A single star floats in the sky,

twinkling a soft greeting,

Blinking, you might miss it,

Small, but fluttering with light,

it stands out in the immense darkness,

but never can it be smothered,

‘Hold on’ it says, ‘hold on.’

Madeleine sat in the library, pushing a pen to her lips, thinking. Antoine hovered over her shoulder.

“Writing your poetry again?”

She nodded. “I was anyway. I can’t stop thinking about yesterday when I spoke up during the meeting.” She grinned contently out at nothing.

He sat next to her. “We were all surprised to hear you speak up, but I’m glad you did.” He placed a hand under his chin on the desk. “The look on Prince Bryson’s face was priceless. I may never see him squirm that much again!”

She laughed. “I think you’re right.” She laid her pen down to meet his gaze. “I hope this means the council will respect me more.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that. I do think it’s important, however, that we continue with your studies. We wouldn’t want you getting a big head.”

“Hm? I think you should be more worried about that.”

He gasped. “Hey now, it’s not big! It’s all this hair. I can’t control the curls.”

She shook her head again. “I’m afraid it’s not the curls that’s affecting you.”

They both laughed and then there was a pause. “I really am flattered that you let me read your poetry,” he said in a softer tone. “Your sister tells me that I am, in fact, the only one.”

“That’s correct,” she said with a grin. “You’ve spoken to her recently then?”

He nodded. “Just yesterday in fact. I’m not sure if you were aware, but she’s been rather lonely staying in her room all day.”

Her face fell. “I know.” She looked down, feeling guilty she had not been visiting her sister more. “I know it seems like she’s getting better, but I can’t get my hopes up. It’s always like this.”

“What do you mean?”

She hesitated. “It always seems like she will finally recover from whatever new cold she’s gotten, but she never does.”

“I see. I sort of know what you mean.” She blinked at him. “Father hasn’t left his chamber in weeks, and his condition seems to always be worsening. It’s strange, Madi. Sometimes he acts like himself, and he’ll join us for dinner, then the next day, not remember who anyone is and spout nonsense, usually something about missing our mother.” He closed his eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Tony.” She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I had no idea his condition was that bad.”

He shook his head. “It’s alright. I want you to know that I understand what you’re feeling. It’s hard to see those you love drift away from you.”

She searched his face. “It’s unbearable sometimes, isn’t it?” He nodded. “Courtney always falls back to where she was, and she has never quite returned to her old healthy ways since the sweating sickness.” Her eyes began to get foggy. “Tony, what if one day the people we love never…” her words trailed off, and she quickly looked away.

“You can’t think like that. She may not be like she was, but she is still here, and she’s going to marry that prince from wherever it is he’s from.”

“Flussland.”

“Oh yes, of course.” He playfully bumped her shoulder. “How could I forget Flussland?”

She grinned despite herself. “I only think about how much I embarrassed myself in front of the entire council every single day since I spoke up about Flussland. I don’t need you reminding me.”

He smiled evilly, then the expression melted as he stood up. He grabbed her arm gently, making her stand as well. “Madi.” She scanned his face curiously. “Courtney is strong, and she’s always fighting to make it through this. You need to fight too. Don’t give up hope, okay?”

She searched his face. “That goes for you too, Tony. I know how much your father means to you, and I’m sure even in his state he appreciates your visits more than you know.” He bit his lip at that, and she could tell he was trying to swallow back tears. Considering him for a moment, she gently pulled him into a hug, and he froze for a moment.

Burrowing his face into her shoulder, he softly choked, “Thank you.”

Holding him snuggly around the middle, she felt her own eyes well up. She was unsure what to make of this outpour of emotion, since the last time she’d shared her feelings was all those years ago with Adrian.

It felt nice to be held by someone, to be heard, to be understood, and she was sure Antoine felt the same way. She breathed in his scent, feeling his warmth melt away her anxiety.

Someone cleared their throat behind them, and she pulled away quickly, wiping her eyes.

Adrian was standing a few feet away, looking between them with a raised brow. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Antoine glared at his brother, his face bright red. “It’d be nice if we knew when you were going to just pop in during our discussions, Adi.”

Adrian snorted. “Didn’t look to me like you two were having much of a discussion. And why is there water on your shirt, Tony? You really need to stop spilling stuff all over yourself when you eat.”

Madeleine blushed as she looked at her tear stains on Antoine’s shoulder. Adrian seemed to just be registering what the water marks meant, his body stiffening, when Madeleine spoke up. “Tony and I were just discussing, er, well…” She exchanged a glance with the prince.

“We were discussing how shocked we all were when King Jean not only uttered words but did not completely side with Vauquelin.” Antoine winked at her. “I bet even you were surprised, Adi.” Antione sat himself down again and Madeleine followed his lead. “We were also going over the countries again.”

Adrian stood over them, his arms folded. “Really? Then why is there a book of poetry out instead?”

Antoine and Madeleine both looked down, seeming to notice for the first time her notebook on the desk opened to one of the center pages. “Um,” they both began, and Adrian took it up in his hands, eyebrows furrowed.

