King's letter

The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of gold and pink, casting long shadows across the kingdom. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming roses, and a lone carrier pigeon soared overhead, bearing tidings of the king's imminent return. 

Queen Eleanor's heart swelled with anticipation. After a year of governing alone, her husband would finally be home.

"Your Majesty, your bath is prepared," announced Rita, the queen's most trusted servant.

"Thank you, Rita," Eleanor replied, her voice filled with a quiet joy. As she stepped into the fragrant rose-scented water, a sense of peace washed over her. The long wait was almost over.

Eleanor closed her eyes, allowing the warmth of the water to soothe her tired muscles. Her mind drifted back to the day she had last seen her husband. It felt like an eternity ago. She missed his laughter, his gentle touch, and his unwavering support.

As she emerged from the bath, wrapped in a soft, white robe, Eleanor could hear the distant sound of cheering. The people of the kingdom were preparing to welcome their beloved king home. A smile spread across her face. The long year of solitude would soon be over.

Just as the queen was beginning to savor the tranquility that had returned to her life, the royal chamberlain burst into her chambers, his face etched with a mixture of urgency and distress.

"Your Majesty," Rita began, her voice trembling slightly, "the chamberlain has brought another letter... a royal decree."

Eleanor's heart pounded. "What is it? Is the king... is he alright?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, the king is well. He has been resting in the Kingdom of Missippi and is on his way back."

Relief washed over Eleanor, but it was quickly replaced by confusion. "Then what is the problem, Rita?"

Rita hesitated, her eyes darting nervously. "You should read the letter yourself, Your Majesty."

Eleanor's hand shook as she read the contents, her blood ran cold. 

The king was returning home not alone, but with the princess of Missippi. And she was to be crowned as the second queen.

A wave of anger surged through Eleanor. How could the king have kept this from her? How could he have done this without even explaining himself? Her heart felt like it was breaking.

She reread the letter, searching for any hint of a reason, any justification for his actions. But there was nothing. The king had simply announced his intention, leaving Eleanor to grapple with the devastating news alone.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. She had spent years devoted to her husband, her kingdom, and her people. She had sacrificed her own happiness for his sake. And now, he had betrayed her trust in the most cruel and unexpected way.

Rage pierced her throbbing heart as she tried to come to terms with the reality of her situation. She had always been a strong woman, capable of overcoming any challenge. But this was different. This was a betrayal that went to the very core of her being.

With a forced smile, she turned to the chamberlain. "Prepare for the ceremony," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

As the chamberlain left, Eleanor collapsed onto her bed, the sudden news had left her in unfathomable shock and anguish.

The peace she had so longed for was shattered, replaced by a bitter sense of betrayal. She knew that she would have to find a way to move forward, to rebuild her life. But , she wasn't able to let go of the uneasiness and emptiness she was feeling.

Princess Nadia al-Ilhan, of the Kingdom of Mississippi, was renowned throughout the land for her beauty, intelligence, and charisma. Her name was whispered in hushed tones in royal courts across the continent, and countless suitors had sought her hand in marriage. It was she who would be returning to the kingdom with the king.

Rumors abound about the princess, of course. Some spoke of her grace and kindness, while others whispered of her pride and ambition. Eleanor knew better than to trust such gossip, but she couldn't deny that her curiosity was piqued.

How had the king met this remarkable woman? Had he fallen in love with her? Or was their union a political arrangement? And why had he kept his intentions a secret for so long?

Eleanor's mind raced with questions. She tried to calm herself, to remind herself that there was no point in speculating. Soon enough, she would meet the princess and learn the truth for herself.

But as she closed her eyes, a wave of dread washed over her. She had always been a loyal and devoted wife, but now she found herself doubting her own husband's love. The thought was almost unbearable.