The Princess



The night we met

Our souls were joined.

We talked until dawn.

You told me everything

But I could not.



My name is Tinga.

You know me as Penny.

My past is a lie I had to tell

Because the truth…

I saw the look on your face.



I promised myself I would tell you

If we got serious…

If we had kids…

If …

Charlie, I couldn't do it.



I am a soldier

A lover

A mother

A coward.

It was too hard.



The closest I came

Is a fairy story

Of castles and evil kings

And a princess and her prince

A family…



Manticore

Even the word brings

Fear to my heart.

I had to run and leave you both

The hardest thing I've ever done.



It was the worst thing of all,

Charlie, when I left you

I thought it best you didn't know.

You still had Case.

I was wrong.



I'm sorry.

The past is back

And things can never be the same.

The princess must go back to the castle

The evil king has found me.



Forgive me.

I loved you both so much,

But I must go,

And you must live

You must go on…



You and Case – you must run, live, love…

Me? I think I may die.

But you, Charlie, and our son,

You both deserve a life.

I had hopes for us all…



It is my fault, my cowardice

That has led us to this.

I had no right…

But what is done is done

And can't be fixed.



You must deal as best you can.

The life of our child is in your hands.

Our love will always be there

Even when I'm gone.

Do this for my memory.



Get on with life, Charlie,

Even though I'm gone.

I fear I will never see you both again,

But I'll watch over you

If I can.



The evil king is here.

I feel his breath on my neck.

His hand is on my heart

And I am afraid again.

The princess is going back…