To Her Majesty, Queen Elsa of Arendelle,
I feel it is time for me to tell you my story. You went out of your way to tell me about yourself, and I should return the favor.
As I mentioned during our lunch outing, I never knew my real parents. All I have ever known is my life with the Corona Royal Guards. I've been training with the Guards since I was six, so I know everything there is to know about protocol and procedure around the castle. Something about the work of a guard has always appealed to me, though I can't explain why. It just feels as natural as painting is to Rapunzel.
I must confess that I do not have time for dreams. Well, not the way Rapunzel talks about dreams. My goal in life is to succeed my father as Captain of the Guard. I don't see that as a dream because I must work to earn it. Dreams sound like the kind of things you wish will happen or just fall out of the sky. I'm practical. If you want anything in life, you have to earn it. I still don't know how Eugene – Rapunzel's boyfriend – manages to get by with his life since he is the biggest freeloader I have ever met. But enough about him; I could probably devote an entire letter detailing all the things I hate about Eugene.
Everything changed when Rapunzel returned to Corona. My ambition to join the guard has been sidelined by my duties as lady-in-waiting. It's not at all what I wanted to do, but I've come to understand that I have an important job to carry out on behalf of the royal family and the kingdom. Rapunzel is the heir and needs to be protected. She doesn't understand how dangerous the world can be; I do. I guess that's why she chose me to be her lady-in-waiting. Okay, maybe because I also know how to get around Corona without being seen. (I shouldn't have told you that, but I doubt you'll share that with anyone here.)
I suppose I'll stop here for now. This feels strange to be writing to someone. I never had time for friends, and here I am writing to a queen I just met only a few weeks ago. Stranger still, I'm writing this in the middle of the night. I'm not sure if you understand. Forgive me for rambling.
Respectfully,
Cassandra
Dear Cassandra,
I was honored to receive your letter. You do not know how much it means to me to see correspondence that does not involve a trade proposal or a diplomatic offer. I have been consumed by official paperwork that your letter felt like just the release I needed from my duties as queen.
Your ambition to be on the Royal Guard is admirable. I truly am impressed that you have dedicated your life to becoming a soldier. What amazes me most is how you seem to have chosen your life, whereas I have not been so fortunate. As a young girl, I had to learn from a young age that being the queen was my destiny, even when I was uncertain about my potential.
You say you do not have time for dreams; I know what that feels like. Only I had to struggle with my cur-magic. Forgive me, I still think of my powers as a burden sometimes. Anna has been very patient and steadfast in her belief that what I possess is a gift. She truly is a blessing in my life and I cannot begin to describe how much she means to me. But I digress. For far too long, I convinced myself that there was no point in dreams because my powers were out of control. The day I became queen was one of the most trying days of my life. All I ever wanted was to see my sister again; I would have given anything to be with her, touch her face, hold her hand and tell her I would never leave. And yet I believed that would never happen.
Now, I have never been happier. That dream has come true, against all odds. As I write this – and try not to cry over how grateful I am to have Anna back in my life – I must implore you to hold fast to your dream. Call it what you will, but you have something you want more than anything in this world. Find what makes you happy. I suppose that sounds strange coming from me – more than you may ever know. But trust me, I know what it's like to have your life feel out of your control and the difficulties of regaining that control. I try every day to remind myself that what I am – who I am – is inherently good. If I can find my dream, you will.
One last thing: I have not had the luxury of friends either. Growing up isolated from the world tends to provide little in the way of friendship. Perhaps we can change that.
Sincerely,
Queen Elsa of Arendelle
