Chapter 26 Fake Letter, Real Love
“She loves this kingdom, she loves being a Queen, she loves that by having me her line continues…as for me as a person? I don’t think she even likes me.” Elsie sniffles, wiping away snot and tears with the back of her hand.
“I thought you liked Zaries?” I ask quietly, changing the subject as I stroke her back as she cries. If we continue to talk about Avarica like this, someone will hear us.
We’ve known Zaries since we were babies, we practically grew up together. How could she just now reveal these feelings of what seems like distaste for the prince when it’s been nothing but laughter and friendship for as long as I can remember?
“As a friend, Anara! You know it’s Malachi that I like. He’s big and strong like my daddy, nothing like how Zaries is. He’s short, skinny, and he’s got crooked teeth!”
“Elsie, that’s ridiculous!”
“I don’t care!” she wails, kicking her feet and thumping her fists on the bed in a tantrum. “I don’t want him!”
With a sigh, I slip off the bed and move over to her wardrobe, grabbing a sleeping gown before walking to the bathroom and turning on the magic nozzle to fill the tub with warm water. Zaries is a perfect prince, regal and caring. His heart for his kingdom only swells more for Elysandra. He’s in love with her and always has been, which is likely why this proposal came today. Zaries is fifteen now, nearing marrying age, and he clearly knows what he wants.
I lean against the doorframe of the bathroom and watch Elsie cry. Her wanton cruelty to wyvern, which has only gotten worse, and the tantrums she throws are her second worst qualities. She resembles Avarica more and more as the days pass, whether or not she can see it. I force myself to smile because I love her even though I wish she could be kinder and calmer, and pull her off the bed.
“Time to bathe, princess!” I say cheerfully.
“Maybe if I reek, they’ll let me marry Malachi instead?” she whimpers pitifully as I help her undress.
“Malachi is a soldier’s son, Elsie, I honestly doubt—”
“Shut up, Anara! You don’t know anything! You’re just my maid who I’m forced to keep around. You’re not my friend, you’re not my advisor, and your opinion doesn’t matter!”
I recoil from her words as if she physically slapped me.
“Where are my rose petals, servant?” she hisses as she steps into the tub and lowers herself into the steaming water.
I square my shoulders and move over to the basin, where a glass bowl is filled with golden rose petals. As I scatter them over the water, the fragrance blooms—the sweet scent of rose and the spice of the wild cliffs where they grow. I let the smell wash over me, releasing the tension as if I were the one in the bath.
“You know what, Anara, since you’re so eager for this marriage, why don’t you accept the proposal for me? Be me, so I don’t have to. Daddy says Zaries sent a letter, you reply to it. I can’t be bothered.”
She calms, the roses and water having the desired effect as she lowers herself into the bath.
“Yes, princess.” I curtsey obediently and leave the room, finding the letter sealed with a black alicorn lying on the bedside table.
Holding the parchment in my hands, tears burn in my eyes. Zaries deserves better than this. He deserves someone who will love him like he loves Elysandra. Pressing the letter to my chest, I take a deep breath. I’ll give him what he desires. I’ll write these letters to him and let him think she loves him as much as he loves her. It’s a small kindness, and the least I can do.
Glancing at the bathroom door, I break the seal and open the letter. I smile immediately, seeing his rough scrawl on the paper. He wrote the letter himself.
Elysandra,
It is with all the love in my heart that I ask for your hand. Our fathers have agreed, but I want you to know you have a choice in this. I have always held affection for you, and it has long been my dream that you will become my wife. Together, we will unite the kingdoms and bear many children. Together, we will rid Amaranthine of the scourge of dragons. I can’t wait to live my life with you, my love.
Please write back as soon as you can, Zaries.
Tears slip down my cheeks as I read his kind words. Tears for him, tears for Elsie. They will grow to hate each other if I don’t intervene. I cross the room to the desk beneath a large window and sit delicately on the chair. Pulling out parchment and ink, I take a deep breath and write.
Dearest Zaries,
My heart soars with joy unbound at the news we will be wed. I’ve dreamed of this moment since we were both young and playing in the fields around the castle. You will be an honorable and loving husband, and I, your devoted wife. From this moment on, I will count the days until I can see you again. I desire to be close to you and explore this news with an open heart.
Yours now and forever, Ana—
I gasp, crumbling the parchment into a ball and tossing it across the room as my chest heaves with surprised breaths. I’m writing the letter for Elysandra, not myself! Why would I sign my name? Why would I say all that? Zaries isn’t mine.
I’m not actually in love with him, am I?
Slowly I walk over and pick up the parchment, smoothing it out and staring at it in shock. I read and re-read the words as realization settles into my bones. I love Zaries Carpathian. Maybe I always have.
Dejected, knowing it can never be, I return to the desk and rewrite the letter, signing it appropriately and sealing it with the golden rose seal of Obsidian Reach.
I fold the letter I ruined delicately and tuck it into my bodice. Zaries will never see this, but that doesn’t mean I can’t keep my feelings close to my heart, now and forever. Because I love him.
I love Zaries Carpathian.