"Princess! Mr. Williams just arrived in the front courtyard! I think he's got a letter for you!"
I grabbed my wrap and nearly sprinted to the balcony out into the night air. Sure enough, Wililams was trotting towards the front door of the castle. When he saw me standing on my balcony, waving excitedly, he smiled and urged his horse a little faster. That was all I needed to know that he was carrying a special note for me.
"Bring it up quickly, please," I called before returning to the warmth of my room. The stretch between letters was long this time. The entire castle knew that I waited for Greg's letters. They'd seen me staring out the window many a time.
Williams didn't even bother to knock on the door, partially because it was open and he partially because he saw me sitting in one of the armchairs. He knelt and handed me an envelope. "Forgive me, Princess," he said. HIs voice sounded tired. "It's my fault the letter took so long to deliver."
I smiled at him, placing my hand on his shoulder. "Get some rest Williams, and a hot meal from the Royal Kitchen."
"Thank you, Princess."
My fingers tore at the envelope's seal with a wild frenzy that proved just how much I missed my Prince. The letter was a few sheets of paper, folded in half and covered in Greg's strong handwriting. I opened it quickly.
My dearest Katherine Elizabeth,
I don't think I'm good enough at writing personal letters to put across how completely excited I am! I'm a- You're- We're gonna- I can't believe it. The only thing that could make me happier in this moment would be holding you in my arms. It's all I can do not to shout it to the people here, telling them that my wife is the most beautiful woman in the world and she is going to- and I'm going to be-
Sweetheart,
It has been a week since I wrote the portion above. I took your advice, and, even thought it was hard, I'm glad for it. I put on my plainest shirt and borrowed a pair of my men's trousers, and went among the people. I asked them what they were rebelling against, why they were so upset. I was amazed at how they opened up to me. Then, they found out I was the prince. At first, they wanted to thrash me, and throw me in the town dungeon. They bound me and my men took action, but before they could hurt anyone, I told them to step down. I told the people that if they thought I had committed a crime, they should definitely throw me in prison, but that I deserved a trial of some sort.
They kept me locked up, feeding me little, and often throwing insults, but finally they brought me out for trial. They brought all of their complaints to me and I explained how I would fix them when I became king. I was kind. I came down to their level, and I got results, just like you said I would. Some were reluctant to let me go, but I said I had to move on to the next town in order to spread peace. I told them that all they had to do was come to me with their issues and I would solve them in the most just way I saw fit.
The whole time I was negotiating and waiting in prison, I was thinking about you and the baby. I dream about you almost every night. They are simple dreams, about being home again, but they make me miss you more. Now that I know how to handle these riotous people a little better, it shouldn't take me long to tour the rest of the kingdom. I can't stop thinking about you. And I can't stop loving you. I can only imagine how beautiful you look every day.
Tell me more about your family. Your step family, that is.
The secret passage is easy enough to find, if you know where to look. I'll just say that the library is full of secrets, and I'd pay close attention to the Ancient Civilizations and Cultures section if I were you. I'm so proud of how much you are learning, dear. And I'm so glad you are my queen-to-be. And of course I'll help you with your language lessons, as long as you give me a few dancing lessons in return.
I know I've been gone a long time, dearest, and I'm sorry for it. Williams had some trouble getting your letter to me. HIs horse broke it's leg and he was in the middle of the countryside without a town for miles. He is such a good servant. Hopefully, he has better luck getting this letter to you.
Are you staying healthy? Make sure to take it easy. I don't want the servants and tutors to make you do anything strenuous. I love you so much. As soon as I finish here, I'll be home, but I still don't know how long that will be. My thoughts are continuously on you.
I love you, Katherine Elizabeth.
Greg
P.S. I think your name is beautiful, but I also think it is too long and proper for you so I've come up with a nick name. I hope you like it. Can I call you Katie-Beth?
Here is another kiss for you.
I re-read it. I kissed it. And then I folded it up and placed it next to the other letters.
"Katie-Beth," I said out loud, standing. "Princess Katherine Elizabeth, Princess Katherine." I laughed and yawned. It was late. I walked over to the full length mirror that I requested be placed in the corner of the bedroom. My eyes were drooping, my purple gown was wrinkled and pulling slightly around my abdomen, and my hair was slightly frizzled. "That's one thing I have yet to master," I said to myself. "Staying fresh and looking perfect even after a long day." My nightdress lay perfectly pressed on the bed. Taking one last look into the glass, I began undoing the back of my gown. The ribbons that held it in place along the back felt so far away.
It took me a ten minutes to get the layers of billowing purple fabric off of me. I peeled off my matching purple slippers and my long silk stockings, and took the crown of violets out of my hair. I pulled the nightgown on and was thankful that it just slipped over my head and required no buttons or ribbons.
Lying on my bed, with one hand rested on my swelling stomach and the other toying with my necklace, I thought about my husband and what I would write to him about in my next letter. My eyelids drooped, and dreamless sleep came quickly.