“I don’t recognize this poet.” He read the first line. “A single orb floats in the sky—”

Madeleine stood up and snatched it out of his hand, face filled with horror. The king looked taken aback.

“It’s uh, not by any poet you’d recognize,” she said quickly.

He considered her. “I’ve read all the poets in this library; I think I would at least recognize the author’s name.”

“You wouldn’t recognize it because—” Antoine started, but Madeleine waved him silent.

“Because I wrote these poems,” she finished.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Adrian stared at her for a moment before responding. “Oh, um.” In surprise, she watched as a deep red spread over his cheeks. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to read your personal writings. If it makes you feel better, the handwriting is very much like one of the poets I read, and I was fooled by it.”

Antoine burst out laughing. “Oh Adi, you’re positively glowing with rouge.”

“Hush, Tony!”

“That’s okay,” Madeleine said quietly. “I don’t mind.”

“You don’t?” Antoine asked in surprise.

She nodded. “Well, it’s not really finished.”

Antoine stood. “You don’t have to let him read it. It is your personal journal.”

“It’s alright, Tony.” She stood up straighter. “It’s immature of me to be so ashamed of others reading my work.”

Something flashed across the prince’s face, and she paused, wondering if she had said something wrong before handing the book to Adrian.

“I appreciate your trust in me, Madi,” Adrian said, and Antoine had a pouty look on his face now.

They were all quiet as Adrian poured over the words. He broke the brief silence. “May I ask, does it represent anything?”

“Uh, yes.” She hesitated. “It’s about wanting to escape painful memories of the past in order to create a new beginning.”

Adrian considered her. “Painful memories of the past?”

She realized subtly might be escaping her. “People are born into this society, and they cannot be unborn, neither can they control what others do, but perhaps they can change their fate, even if others are against them.”

They looked at each other, and somehow, she knew they were both thinking about that night in the stables.

“I think this person should forget about the past and move forward,” Adrian said, searching her face, “because what happened does not affect them, and they should live their life to the fullest without regret.”

“Does not affect them?” she repeated incredulously. “Maybe they could let go and forget, but would everyone else?”

“What they don’t know won’t hurt them.”

“What if they eventually did know?”

“Then I say, they have no right to judge that person or their circumstance, since another’s actions should have nothing to do with them.”

She stared at him, all subtly falling. “So, you do not hate me for what she did?”

Adrian’s eyes widened. “Of course not. Why should I? You had nothing to do with it.”

“Well, I’m lost,” Antoine cut in with a flustered expression on his face, standing behind them with his arms folded. “Anyone care to fill me in?”

She realized how close she had gotten to the king and stepped away. He handed her the notebook and she set it down on the table.

“Supper will be in a few hours,” Adrian said quickly, his words directed at the princess. “I have some things I need to do, but I will see you then.” He took her hands and placed his forehead to them.

“You just got here, Adi, and you never answered my question,” Antoine barked, gripping the edge of one of the chairs.

“Until then.” Adrian gave the princess one last look before leaving out the way he came.

She picked up the journal and hugged it to her chest in thought.

“I don’t believe that man. Since my brother refuses to answer me, maybe you could explain what in Elderian you two were talking about.”

Her heart was pounding. “It’s…about hope,” she squeaked. “That’s what we were talking about.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Hope? What do you mean?”

“It’s nothing, Tony, really.”

“Oh.” He glanced away. “Okay.”

There was silence and after a moment, she turned to him again. “Thank you, by the way, for before.”

His expression changed, and she instantly recalled the warmth of his hug. “I should be thanking you. You know, I’m always here for you and you can trust me.” He searched her face and she shifted uncomfortably. “I am happy to listen if you have anything you want to tell me—”

“I-I’m afraid I have to go too,” she said before he could finish, not trusting herself to speak for fear she may let something slip. “I need to get ready before dinner.”

He blinked, then nodded slowly. “Alright. I will see you there, then.”

She nodded, and after he gave her the formal Elderian greeting, she left him standing there, feeling increasingly guilty for darting away so quickly.

♛♚♛

Later that evening, Madeleine sat contently at the dinner table, pushing venison into her mouth.

She had almost forgotten how she’d left Antoine in the library so abruptly, until he looked up at her from his food. She had begun drinking from her goblet then and accidentally inhaled some and started coughing. He eyed her suspiciously. She signaled to him that she was okay, and he flashed a small grin.

“Madi,” King Adrian asked after a few moments, and she was shocked to hear her name come out of his mouth.

“M-me?”

He exhaled quickly. “Yes. You left this in the library earlier. I thought I’d return it to you.” He held out one of her handkerchiefs.

She searched her right sleeve and realized she had indeed left it behind. She felt all eyes on her as the kerchief was returned to her by a servant.

“Er, thank you, Your Highness.” She twisted the piece of cloth in her hands nervously, hoping the interaction was at an end.

“I told you, you may call me Adrian.” Madeleine’s complexion matched her rosy dress.

She caught Antoine rolling his eyes and noticed Yvette had an expression of cold ice.

