“It is done.” King Zachary’s voice was resigned. He hated sending his daughter away, but was thankful they had time to get her to a safe location.

“Zack,” Queen Elena gently spoke, placing her hand on his heart, “It’s what we must do. My only hope is she arrives safe and news does not reach there until everything is over.” Queen Elena turned around and faced the fireplace in their bed chamber. Her frail fingers rubbed the satin sleeves of her navy gown. “My hope is that this will be done quick so when Alexandria returns, she has minimal disruption during the transition.” Her eyes turned red. “You promise to take care of her, my dear?” Her tears began to flow, falling to the stone floor below as her hands moved to cradle her own head.

King Zachary walked up behind his beloved, embracing her from behind and holding her tightly to him. His burden was great. His love would soon be gone from the kingdom, gone from his life. She willingly was leaving, to save the kingdom and her family. Softly, he kissed her upswept brown hair. It smelled of lavender and vanilla, just like the tea she loved so much.

“Do you think I should tell her?” Elena turned to face him, still wrapped in his embrace.

He wiped the tears from her blushed cheeks, and hung his head. “No, I don’t think so. I will explain it to her in time. Let’s enjoy tomorrow with her and let her carry those happy moments forward.” He softly kissed his wife, his queen, on the lips. They embraced a few moments more. “Dinner will be soon. I will need to meet with Thomas and William afterward to ensure they understand the gravity of the situation for this trip.”

Elena stepped back, and wiped her face clear of the tears, sniffling, but regaining her composure. “Yes, my King. I understand.”

From behind them, a knock on the chamber door echoed through the room. “Come!” King Zachary bellowed, stepping in front of Elena as she straightened her hair and dress.

Page James entered the room. “King Zachary, Sir Thomas, Lord William and Lady Victoria have all arrived. They are awaiting in the library.”

King Zachary nodded his head. “Thank you, James. Please let them know we will be down momentarily.”

James nodded his head and snapped into a turn, exiting the room and closing the door behind.

Queen Elena looked over at Zack and forced a smile. “Shall we?”

He offered his hand to her and escorted her to see their guests.

Alexandria walked out of the palace and followed the pea graveled path to the rose garden. She loved the beauty of the vibrant Lady in Red climbing roses which graced the archway to the garden. Briefly she paused, bringing her nose close to a bloom to enjoy the delicate fragrance.

In the distance, King Zachary waited by the bench before the General Jacqueminot roses. He loved that is daughter took enjoyment in the simple things, such as the beauty of flowers. He watched her as she enjoyed each blossom as she approached.

“Father,” Alexandria bowed as she greeted him, “You summoned me?” She rose back up and sweetly looked at him.

Zachary waved his hand toward the bench, “Let’s have a seat.”

Once Alexandria sat, her father joined her.

“Zandry,” her father interlaced his hands in the same manner as his daughter does when she is thinking, “I think you need a break from palace life. What would you think about taking a few weeks to travel to the far regions of the kingdom?”

Father rarely called her Zandry these days. It was a childhood nickname and harkened back to a simpler age of ribbons in her hair and no requirements to be so formal. A break from the palace and getting to see areas she hadn’t been to caused her face to light up like any teenager offered to travel the world. “Father, I would love to go on this journey.” Her response came out formal, but the smile on her face revealed her giddiness.

Zachary looked at his daughter. She definitely needed a break, she didn’t know how to drop out of her formal mode any longer. “Zandry, I want you to have fun on this trip,” he picked up his daughter’s hand and cupped it between his. He wondered if they had leveled too much upon her shoulders too quickly. “I’ve arranged for a carriage to first take you out to the mountain house. While you are there, blend in with others and dress as they do. Just be your charming self.”

“Father, am I to go alone? Aren’t you and mother coming?” Alexandria was not sure to be nervous or excited.

“We will not be going. But your cousins Kaitlyn and Victoria along with cousins Thomas and William will accompany you. I can’t have you running around alone! You will also be accompanied by a few of the staff to help with logistics and such.”

Katy and Tori! This was fantastic news to Alexandria’s ears. The three of them were inseparable growing up. Tom and Willie were older, they must be our chaperones Alexandria thought to herself. “When do they arrive, and when do we leave?” Her voice almost came out with a squeal of excitement.

Her father was happy to see she was still there behind all the formality façade she had built recently. “Kaitlyn is expected tomorrow, and Victoria should arrive later today. Thomas and William are already here. You’ll head out the day after tomorrow. The mountain house is already being set up by the staff your mother sent out early.”

Father and daughter stood up by the bench. Alexandria could no longer contain her excitement. She jumped like her dad’s little girl and hugged her father around the neck. “Thank you, Pop! I’m thrilled!”

King Zachary hugged his daughter back, a little tighter and longer than he had in a while. A tear welled up in his eye, which he worked to keep in place.

She let go and spun around, the skirt of her dress flaring out, and ran back towards the house to start packing with her maid. King Zachary’s smile quivered and his tear fell down his cheek after she left. He was thankful she didn’t suspect what was to come in the kingdom. But now he knew she would be safe and out of harm’s way.

Princess Alexandria surveyed her father’s kingdom from her balcony. She gracefully glided across the floor, her crepe purple and champagne gown flowing behind her. Her hands interlaced before her as her wheat colored hair cascaded down her shoulders. Her tiara of amethyst and diamonds, fashioned with beautiful interwoven swirls of champagne gold, wrapped across her forehead.

Alexandria was the next in line for the throne. Her mother, Queen Elena, and her father, King Zachary, worked to ensure she had the best education and would be prepared for the challenges which lay before her. At only 15, she was trained in parliamentary procedures, a polyglot, and had a strong grasp of economics and business. Her heart was charitable and kind as well, knowing that she would serve the people, they were not her subjects but rather she was theirs.

However, on days like today, her crown sat heavy on her head. She longed at times just to be a teenager, having fun and enjoying life like others her age. She wondered if her life as the Princess would even be fulfilling enough for her. She had much work to do, but, what about her own dreams and desires?

Her gaze returned to the kingdom before her. To the east, the plains housed the farms which provided food for all. To the west, majestic snow capped mountains rose above the tree line, filled with adventure and forming a natural line of defense from the bitter winter weather which comes their way every fourth season.

“Alexandria,” a voice called her from behind, “Your father, King Zachary, requests your presence.”

Alexandria turned to see a page, a small man barely five-foot-two, standing in the archway. He bowed his head in her direction.

“Thank you. Does father wish to see me in the throne room?”

“Milady, he requests your presence in the garden,” his voice trembled with nervousness.

“Very well. May I ask your name?”

The page quaked a little. He thought he might have broke some form of decorum, and stuttered his name, “Ma’am, I am known as James.”

Alexandria smiled. “Thank you, James.” She began walking towards him. She softly placed her hand on his arm as she passed. “I am very pleased to meet you.” With those words, she passed the kindest smile at James, hoping his nerves would calm.

James nodded at her, “Nice to meet you as well.” He sighed and let out his breath which he had unknowingly been holding. His nerves settled.

Alexandria had this unflinching ability to make everyone in her presence at ease. “I’m off to see father.” She nodded as she floated down the hall, full of grace.