{Third Person}
Amara wanted to write back imdiately. She wanted to tell them everything she could, to respond to every line, every question, every feeling they had shared with her.
But just as quickly, reality followed, and her gaze dimd slightly. She couldn’t right now.
If she wanted to send another letter, she would have to go through Alexander again, and with the Hunt happening tomorrow, there was no way she could bring it up now.
Amara let out a small breath and leaned back slightly. "After the Hunt..." she murmured to herself. "I will ask him after the Hunt."
Her gaze drifted to the letters again, softer this ti. Then, slowly, another thought, quieter, but deeper, surfaced.
Maybe soday... she wouldn’t have to rely on letters.
Maybe soday, she would see them again.
She didn’t know how. She didn’t know when. But for the first ti since arriving here, the idea didn’t feel impossible. It felt... distant, yet real enough to hold on to.
Amara picked up the letters again, bringing them closer.
Almost without thinking, she lifted them slightly and inhaled faintly, as if trying to catch a trace of sothing familiar that wasn’t really there.
Then she hugged them to her chest, her eyes closing briefly as a small, genuine smile ford on her lips.
"They missed too..." she whispered.
---
That night, Amara lay in bed, the letters spread out beside her after turning off the switch, the candlelight flickering softly against the walls as the palace gradually sank into silence.
She told herself she would only read them once more. Just once. But her fingers betrayed her.
She picked up Hazel’s letter again, smiling faintly even before her eyes settled on the words. Then Rachel’s, slower this ti, lingering on certain lines. And finally, Davina’s, where her expression would quiet down just a little before softening again.
Ti slipped past her without her noticing.
The room grew quieter, and the candle burned lower. And still, she remained in her back, rereading parts she had already morized, tracing over familiar words as if doing so could sohow shorten the distance between them.
By the ti sleep finally ca for her, it was already late—well past when she should have been resting.
---
The next morning ca too quickly.
"My lady... my lady..."
Amara stirred faintly at the sound of Mrs. Woods’ voice, her brows knitting slightly as she turned on the bed.
Sonia was busy, gently pulling the curtains aside to let in the morning light.
"My lady, it is ti to get ready," Mrs. Woods said softly, though there was a firmness beneath it.
Amara let out a quiet groan and slowly pushed herself up, her head still heavy from the lack of proper rest.
For a brief mont, she looked like she might fall back onto the bed, but Mrs. Woods was already stepping forward to steady her.
"No, my lady. Today is important."
That was enough to remind her about The Hunt.
Amara exhaled softly and nodded, allowing them to help her out of bed. The morning moved quickly after that.
Warm water was prepared. Her face was gently cleaned. Her skin refreshed. By the ti she was fully awake, the outfit she had requested a few days ago was already laid out for her.
The designer had done well.
It was conservative, just as she wanted—structured, modest, and comfortable enough for movent without compromising her sense of self.
It did not resemble the bold, revealing styles that the Queen had gifted her, yet it still carried a quiet elegance that made it suitable for the occasion.
Amara changed into it, adjusting the sleeves slightly before glancing at herself in the mirror.
Mrs. Woods stepped behind her and began brushing her hair, smoothing it carefully before letting it fall naturally down her back. There was no elaborate styling today—just simplicity which suited her.
When she was done, Amara took one last look at herself, then nodded lightly. "I’m ready."
As they stepped out of the room, Ginger imdiately perked up from where she had been resting.
The cat let out a soft ow and trotted toward her, clearly intending to follow.
Amara bent slightly, smiling as she reached out to touch her, but before she could lift her, Mrs. Woods spoke gently, "Sonia will watch over her."
Sonia nodded quickly, already moving to pick Ginger up. The cat resisted slightly, letting out a small, protesting sound, but Sonia held her securely.
Amara hesitated for a brief second, then sighed softly. "I will be back."
Ginger’s tail flicked as if in response.
With that, Amara straightened and followed Mrs. Woods out, while the rest of the servants quietly returned to their duties.
—
Outside, the morning air was crisp.
The carriage was already waiting. And just as Amara approached, she noticed that Alexander was already inside.
She paused for the briefest mont before stepping forward and climbing in. As expected, she sat across from him.
The carriage door closed, and soon, they were moving.
For a while, there was silence. But this ti, it didn’t feel as heavy as before.
Alexander’s gaze lifted briefly, settling on her. Imdiately, he noticed the difference. In his eyes, Amara looked lighter and more relaxed.
There was a quiet ease in her posture that hadn’t been there before, and though her eyes still carried traces of last night’s fatigue, there was sothing brighter beneath it.
’All that from a few letters?’ Alexander looked away again, his expression unchanged, but the thought lingered.
On the other side, Amara sat quietly for a mont, her hands resting on her lap. But it didn’t take long before her thoughts circled back to him and what he had done for her.
She turned slightly. "Your Highness..."
He didn’t respond, but she knew he was listening, so she continued, "Thank you. For yesterday."
Then a short, indifferent hum left him. "You’ve said that already."
Amara nodded quickly. "I know, but I just—"
"Enough." The word wasn’t loud, but it was firm.
Still, she couldn’t help herself. "I’m really grateful. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to—"
Alexander’s gaze shifted back to her, colder this ti. "If you don’t let have so peace this early in the morning, I will have you thrown out of this carriage," he said flatly.
Amara froze for a heartbeat, and almost imdiately, she straightened. "I’m sorry."
Silence returned. This ti, she didn’t speak again, but the smile on her face didn’t disappear.
Even as she turned her gaze toward the window, watching the passing scenery, there was a quiet happiness that lingered, one that even his threat couldn’t take away.
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