call you by your title in the castle, as that is the proper way. So I warn you, you may have to endure Princess Alexandra for the whole visit, unless your father says it is alright. I know I am one of your best friends, but I have heard of savage countries, where if you do not address people by their proper title, you shall have your head chopped off. I shall take the precaution.

I have been thinking of how to reveal my stepmother for her true scheming self the whole time I have been writing this letter. I have a perfect idea. I shall wait until she writes something absolutely scandalous in her journal, such as, “I am planning to kill my husband at dawn tomorrow,” then I will take the journal while she is unaware, and show it to someone who can decree that she be sent to the bailiff. Perhaps, your father or you. I really do not know how to report someone to the bailiff, as I have never had to do it before. I may have to do it to Williams though, for stalking me when I have let my guard down. He is absolutely stubborn. Ugh!

I suddenly alight on more social matters. Who shall you take to the masquerade ball? Jackson? I thought you fancied him. I shall create a new name for myself, such as Amaris. Actually, that sounds pretty good. I shall be Amaris for the winter masquerade ball, and it would help if you tried to call me that. I guess I could agree to go with Matthew if he asks me. Then I shall know more about him.

How is your brother? I hope he isn’t wounded by the ogres. That would be horrible. Many people have been killed by the ogres, such as Lady Verne’s brother-in-law. She has a cottage on the nearby hill, and is still mourning him, with black garments. I wonder, why do the ogres keep pushing beyond the border to gain? I have been thinking about a way to restrain them, and I have decided on one for your father’s army. It may not seem like much, but I shall tell you anyway, just in case. Why not capture all the ogres and set them on an island? Ogres, the last time I checked, could not swim very well, and I doubt that any ship could hold the whole lot of them. The only problem is how to transport them? I really do not know, and I am not really an expert in battle strategies, so you might want to revise that part. Otherwise, it could work, for ogres cannot attack other lands when they are stranded on an island. Do not leave them to die, however. Find a nice, moderately big, island with food in it. They could survive on that. Don’t worry; you will not be made crown princess anytime soon. I am sure your brother is perfectly capable of slaying any ogre he meets. Worrying makes hair fall out. You do not want to be bald, do you? Try not to think about it.

The picnic must have been horrid for you, with fish and forced will. I sympathize with you. That dumb boy must have actually thought you were enjoying that picnic. Now, we both have wooers who we don’t even fancy. You should take Jackson to the ball. He… suits you, in an abnormal, twisted way. Why does fate have to be so cruel? I have decided to ask Matthew instead of waiting for him to see if he will accompany me. Should I ask him when I am Amaris, or…me? I really do not know. Do you think he would tell the other boys he, “finally managed to melt the cold heart of Lady Seline?” No, I do not think that he is that type. Is he?

Confused and Unsure,

Seline Kai of Summerseas

P.S. Making my stepmother drunk might not be such a bad idea…

Seventh Day of the Wind Moon., 1864 A.E.

The Grand Palace

Vienna, Rhea JXU29

Dearest Seline

Today I made plans to go to the village. At around twelve in the afternoon, I made up my mind and went to the throne room where the commoners were allowed to see the king and queen and ask for an audience and/or present him with gifts such as a chicken for their table. Or rather, our table really, as I too would be eating the chicken as well as everyone else of noble status, and possibly the servants if there is enough left over.

I gave my name to the announcer, and since I was of high noble status (the princess royal) I was allowed to go in front of all the people lined up to claim an audience with the king and queen.

“Presenting, Her Royal Highness, the Princess royal, Alexandra Elizabeth Swan of the great kingdom of Rhea,” the announcer trumpeted.

My father, King Charles VIII of Rhea, looked rather surprised to see me. It was almost as if I had never asked for an audience with him.

I strode into the room with the grace and dignity every princess should have.

“Your majesties,” I said as I curtsied deep and low.

My father held out his fat hand for me to kiss, as was the custom, I took his hand and kissed the air above his oily, plump hand.

“Daughter,” My father boomed, “What is it that you seek?”

Your majesty, by the grace and dignity of the blessed Goddess Bast (Goddess of all Women), I come forth as your daughter and servant to ask you to grant a boom,” I said in a soft but sturdy voice.

“And what is this boom you ask me of?” he replied in his loud voice.