“What was the princess of Andveltica doing in the library this afternoon?” Yvette was addressing her question to the king.

He gave a sheepish expression. “We happened to bump into each other.”

Antoine snorted. “Yes, it was very happen-place.” He aggressively sunk his teeth into a roll, shaking his head.

“Well,” Yvette continued, “I think all these political meetings have made people forget what it is to enjoy themselves.” She held her head high. “Nebrasia should hold some sort of event to improve morale, don’t you think King Adrian?”

“What kind of event are you proposing?”

“Oh, hunting is so popular in Cappeland.”

At the sound of Yvette’s voice, Queen Adele halted her conversation with Nicole and cut her daughter off. “Oh, Yvette, Dear. Did you hear the wonderful news?”

The room quieted slightly, and they all looked at her.

“News, Stepmother?” It was Amabel who spoke up, having been silently listening to their conversation.

“Not you.” The queen did not look at Amabel as she spoke. Madeleine blinked at her harsh words, but Amabel held her composure, seemingly unfazed.

“What news would that be?” Yvette asked.

“I sent for the castle doctors last night,” Queen Adele looked around at everyone as she spoke, “when I was not feeling so well, and they discovered that I am pregnant again!”

Yvette’s face darkened as applause sounded around the room. She stared at her plate tensely. “Another one? I already have twelve siblings.”

“Twelve?” Antoine exclaimed.

Yvette flinched. “Yes, and now thirteen.”

“Wow! Why are none of them here in Nebrasia?” he asked.

“Besides Amabel, they are all quite a bit younger than me, so it was better for them to stay in Cappeland where they wouldn't be a nuisance to us adults.”

“Ha!” her mother cut in. “Yvette, you are far from being an adult, that is, until after you marry and live on your own of course.” The tense expression returned to Yvette’s face. “I thought perhaps it would be a good idea to leave you and Amabel behind to watch over your siblings and for you especially, to continue your work at Court as you are the eldest.” Madeleine felt a tinge of anger as the queen’s words sounded similar to her mother’s.

She glanced over at Queen Nicole, who to her surprise, fidgeted uncomfortably.

“You could have been very useful,” this queen continued, “and out of the way at home in Cappeland, however Nebrasia had the opportunity—”

She was interrupted when one of the doors to the dining room swung open loudly and an elegant woman with long, black hair half pinned up and half trailing over her shoulders walked through it, a servant announcing her name.

Madeleine turned, eyes widening at her sister’s approach.

Courtney smiled as she sat next to her. “I was reading a book in my bedroom,” she began, “when I felt particularly lively and thought, why not make it to dinner before it’s over?” The energy in her voice was the same as it had been when Madeleine had last visited her after that first council meeting.

“That’s amazing, Courtney,” Antoine said, smiling. “I’m so glad you are doing better.” He made eye-contact with Madeleine and nodded warmly.

“Then, you are better, I take it?” Madeleine asked cautiously.

“Oh, Madi, I feel much better, just like my old self even. Nebrasia has wonderful doctors, and I think visiting this place has done me a load of good.” She squeezed her sister’s hand under the table.

“It’s so good to see you, Princess Courtney,” Amabel said cheerily. “Does this mean you can attend the next jousting tournament with me?”

Courtney looked up at the princess and beamed at her. “I should be well enough. I did promise I would go with you to make up for the other day.”

“How splendid.” Amabel’s eyes sparkled as she talked. “I can’t believe how much better you’re doing. When I first met you, you were so pale and sickly.”

Courtney laughed. “I must look significantly better than before.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to say you didn’t look good.” Amabel’s voice wavered slightly, which Madeleine thought was out of character for her. “You always look wonderful and pretty with your bright eyes and smile. I simply meant you had seemed a little under the weather.”

Madeleine glanced at her sister and was surprised to see that a hint of pink had mixed into her bronze cheeks. “Thank you, Amabel. You are very pretty as well.”

“Oh. That is very kind of you to say.”

“I do not say it merely out of kindness, but as a matter of fact.”

Amabel blinked in slight surprise, the hand on her goblet freezing. Clearing her throat, she took a sip and glanced away. Had Madeleine been paying attention, she wouldn’t have missed the red in the bastard princess’s ears.

There was a pause in conversation across the table.

King Adrian used this moment to speak up. “Since the matter of holding a morale boosting event has been brought up, I’d like to announce that Nebrasia will be holding a ball for its esteemed guests of the triple alliance.”

Madeleine stared at him, and when she exchanged a glance with her sister, she returned a similar flabbergasted look.

Yvette sat up straighter in her chair, and her regular smirk returned to her face. “Oh, how wonderful, King Adrian!”

Adrian gave a polite nod. He glanced at Madeleine with a soft expression on his face before looking elsewhere. Excitement coursed through her veins then. If the fates allowed it, she’d give anything to dance with the king.

She tried to meet his gaze again, but was distracted by Antoine who winked at her, his hand placed flirtatiously under his chin. “Can’t wait to see you there,” he said cheerily.