A/N: Due to the fact that I feel so bad that it took me four months to continue this story, here is one more chapter for tonight. This is a bonus chapter that I got the inspiration to write today after I finished chapter 5. I hope it does not disappoint. With that being said, let me also say that I have plans for one more bonus chapter, possibly two. I also have plans to actually finish this story this weekend, so be prepared for **counts quickly in head** about five more chapters to the conclusion of these letters. Enjoy!

::~*~::

My Dearest Child,

For years, your mother has been writing you letters, in order to acquaint you with the royal life you were born in to. She has done wonderfully in keeping you apprised with the passing of the years for us, and you will know everything that has happened to us over the last sixteen years when you come home.

I have realized that I have not done my part in relating my wishes and thoughts to you, and now, with only two years left, I have decided to commit to paper all the things I want you to know as my daughter and my heir.

First and foremost, know that I love you dearly. I have ever since the physician took me aside fourteen years ago and gave me the news that I never thought I would ever hear. I was going to be a father. As the ruler of a kingdom, it is always excellent news when you hear that your subjects are not rising up in revolt, or that the neighboring kingdoms are not declaring war, but I think the news I received that day far surpassed anything I had ever heard before. How could anything compare to the news that I feared would never come?

Your mother looked so radiant when I beheld after her examination by the physician. I've always considered her to be the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld, but her looks improved ever more, something I never thought was possible. She did not stop smiling or laughing the entire time she carried you.

I remember the night you were born. I have no idea what brought us to the garden in the dead of night, but Hubert and I found ourselves walking along the paths therein. We had been told that the time was almost upon us and I could not sleep for all the anticipation, even though no one knew if it would be that night, the night following, or even one week hence, but somehow I knew. I knew that our family of two would be a family of three before the sun had fully appeared on the horizon the following morning. I was not to be disappointed.

From the moment I looked into your tiny face, I knew that you would resemble your mother in exquisite beauty. You already had her eyes and the same curve to the mouth. I could not wait to watch you grow so that I could watch your mother's features echoed in your own countenance. How soon that dream would be ripped from my tight grasp.

Even now, fourteen years later, I cannot think back on that dark night without a sense of absolute failure weighing heavily upon my shoulders. I am your father and I should have protected you from that evil! Even now the tears are forming in my eyes and I am trying to force them back. I had waited so long to become a father and in the first test of that bond, I failed utterly. In the depths of my despair, I had even convinced myself that I was not fit to be your father, or anybody's father.

Do not be alarmed, daughter, by my words above. I have long since seen the error of my thoughts, much of that coming from the loving guidance of your mother who convinced me that I was a wonderful father but that there are some things in the world that cannot be protected against. She said that I had done the best I could, and no one could have asked for more. How dearly do I love your mother, for she is my rock of strength and I do not think I would be half the man I am if she was not by my side. Find someone who can value you as much.

You might think that last piece of advice odd, considering you have no doubt been made aware of your betrothal to Prince Phillip. Hubert and I have still been speaking of the betrothal for all these years, but when I am alone, I see the foolishness of the decision. Marrying you off to a man you have never met before seems harsh indeed, and I have been considering releasing you from this bond. I will wait until you are here again and than we may discuss it after you have been introduced to Phillip. Perhaps fate will be kind and you will find your life's partner in the prince.

Your mother mentioned, in one of her letters, all of the things that I hoped to share with you as you grew up. I wanted to teach you archery and swordplay. My advisers informed me that it would not be wise for me to teach you, being a princess, those things, but I would have paid them no heed. As the future ruler of this kingdom, I would encourage you to learn how to defend yourself, should the need ever arise. While we have been at peace with our neighbors for many years, mostly due, in part, to the strong alliance between Hubert and myself, peace never lasts. You must be prepared for war, though, God-willing, I pray you never have to experience that.

If you do not already know how to ride a horse, I hope you would be open to the experience of learning. Your mother and I would dearly love for you to accompany us on our rides through the forest. Growing up as you did, I am sure you would not shy at the opportunity to pass beneath the leafy canopy of the forest that was your playground for much of your life. You could even show us the places you would play at when you were a child. As much as we want to show you our world and the world you belong to, I hope you will show us the world you grew up in. It would make your mother and I so happy to see the places of your youth.

In due time, I will instruct you on the duties that come with ruling a kingdom, but I think I shall just enjoy the completeness of my family for a time, before setting about educating you in that business. I am sure it will not be immediately to your liking, but I suspect that you will develop a knack for it. Your schooling at the hands of the fairies should be preparing you amply for this responsibility.

My apologies, daughter, but the business of the realm is beckoning to me. I have asked for solitude for a few more minutes, but I think I need to use that to compose myself and dry these tears from my eyes. You may notice that not all tears were effectively held at bay, by the spots that have littered the pages, but it only serves as further testimony to the love I bare for you. Wherever you are, I hope that you are well and happy, but above all, I pray that you are safe. May God watch over you and see you safely home to us.

Your eternally devoted father,
Stefan