“I ask that you allow me to go to the village today,” I said, “with only one escort.” I didn’t want the full guard because it would be rather awkward, with all the villagers gawking at me as if I was a prize pig at the fair.

“And who might your escort be?” My father asked.

“I ask that my lady-in-waiting, Lady Baylee of Terishire accompany me.”

My mother, Queen Catherine, had sat quiet the entire time until now. She leaned towards my father and whispered in his ear, “Charles, I do believe you should grant this favor. I believe both she and Alexandra will be quite safe.”

My father sucked in his breath and looked at her. She nodded and he said to me, “I shall send you a message telling you of my decision.”

I nodded then curtsied low again and walked daintily out of the room.

“Presenting, the Baron and Baroness of Cary, Lord Zachary and Lady Brianna,” the announcer once again announced as I walked out of the throne room.

I had spent an hour in my rooms when a knock on the door led me to knock over a chair or two in my haste to get to the door. I opened the door and said, “Yes?”

“Your highness, a message from His Majesty,” the messenger said. I looked into his hands. He carried a plump purple pillow with a piece of parchment with my father’s seal. The messenger handed me the parchment, bowed, then walked away towards the servants’ quarters.

I walked over to the nearest chair, plopped into it and read the note:

Seventh day of the Wind Moon, 1864 A.E.

Dear Daughter,

I have decided to grant you the favor you asked of me earlier. You are given my express permission to leave the palace. Do not disappoint me.

Charles Nicholas Swan

He didn’t even have the dignity to write his own message. I could tell it was written by one of the palace scribes and not by him. The only thing he wrote in that entire message was his name.

Later

I have just come back from the village to find your letter awaiting me. But before I answer your letter, I shall tell you of my day in the village.

Baylee had been walking for at least an hour through the marketplace. Soon, we came to a storyteller, an old woman, bent with age, yellowing teeth, and gray hair. Her voice, though, made what she told intriguing. One of the stories I heard was a story about a highwayman. I had one of the scribes copy the poem down for me when I came back to the palace. It goes:

“The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees,
The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,
The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,
And the highwayman came riding—
Riding—riding—
The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.

He'd a cocked-hat on his forehead, a bunch of lace at his chin,
A coat of the claret velvet, and breeches of brown doe-skin;
They fitted with never a wrinkle: his boots were up to the thigh!
And he rode with a jeweled twinkle,
His pistol butts a-twinkle,
His rapier hilt a-twinkle, under the jeweled sky.

Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard,
And he tapped with his whip on the shutters, but all was locked and barred;
He whistled a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there
But the landlord's black-eyed daughter,
Bess, the landlord's daughter,
Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.

And dark in the dark old inn-yard a stable-wicket creaked
Where Tim the ostler listened; his face was white and peaked;
His eyes were hollows of madness, his hair like moldy hay,
But he loved the landlord's daughter,
The landlord's red-lipped daughter,
Dumb as a dog he listened, and he heard the robber say—

"One kiss, my bonny sweetheart, I'm after a prize to-night,
But I shall be back with the yellow gold before the morning light;
Yet, if they press me sharply, and harry me through the day,
Then look for me by moonlight,
Watch for me by moonlight,
I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way."

He rose upright in the stirrups; he scarce could reach her hand,
But she loosened her hair in the casement! His face burnt like a brand
As the black cascade of perfume came tumbling over his breast;
And he kissed its waves in the moonlight,
(Oh, sweet, black waves in the moonlight!)
Then he tugged at his rein in the moonlight, and galloped away to the West.

He did not come in the dawning; he did not come at noon;
And out o' the tawny sunset, before the rise o' the moon,
When the road was a gypsy's ribbon, looping the purple moor,
A red-coat troop came marching—
Marching—marching—
King Charle’s men came matching, up to the old inn-door.

They said no word to the landlord, they drank his ale instead,
But they gagged his daughter and bound her to the foot of her narrow bed;
Two of them knelt at her casement, with muskets at their side!
There was death at every window;
And hell at one dark window;
For Bess could see, through her casement, the road that he would ride.

They had tied her up to attention, with many a sniggering jest;
They had bound a musket beside her, with the barrel beneath her breast!
"Now, keep good watch!" and they kissed her.
She heard the dead man say—
Look for me by moonlight;
Watch for me by moonlight;
I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way!

