It is a year after the war that tore apart our land. After a long week of proper burials for all of the dead, I resumed my place as the princess. It feels so good to be clean, and to be able to relax.  My parents were reunited, and you should have seen all of the tears and embraces and promises to never leave the other's side again. It was a heartwarming scene, to be sure.

I hear a cough, and look up. Sir Traice is standing before me, smiling. I leap to my feet and wrap my arms around him. I feel his warm, hard, wiry frame softening under my embrace. He laughs slightly.
"I've missed you, Lorelei."
"Oh, I've missed you, too."
He picks at his hair awkwardly. "Soooo.....Is our marriage offer still standing?"
My stomach turns. "Oh, Sir Traice. As much as I hold you in a deep regard, and think that you are amazing, I cannot. I am not ready to be tied to someone. I hope that we can remain the best of friends, but I simply cannot allow myself to marry yet. I was nearly forced to marry Everett, and we all know how that turned out. I love you, but I just can't. I hope you understand."
I hiccup, and then sob. He wraps his arms around me, and I rest my head on his shoulder. I can feel his gentle smile against my cheek, the way his mouth curves up naturally. "I understand, Lorelei. I never want you to feel forced to do anything. You have a wonderful spirit, and you should let it guide you. If you think you are not ready for marriage, then I think you should wait. Just know that I will be here for you if you ever change your mind." He strokes my hair tenderly, and then releases me. I sit back down in my favorite armchair. As Sir Traice walks out of the room, I wave to him sadly. As much as I wish I didn't just do that, I know that it was the right thing to do.

Sene has decided to live in the palace, and I was ecstatic when I found out. She says she could not bear to leave me behind. It touches me to know she cares. I am taking royal training courses, because in three years my father will retire and I will ascend to the throne. I hope that I will prove a worthy leader, and I hope that I will help my people and do what is right. Only time will tell. For now, I think that I will relax, make time for my family, and take life's peril and pitfalls, hopes and joys and small victories as they come.