“WHAT DO you need me for, your majesties?” “You saved our son’s life, no matter how… difficult… he might be,” the king said. I shook my head. “Begging your pardon, your majesties, but I know your son to be trustworthy and rather…” I trailed off. Sweet. “You will be awarded for your valor,” he said. They turned to go. “If you please,” I started. “Yes?” “Please, don’t give me the award. I would much rather see it awarded to my father, who gave his life for me.” “Your father? I was meaning marriage to a noble.” “Oh, I don’t want that.” Except to Louie. “Did your father die here?” He’s gone. “Yes. He was shot, but then the ceiling collapsed.” I pointed to the ballroom building. “Ah… You want the award to go to someone who is no longer alive?” I hesitated, then nodded. “I don’t deserve it.” “I see,” was all the king said. “Thank you, sir.” He nodded, and left. I sank back to my knees. What was that? The king and queen wanting to award me? “What was that? What just happened?” “It seems as though you were given a royal award,” someone said behind me. My eyes widened. “Who are you?” “Doctor Dwight Ardal Wyndsdor, at your service.” “Hello,” I said. “I heard about your father. I’m sorry.” I nodded. “Thank you for your sympathy.” Father is gone. I couldn’t accept the truth. “We’ll take good care of the prince. Thank you for saving him.” I swallowed, nodding again. I’ll never see him again. “You had better get some rest. There is a lot of pressure you are under.” Tears blurred my line of sight, and I nodded, the tears spilling. “Come,” he ordered. I did, dragging my feet behind me. I tapped the quill on the desk, trying to think of what I could say to Zarola and Braden. About Louie and I? Father? Zarola and Braden, I wrote. I’ve decided something about me and the prince. I think… I’m in love with him. I know, you’ve been trying to tell me I have been this whole time, but I’ve finally admitted it to myself. I have some news as well. Albannak attacked at his betrothal party between him and the princess of Simrieg; Maeryn. It’s crazy, the war has been getting worse now that the king and queen are doing more and more things getting closer to Louie’s wedding. I’ve figured something out. Peter and Maeryn are betrothed. Peter, being the prince of Albannak, has the rights to marry her because he was engaged first. Quite thankful for that. His real name is Edward. Anyway, I’m half an orphan, but I don’t know how to break the news to my family. Louie got shot, and he’s on bedrest for four days— since the attack. He saved my life. It’s partly my fault he was shot. I could have saved Father. There are so many things I should have done, but I didn’t do. Help? -Hana Katelyn Piquery I took a deep breath. That’s done. I just needed to find a way to see Louie. There was a knock on my door.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- “Yes?” I asked, my heart racing in hopes it was Louie. My heart sank as the knob turned and the door opened, revealing a weary-eyed Dr. Wyndsdor. “The prince would like to tell you that he misses you, and hopes you found your father.” I huffed. “Tell him I said thank you. And…” My father is dead. “And?” “And that I miss him too.” He gave a comforting smile and left. The next day, I heard another knock on my door. I wiped my eyes, hoping whoever was there would leave. “Hana?” I heard. Louie? He shouldn’t be up and about! He got shot! “Yes?” I said wearily. “It’s me, Louie.” I stood, though I already knew it was him and opened the door. “Come in!” I kept my eyes down as he wrapped his arms around my waist. “What’s wrong?” he asked. I gulped. How can he tell? “Father…” is gone. My tears racked through my body, pushing me further into his arms. He reached a hand up, stroking my hair. “It’ll be fine,” he murmured. I nodded. “I know.” The lull stretched. “I’ve missed you,” I whispered. “I’ve missed you too,” he replied, gently pulling my chin up. He kissed me. I smiled, my hands wobbling as I lifted them around his neck. He pulled away. I didn’t want him to. “What happened to your father?” he prodded gently. He has to ask. “I don’t want to talk about it.” He gave me a look. “He died,” I said quickly. A weight flew off my shoulders. I nearly staggered. I hadn’t even noticed it before. “How?” “He was shot at the attack last night. I couldn’t do anything!” I rested my head on his shoulder, letting the tears flow down my cheeks. I let him comfort me. “Are you okay?” “Yes. Perfectly fine.” I melted. “Good” “Are you allowed out of your room?” I nodded. “For how long?” “Since yesterday.” “Were you hurt at the attack?” he sounded concerned as he put his hands on my shoulders. “No.” He relaxed. “Good.” “How was bedrest?” “Lonely.” “Don’t you have Maeryn?” “She ran off with Peter.” “Oh, yes.” “Plus, she was rather dull company.” I giggled. “Why did she run off with Peter?” “They’re betrothed.” “They are?” I felt my jaw drop. “Yes. Jerks fit rather well together.” “He did kidnap me.” He pulled me closer protectively. “What?! I’m going to push him the next family reunion.” “Hm?” “He’s my cousin.” “That would mean Kieser…” “Is my uncle.” “The king of the enemy country is your uncle.” “It’s weird to fight a relative.” “Is the war over?” He sighed. “I’m not sure, honey.” “Honey?” “Hana,” he corrected. I stepped closer, smiling. “I like it well enough.” He kissed me again. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Lol. I have also finished the prologue... something I will be sharing with you in a few minutes after I share this one. Okay, big moment here. SO CLOSE TO BEING DONE!!! Oh my goodness. I can't explain to you my joy in being (this close) to being doneeee! -Oreo