She twisted her hands behind her; but all the knots held good!
She writhed her hands till her fingers were wet with sweat or blood!
They stretched and strained in the darkness, and the hours crawled by like years,
Till, now, on the stroke of midnight,
Cold, on the stroke of midnight,
The tip of one finger touched it! The trigger at least was hers!

The tip of one finger touched it; she strove no more for the rest!
Up, she stood up to attention, with the barrel beneath her breast,
She would not risk their hearing; she would not strive again;
For the road lay bare in the moonlight;
Blank and bare in the moonlight;
And the blood of her veins in the moonlight throbbed to her love's refrain .

Tlot-tlot; tlot-tlot! Had they heard it? The horse-hoofs ringing clear;
Tlot-tlot, tlot-tlot, in the distance? Were they deaf that they did not hear?
Down the ribbon of moonlight, over the brow of the hill,
The highwayman came riding,
Riding, riding!
The red-coats looked to their priming! She stood up, straight and still!

Tlot-tlot, in the frosty silence! Tlot-tlot, in the echoing night!
Nearer he came and nearer! Her face was like a light!
Her eyes grew wide for a moment; she drew one last deep breath,
Then her finger moved in the moonlight,
Her musket shattered the moonlight,
Shattered her breast in the moonlight and warned him—with her death.

He turned; he spurred to the West; he did not know who stood
Bowed, with her head o'er the musket, drenched with her own red blood!
Not till the dawn he heard it; his face grew grey to hear
How Bess, the landlord's daughter,
The landlord's black-eyed daughter,
Had watched for her love in the moonlight, and died in the darkness there.

Back, he spurred like a madman, shrieking a curse to the sky,
With the white road smoking behind him and his rapier brandished high!
Blood-red were his spurs in the golden noon; wine-red was his velvet coat,
When they shot him down on the highway,
Down like a dog on the highway,
And he lay in his blood on the highway, with the bunch of lace at his throat.

And still of a winter's night, they say, when the wind is in the trees,
When the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,
When the road is a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,
A highwayman comes riding—
Riding—riding—
A highwayman comes riding, up to the old inn-door.

Over the cobbles he clatters and clangs in the dark inn-yard;
He taps with his whip on the shutters, but all is locked and barred;
He whistles a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there
But the landlord's black-eyed daughter,
Bess, the landlord's daughter,
Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.”

Isn’t it lovely? It’s a beautiful love story…with Bess killing herself to save her love. And then her love killed while avenging her death.

Anyways, afterwards, we walked through the marketplace looking for little trinkets to buy. I found this gorgeous mask I shall wear to the mid-winter’s masquerade ball. I shall have to show it to you when you arrive.

I do feel so sorry for you. Williams must be such a pain. I can only imagine all the trouble he is causing for you. Although it is quite funny, how he is following you around like a love struck puppy. Of course, that is exactly what he is.

Surely you would understand why the mistress of wardrobe would be so polite. If she had not, she would have been thrown out of the palace after receiving thirty lashes. Believe me, it has happened before. Last time, a young maid had slapped Will on his behind when he was young, before I had been born, because he had been naughty (I heard all of this from Will himself, although it is possible he may have exaggerated a tad bit.). She was give thirty-five lashes and then sent home ruined.

I asked Baylee about the question you asked of me. It seems quite queer, but your assumption was correct. He was born in Terishire, on the thirteenth day of the Harvest Moon, 1850 A.E. I am quite sure about this piece of information. Do not worry; I do not have those kinds of ideas in my mind right now.

We shall have to discuss the time of your training when you arrive and meet Matthew face to face.

Do not take offence, but I do not care much for Ms. Brownwood’s theatrics. She is much too unladylike for the likes of me.

Do not worry about the adjusting of your dress. It will be perfect for you, no matter what, by the tenth day of the Wind Moon. I do not see how you find needlework so tedious. To me, it is more fun than when we used to run around in the nursery playing with the other children.

I have to agree, your taste in clothes is horrid. I shall have to see about altering your opinion a bit during your stay here. Trousers! I cannot imagine a female relative of mine wearing those things.

My personal hairdresser’s name is Clarissa. She has been my hairdresser since I was of seven years of age. You may remember her; she has brown hair and brown eyes and is about five feet tall. Oh, and she also did your hair when you were at my ninth birthday ball.

I shall have the perfect earrings to match that dress. They are as red as blood, and absolutely beautiful. No, not beautiful, gorgeous. They will look absolutely stunning with your dress, if I may say so myself.

