Chapter IV
17/06/24
I have done it; I have arranged for my marriage to that girl I remember so fondly; Antoinette, the most beautiful of names bestowed by God, how thankful I am for her to be mine. A fair maiden in present, a model for God's Angels to be crafted from, I only fear that God's other creations become jealous, causing me to hide her from the cruel, cruel world I must fix. I never wish for those circumstances to arise, but I am prepared if needed. The expansion of the palace has been ordered, a new garden for her use, many a library to ensure her smarts keep up with her looks, and a gallery solely for her, so she never forgets herself, and I may learn more of the soul that pilots her.
From Deus Porta, I look forward to many a trip to the great lake the city borders. The faraway land and water has intrigued for many a night; a land with more water than land, a bottomless supply of food and refreshments. I know with this arrangement, my people, no, my family will be prosperous and never, ever again, shall a single one of my children starve or dehydrate. My family shall be renowned for their impeccable health and far-spanning lives, more so than those in Deus Porta, comparable to the lives of Angels; and she, she will live a grander life than anything, for as long as she lives the best life imaginable by God, I would have lived my greatest life.
25/06/24
The first night with my treasure has been completed. My council has fallen silent with the previous scrutiny for my lack of spouse, for my family's lack of future. Now I may scrutinize them. I feel like my life has finally begun; I can now say with confidence that I have reached adulthood.
I made an effort for making our ceremony much grander than mine, or hers in the near future. My entire family was invited, and my entire family arrived. Rose, my love, was adamant that she did not wish to invite her family – not that I did not push for them to arrive, she denied every proposal – claiming to keep people home for her father's care. I did not fuss, this was as special an occasion for her as me, she can have what she wants.
This diary will be vacated, I believe that best. I cannot waste my time on paper when I must entertain another life for the rest of mine. Maybe I'll return, but not for random springs of joy.
02/05/25
Return I have to this pocket of paper, paper summarising me and me along truthfully. I vowed my life to be committed to my Antoinette, but truly I committed to her wants. My marriage, I believed that to be the highest peak of my life, how foolish; this is the highest peak as new life has graced the world. Her name: Rose, at the request of Antoinette. I did not think the creation of a name more majestic and stunning than Antoinette was possible, let alone a creature of superior charm, but there she was, Rose, our Rose.
Antoinette was who I promised my life to, however Rose is who Antoinette has promised her life to; Rose, my precious; I believe now is the only time I have to speak to you about the truth. If you were to be older and wiser, for me to tell you the truth would be cruel, I would rather be locked in hell for eternity. Now, I beg, you innocent creature, do not believe the walls. They appear beautiful and pure, everything within will appear to last forever but that is false. I will leave, your mother will leave, maybe even the walls themselves will leave. The sad truth is that you were born inferior to potential brothers and suitors; do not listen. You have been bestowed to us from God, you are infinitely greater than anything beyond the walls. All I wish from you is to not grow to fond of any one thing, love is what the world has named it. Do not fall in its trap, whatever you do, do not become an animal in its cage. I have, but I do not regret, love doesn't allow you to regret. For all we know, Demons created love to grow us humans weak, you are greater than even those Demons. You, and you alone, are equal with God.
01/01/31
Being the dawn of a new year, I finally decided to show my family Rose. Now being five, she herself can speak with who will be her family once I pass. As we took a stroll down towards the mines, we were interrupted numerous times by passers-by. I welcomed their praise of my daughter, she enjoys it, so, so do I. Her smiles force out my own.
The process of taking a few steps, talking about Antoinette to one of my family, then taking a few more steps for the sequence to repeat continued the entire journey to the mines. Once we finally reached its entrance, I got to meet the person I wanted to show to Rose. Marcus, that peculiar man I met before she was born. I still remember his face when I announced that he would become the supervisor to these mines, and since it had been a while since I went on one of these strolls – not since Rose was a thought – I decided I wanted to see that particular face once again. He is now among the richest members of my family, and amongst its happiest. He told me of how he had had a daughter of his own during his time in the box, but she was taken due to his inability to finance her welfare. On brighter terms, he has managed to return her to him. Apparently, their relationship is still on the mend, with them spending nearly a decade apart.
I couldn't stand not being with Rose for a day, let alone ten years. This meeting reminded me why I love these walks, I learn more about life than I ever could in the palace. I'm hoping Rose has learnt a truth or two after meeting Marcus, just I hope she has learnt the right truths.
Returning to my diary at such a late hour, how foolish, but foolish I must be as tragic news has struck. My dearest wife Antoinette's father has passed, and she must return for her coronation. She wishes that I stay here with Rose, where it is safe. I suppose Rose cannot survive the outside world just yet, she must remain with my family, but I trust only Antoinette with Rose so I must stay as well. Now, I must pray for her swift return.