CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

[Princess Francesca]

It had been a few days since I had visited the city, specifically the commercial district, one of the driving forces behind the Kingdom's economy, in disguise, concealing my identity, in the company of my faithful lady-in-waiting. I consider her more than a royal house servant; Cloud is also my best friend and confidante.

And even though she often disagrees with most of my carefully calculated plans and strategies, in the end, Cloud always ends up supporting me, regardless of the circumstances. After all, the clever girl knows that I'm always right, and I rarely make a mistake in any decision or judgment.

"Princess, are you absolutely sure this won't go wrong? I'm afraid that..." Cloud begins to ponder hesitantly but interrupts herself before completing the thought out loud.

"Cloud, my friend, listen," I say calmly as I hold her hands in mine. "Can you recall any instance where I took a hasty action that could jeopardize everything? This is the perfect moment; everything happened exactly when it had to. I wasn't there in that place by chance; it was destiny offering me the answer to this family's problems and those of the Kingdom. Don't you see?" I inquire, looking her directly in the eyes.

"I understand. You need a quick solution before..." She clears her throat, disconcerted, and averts her gaze quickly before returning it to me. "Well, what guarantees that this is the best choice? That you won't regret the decision later on?"

"I don't have many options in the current circumstances, Cloud," I say, rising from my seat on the bed and pacing anxiously from side to side in the room. "I know what I'm doing; I'm fully aware of my actions and their respective consequences."

I stop pacing for a minute and take a deep, long breath, gazing at the intricately ornate white and gold ceiling of my palace room.

"I've decided to take the risks of this choice because..." I bite the tip of my tongue, avoiding the urge to cry, and continue. "Ever since my mother, our queen, passed away, things have been losing balance and direction in our household. And that's been the case for several years now, Cloud. Things can't go on like this," I say succinctly amid a sniffle I try to disguise.

"Of course, Princess. You're right," Cloud agrees, coming closer to me and hugging me affectionately.

I rest my head on her shoulder and allow myself to enjoy the brief moment of calm before the terrible storm that will soon form.

"Know that you can always count on me, Princess. You have my full support and approval."

"I appreciate that, Cloud. Your support is of utmost importance to me at this crucial moment. I know you must still have dozens of doubts about this matter in that beautiful little head of yours that I adore so much. However, to put your mind at ease and keep your soul in peace tonight, keep in mind what my heart is telling you now—this is the best choice we've made together."

I say with conviction while my friend doesn't even blink her eyes, attentively hanging on to every word I have yet to utter.

"I felt deep in my soul the certainty and conviction that it was her. What I saw could never have been an act of pretense or manipulation of feelings when the person didn't even know she was being observed."

I affirm, recalling the scene I witnessed from afar with my own eyes and ears, which took place in the city's commercial district.

"Listen, Cloud, my soul connected with that girl in a very profound way, as if our spirits were siblings. You know, when you have confirmation of something, then... it has to be her, the chosen one for this task."

I conclude, seeking signs of understanding on her face, and I smile in relief when I find a small agreeing smile.

"If that's the case, so be it, Your Highness," she jests, and I roll my eyes, a totally inappropriate gesture that Cloud disapproves of, and we both laugh.

"Don't be silly, girl," I scoff at the formal and unnecessary treatment due to the intimacy of two friends in a personal setting. "Come on, Miss, you'll accompany me to the king's chambers, where I'll finally have an audience with him and my brothers to reach a conclusion on this matter."

"May God help you in this difficult endeavor, Princess. This won't be an easy battle to fight. You know that as well as I do," Cloud ponders as we leave the protection of my room and she walks beside me through the external corridors of the palace, taking elegant steps.

The guards stationed throughout the area on duty greet each of us due to our titles, all maintaining their positions.

"I never had any doubts about that, Cloud. I just hope I won't have to witness a scene of screams and blood splattering on the castle walls. Because let's be honest, these ancient walls are far too beautiful to be covered in red blood, don't you think?"

"Only the Princess to keep humor around in a moment like this," she shakes her head, and we both laugh.

"Wish me luck, dear friend," I request when we stop in front of my father's office.

"Good luck, Princess Francesca. May you achieve all the desires your heart longs for," Cloud squeezes my hands in hers and leaves at a brisk pace when I knock twice on the door to the king's office.

Nervous.

"It was about time, Francesca. We were just waiting for you," Frederick, the eldest of my brothers, greets me as he opens the door for me. "Come in," he gestures with his hand toward the interior, and I comply, hearing the door close behind me.

"Father, Frederick, Felipe," I nod to each of the family's men.

My older brothers are seated in chairs on either side of our father's desk, while he stands behind the piece of furniture. They all look at me with sharp eyes and impassive faces.

I feel my soul chill inside, but I stand firm and don't falter in showing weakness or nervousness.

"So, Francesca, we're listening. You can start," his tone isn't harsh when addressing me, but my father can't hide the disappointment it carries, and it breaks my heart.

I hate to disappoint him.

I have the urge to apologize again for my mistake, but I know it won't do any good. What's done is done, and there's no turning back. And now, because of my fault, we're all paying the price in some way.

"I found a partial solution to the problem, as the consequences will remain forever, hidden between us and these walls built by our ancestors, but they will still exist."

"Have you found a suitable candidate, sister?" Frederick is the first

to gather the courage to ask what everyone is itching to know. "In such a short time? But how?" He continues, inquisitive.

"Sister..." Felipe warns.

"Forgive me if I don't trust Francesca's abilities, given the outcome of recent events, Felipe."

Frederick gets frustrated, and I gasp, hurt by the indirect insult.

"This is a significant change we're dealing with here. A decision that will affect our family's life and, most importantly, your life, brother. So, I have every right to worry and question the character of decisions made by our dear little sister."

"Boys, boys!" Father interjects, preventing a new confrontation between them. "For God's sake, be quiet and let Francesca say what she has to say before I lose my patience with all of you."

Contradicting their admonishment but remaining loyal and obedient to the patriarch, Frederick and Felipe fall silent for the next few minutes, giving me the opportunity to finally express myself.

"I found the chosen one in the city's commercial district a few days ago. She's a modest girl but principled, perfect for the role we need."