As for you dilemma with the masks, I do think that a mask that covers your face only partially will be rather attractive, but we have plenty of time to worry about that. In fact, we have THREE months! I have already been thinking of ideas for your dress. My dress is going to be green. Yours, however, I have not yet decided on a color. Perhaps purple?

Your stepmother is a daughter of Orcus. You can tell just by looking at her. With her horrible sneer, and the way she looks at your father is just loathsome. Ugh, just the thought of her is enough to make anyone hurl.

Amaria is a very beautiful name, but do call me Princess Alexandra only if necessary. You know how I detest the name Alexandra. That is why, after all, most of my close friends and family, except for Mother and Father, call me Alix.

I can hardly ask Jackson to the ball. I barely know him! He has only been at the palace for five years. And when did I ever say I fancied him?

Speaking of the ball, I do not believe Matthew will be the kind of boy who would brag about being able to “finally melt that cold heart of Lady Seline’s.” He just is not the kind of boy who would do that. After all, his sister says he is not at all proud. His manly pride is just…different.

The problem with your solution for the war against the ogres is that if we leave them with provisions, we would have to supply them. We wouldn’t be able to allow them to have wood; otherwise they may build many ships and escape. And without wood, they will not be able to cook their own food. We cannot afford to have flaws in our plan. We must think every strategy through thoroughly.

I do not worry about him now, as he is just a newcomer and will be assigned the easiest tasks. But I do worry about what will happen as he moves through ranks. He will be seeing battle very soon if he moves quickly.

I am trying my utmost hardest to push that absolutely awful picnic to the back of my mind. Just thinking of those fish makes me want to reel.

I shall, of course, meet you when you come through the drawbridge. You know where your rooms are, the ones across the hall from me.

Mary Matilda, the kitchen maid, was discovered last night kissing Kale! Can you believe that? Who would kiss Kale? With his unnaturally bright red lips that look like he smeared blood on them, his disgusting breath, and his big round belly, full of all the ale he has drank without permission. Ugh!

I cannot wait to see you in two more days! You must tell me of your journey here. I expect my footman to reach you midways in your journey.

Yours,

Alexandra Elizabeth Swan

P.S. Exactly how do you expect us to sneak her a cup of wine?

Eighth Day of the Wind Moon, 1864 A.E.

Summerseas Manor

Summerseas, Rhea, AS 133

Dearest Alix,

If I did not know better, I’d say that you were describing your father in your letter rather, let’s say, negatively. The last time I have glimpsed him, I do not remember your father being so…bulgy. That is, of course, unless he gained a few pounds. And your mother sounds so frail. Are you sure that she is in good health? I can feel through your letter that something is not right. But, let’s focus on the most important things first.

For my first reflection of thought, I have been having strange dreams lately. It is quite queer. This is what I see… a bloody sword, falling to the ground, then there is a hand reaching for me, but it is not human… and then the scene always changes to a clearing in a forest I have never been in before. At least, not physically. It is slightly disturbing. For Dias’ sake, what in the gods mind are the dreams trying to tell me?!? I do not know why, but the Ogre Wars keep on popping into my mind. I highly suspect the skirmishes have to do with my dreams. I also don’t know the reason for this, but I think your brother might…die. I’m sorry.

William keeps popping into my mind, also. I have told Jonathan of this queer set of events, and do you know what he said? Word for word, my loved but annoying older brother said this, “Perhaps it is because you fancy him?” Because of that ridiculous remark, I have expertly thrown a crab apple at the back of his head. They have become handy for moments like this. Jon has remarked, “I fear the day when I have to do battle against you, dear, yet formidable sister.” I shall take that as a compliment and a curse. Because of my habit of throwing apples at him, Jonathan makes sure he is nowhere near the apple trees before he throws a witty remark at me. Luckily, I carry a handful of them in my pocket. How funny. Don’t criticize me! I need them.

I am happy to see that you are visiting some of your father’s subjects. It is helpful, and gives them the illusion that you are caring for them, even though sometimes you might not be…

And, of course, you know my love for literacy. That poem is just beautiful, but I cannot shake off the vaguest feeling that I have heard it before…

But, to more important things. As to your simile, IT IS NOT FUNNY! Williams is very much like a stalker, and if this doesn’t stop, I shall have to do one of two things- lock myself up inside the house and only come out at night, or hide behind my brother whenever I have to go outside, which is humiliating. Not a very happy day for me, as you can see. That rhymed.

