I don't own any of the ideas. All characters belong to the wonderful Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard! No copyright intended!

It's my first time writing a fanfiction, so feedback is most welcome!

July 28th, 338 NE, at Whitefire Palace (more like a Prison and I can't wait to get out)

Dear Diary,

Mother suggested writing an entry in this book, but it seems so stupid to spill all of me onto something tangible, especially something easy to read. Not to mention, it's a waste of time and effort. My days are actually quite full. Not to mention the whole thing about it is a security risk.

But Mother certainly knows how to nag. I get that she cares about me but sometimes her suggestions seem very bad.

There a countless reasons why I would not do this. It makes you feel so vulnerable. It was something Queen Coriane used to do and left her thoughts unprotected from Grandmother Elara as well as the people who saw it. Queen Coriane's mind was always at mercy of Grandma's ability anyway, so it's not a good example, but it would be courtly gossip if people found out the honest thinking of the royal princess.

Another reason would be because my room is "invaded" daily by the red servants in the palace. There would always be an opportunity for them to steal it. Not that anyone would, but it would never hurt to be safe rather than sorry. Maybe if I can keep it expertly hidden, then they won't find out. But even then, I'm mostly worried about the telkies of House Provos. My book has a lock, but they wouldn't need a key to open it. Telkies can control objects without physical interaction, and I don't know how far their abilities can go. I've seen how dangerous they can be. I've seen them in the arena, catching even swifts by their neck.

Maybe I'm being too paranoid. Besides, I shouldn't write anything too incriminating. My thoughts are my own, and no one can read my mind, not even the silver Whispers in my Father's court. An upside for being a newblood Whisper.

So much work to do, with so little time. I realize that I've been writing in this book for about 30 minutes, and I have three history books to get through tomorrow about the History of Norta. So many classes, so much stress. Pressure. Is this what Mother felt when she was masquerading as Mareena Titanos?

Sometimes, I wish I was Red. I've always despised my ability, however useful it may be. It's like a curse, the ability to read one's private thoughts, one's memories, their fears, hopes, and dreams. It's evil, and no one should have any access to them but yourself. Father made me watch my mentor Samson torture traitors and it made me sick. Why use your gift for cruelty? I remember using my ability on my friend Irina Iral once. She was horrified when I told her that I knew her secret. Even though I had no intention of telling anyone about it, Irina is still a little wary of me. I used to think slipping into people's minds was okay, but now I only see it as a curse. I still remember the way she looked at me that day and it still pains me.

And it's hard being royalty. Some people long to live in royal palaces or have servants to your beck and call, but you sacrifice your life. As a princess, your duty is to your country, and your country alone. I could be sold off to a foreign country tomorrow as a trading piece of anything. An alliance, to end a war. My life belongs to the will of my parents, mostly my Father's. Will I be sold off to princes of foreign countries? Or will I have my Princetrial and be married off to a complete stranger? I have turned sixteen only yesterday, making me eligible for marriage. It is a scary thing for me but for my own sake, I must adhere to the duties of a princess.

I will write to you later but I don't have a name for you. It will be hard to talk about you in secret if I don't have one.

I'll call you Kitty, short for Katherine.

Yours,

Elara Diana Calore

Note: I could work on my entries a little bit. They are a bit rusty.

Also, the story jumps from diary entries to first person view.