Mountdawn, 34th of Aluvia, Year 422

It finally happened; I met Prince Galian today!

Before now, I had only ever seen him in paintings and the magical images sent to me from the palace, but now I finally knew who he was.

He didn’t look like I expected him to, but that’s not a bad thing. At least I don’t think so. Obviously, since he’s the Crown Prince, the paintings given to me all exaggerated his good features and downplayed the bad ones. Compared to him, the paintings were all hard to look at now.

We took a walk in the Royal Gardens together. I’d never been there before, so Zephyrine and I had to walk behind him and his guards so we wouldn’t get lost. It was so awkward at first. We just stare at the flowers, the sky, and the ground, and if we k=locked eyes by accident we would turn away from each other quickly. I was so sure that the meeting was going to end in disaster - I’ve heard so many horror stories from my cousins about things like this.

Then finally one of us decided to break the silence. Galian (that’s what he told me to call him from now on) asked me about my schooling. Not a very good start, but it was better than nothing. Then I mentioned this new play my tutor gave me - Widows and Agents - and his eyes lit up like Lantern Flowers!

I had no idea that Galian had such a love for theater! We practically spent hours talking after that; I learned that his favorite playwright is Venture Palmio. A decent man I guess. The Lament of Mala the Younger was a fine play, but I suppose comedies just aren’t for me. But I digress. Anyway, we had a great time today. I almost didn’t want to leave.

But Father seemed troubled for some reason, and so did Mother. When we ate dinner, they kept whispering to each other and looking at me from across the table. I tried to ask them why they were upset, but neither of them gave me a clear answer. Father claimed it was just about business and Mother said they were planning another trip to the Palace.

Johannes hardly noticed that were arguing - thank the Nine. He was too busy bragging about the new sword-fighting tutor he got. I’m sure he’ll be gone by the week though.

I’m not gonna let any of this get in my way though. Galian and I are friends now, and I have a duty to my family. I don’t quite know what everyone means by that last part yet, but I won’t let them down regardless!

Sincerely,

Lady Protea Fynderne of Frostenden