Now I see why the mistress of wardrobe was that polite. It’s slightly intimidating, though. Thirty-five lashes, it might go onto the border of being cruel. But, it’s not my place to say that.

Are you pulling my leg? I cannot believe that Matthew is EXACTLY one year older than me. It is like an omen… think about it. It is very hard to find a person who shares your birth date, let alone one that lives near you. The gods must have done this. Really, I do not know why, but there is a reason, good, or…not so good.

As for my bad taste, you were not supposed to tell me I have the worst kind of dress taste, you were supposed to comfort me and lie very well about it! But, I agree, once I think about it, trousers would not be a good idea… then again, they look more flexible and comfortable then all the heavy dresses with troublesome frills that I have to deal with every day. They tickle! And the corset could literally kill me. Then who would you write to?

How is Clarissa? I remember her, but the image is blurry, filled with the cobwebs of the memory I have never really thought about. She seemed to me at your ninth birthday ball like the kind of woman who was rather like a blue homespun dress, slightly… homely-like and humble. Like a person someone could walk all over with protest. I am not saying she is weak, just too much of a…what was that called? Ah, a push-over.

Yes, I shall use Amaris for my name. Make sure at the winter masquerade ball that you call me by that name, or both of us shall be caught in disgraceful situations. Then again, you never said you would help me. It is shameful for me to put you in such a socially unacceptable situation. Forgive me, Lady Alexandra. And I will have to call you by Lady Alexandra at the winter ball, for people will assume that I am not a close friend of yours, you are just accompanying me for some unknown reason. Therefore, I shall have to call you Lady Alexandra. Oh, and I am using your name many times on purpose. It just seems funny for you to hate your title. Speaking of title, I have mentioned earlier about the possible death of your brother, you do realize that. If he dies, the whole kingdom’s days will be filled with mourning and many black dresses. He was well liked in this part of the kingdom, especially by Lady Drizella. I laugh at such a possibility of her fancying your brother. They are nothing alike, except that they are both humans. No, that’s not right. Lady Drizella isn’t human.

Anyways, you will be made crown princess whether you like it or not. It is very obvious. Then what would you do? For the sake of your brother’s life, and your sanity, withdraw him from the skirmishes. You care enough for your brother to let him into battle. Do not let him go, or the whole kingdom may regret it. So, you may just have to tie him to a tree. I know your brother’s eagerness to prove his strength and worth. You do know the old nursery saying, do you? “Pride is your blindfold, and life is the cliff. You may just fall.” This applies very well to your brother. Tell him to think about it. If he does want to keep battling, restrain him anyway.

Ask Jackson! Alexandra Marie Swan, I have been your friend ever since our mothers put us in the same cradle. I know you. You fancy him; I can hear it through your letter. Ask Jackson! Enjoy yourself at the ball, and leave me to make friends by myself. You have always been like my ma, Alix, and I can walk by myself. I do not need you to help me. Enjoy yourself with Jackson and at the end, come running towards me and tell me all about it. Then I shall tell you what has happened to me.

And since when have you thought Matthew has manly pride? The phrase “man” is an illusion of a more annoying, adapted, version of the annoying boys they used to be. It is the truth.

As for the ogres, I have changed my mind. Throw them into the sea for all I care.

And I shall have to remind you of the fishy picnic. Ahem. Fish, fish, fish. Ok, I am finished. That was enjoyable while it lasted…

I have never noticed this, but riding on a horse for an entire day is very uncomfortable. I cannot wait until

Mary Matilda kissed Kale?!? Even a kitchen maid should not stoop as low as that! I have seen Kale; he drinks cheap ale, and cheats at gambling. Late at night, he becomes drunk and tries to molest passing women. This is not good for Mary Matilda’s reputation.

Have I forgotten to mention Jonathan? He is laughing at me because I haven’t got my monthly cycle yet. How embarrassing. Luckily, a skillfully thrown crab apple ceased any other humiliation.

I have to go. Jonathan is reading over my should as I write, and is beginning to laugh again at the monthly cycle area. I need an apple.

After Crab Apples,

Seline Kai of Summerseas

P.S. - Just give it to her. She loves ale…

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