Hopefully I didn't confuse anyone, but this is a back and forth letter chapter between Elara and Coriane, beginning with Elara's reply to Coriane's letter from last chapter.

Dear Coriane,

I have received your letter which had not a drop of blotted ink or missing words, and it is a relief to know that you are well. It is wonderful to hear back from you especially since we have not seen each other in four years. Hopefully, you will convince Julian to let you go. It would do us most pleasure to receive you in Summerton Palace. Me, Irina, Eliza, and Gisa are awaiting your arrival. They have arrived only a week ago to receive you after they heard of your possible coming so you must come.

Gabrielle must be very happy at now being a child of ten years. I could barely contain my delight when I became a ten year old girl, running around and boasting of it to Gisa, who still had a year to go. She cried that day but when she turned ten, she ran around the palace too telling everyone in sight that she was not longer a "tiny human". The memory brings me to laughter sometimes. Gisa and I still talk about some of our old, embarrassing, childhood memories where we were not so burdened with the work of being royalty. It brings smiles to our faces to know we had good days then.

Shade, as you have heard, will have his Queenstrial. The parents of the high houses are always talking about the supposed marriage of their daughter to the crown prince. It almost aggravates me to know that all they care about it being the next queen. But power is always alluring and I'm sure no human can ever escape the grasp it has on our nature. The other girls are training harder than ever but I'm sure they won't be nearly as powerful as you are. I'm glad to hear that your ability has improved substantially and I am positive you will do well during the competition. Singers are powerful Silvers and I have no doubt about your skill, especially with a father like Julian to help guide you. Perhaps if you are willing to arrive a slight bit earlier than the others, we may get to some...experiments and some concrete training, though I doubt you need any.

As for Clara, I hope she isn't jumping from floor to floor. I feel as if it might render her ill if she uses her ability too much. It is not something to be used generously though she will start learning how to jump long distances soon. I wonder if she can jump halfway across the island to the little bakery we used to go to. That way, should I ever return to the cottage, I shall be able to purchase my favorite treats from there again. The royal cooks cannot replicate as well as they can. Please send her my wishes of her safety as she continues to cultivate her ability.

My wishes are well with you and I hope to hear from you again.

Your friend,

Elara

Dear Elara,

I have received permission to come to Summerton Palace for the Queenstrial! It took a lot of convincing of both Father and Mother but they agreed to it in the end, but on a few conditions. Father and Mother both have to come to Summerton but you must seek permission from your father, the king. Julian would not let me and Little Jared go without your father's word of safety. But I long to see your mother too! She is a sweet, kind, caring woman and I hope your parents do not argue as much anymore.

I can't believe Eliza and Irina have still remembered me! I have believed our long distance relationship and limited correspondance may have made them forget me. But of course, I have all your memento's that give me comfort in times of distress, or sadness. I still shine Eliza's metal bracelet, clean Irina's handkerchief, and use your little leather sketchbook.

You should not flatter me when it comes to anything related to the Queenstrial. I am nowhere near the other girls strength, brutality, and even grace, but I am sure I can at least but on a suitable performance. I'm not sure on what my demonstration should be. Maybe I can just showcase my voice but that would not be enough compared my competitors overwhelming and powerful presentations. And I would really like to see if you can withstand my control. I am a curious woman, a trait inherited from my father and it is some tempting research to see the extent of your ability.

Clara doesn't care much for the use of her ability and uses it frequently though I have constantly warned her that someday she will scare us beyond our wits appearing randomly behind, or in front of us. I still recall an instance when she gave me a fright by teleported into my room in the middle of the night on my bed. It was nothing to her of course, just a big laugh. Farley was by no means impressed by her behavior when I told her but looked on to Clara was delighted and beaming with pride to see Clara's ability grow.

Gabrielle and Lydia want to tell you that they are most happy to hear, their dear cousin, the Princess of Norta. They ran into the room when the letter arrived and they were the first to open it. I daresay they are eager to see you soon.

Your confidante,

Coriane Jacos

Dear Coriane,

I must apologize for my late response and lack of punctuality.

I will seek permission from my father but if he does not give it, you have my word of your safety from me as a princess, and my mother as a queen no doubt. You should not be so afraid when you come to Summerton with your family. Should that be enough for your parents, I will greet you in the coming weeks and I hope to see you then. Hopefully you will not disappoint Eliza and Irina in your absence, though I will not pressure you into your coming without agreement.

Eliza has received the most wonderful news that she might be able to come over to Bluebell cottage during the summer time. She is absolutely delighted by her parents to allow her to come from Archeon to Harbor Bay in visiting you.

If the letters are becoming increasingly short, I must say that my lessons are eating up most of my time time. I am struggling with history the most to no one's surprise. Math has become surprisingly easy, and my writing has improved. Can you see a difference in my lettering? I wonder since you have such beautiful handwriting, but I will never write as prettily as you do.

And as usual, please tell the family that I wish them good health and happiness.

Cheers of a friend looking forward to the future,

Elara

Dear Elara,

It's a short and crude paper but the contents inside are necessary for you to know.

If you do not seek permission from your father, Julian would not consent to me going. I am quite eager to see you most again so I beg you at least try to convince your father. It will do us both no harm, though I do not blame you if you cannot. The history between our parents is both fraught with disagreements and more. I know the reason why my father does not allow me to go, but I cannot write the contents down in this letter should it be intercepted. I cannot tell you more in this short note, but it is a very...sensitive and concerning topic. Please persuade your Father on my coming to Summerton.

Your anxious friend,

Coriane Jacos

Dear Coriane,

Of course I will try and sway my father. I must not write anymore for a concise response but you have my word.

Yours,

Elara

Note: Jared is the younger brother of Coriane, named after his late grandfather (Julian's dad).

Coriane briefly visited Whitefire and I might add another memory chapter from Elara to showcase how deep Elara, Coriane, Eliza, and Irina's really friendship went...

I'm still deciding on who will win the Queenstrial. Hmmmmm...what do you guys think?

Also, I hope I don't sound "old" when I write. I've read some classics written in the 19th century etc. and the writing style is very different from what were used to reading now. I've tried adding in that type of language in because Elara is a royal and she is supposed to write something similar to that.