Exiled

Four years. That's how long I was to be away. Exile, my friends and I nicknamed it. Of course, then, we thought it was innocent and for a good, wholesome purpose. It was then that we ourselves were innocent.

During the first few months of my 'exile,' I kept a note pad with me and took notes of the wonders of the new territory. Every week I wrote a letter to my friends, telling them of everything I saw and learned. As princess and soon-to-queen, I learned as much as I could of my people and their loves and interests. They told me of the coming rains, the drought that had killed so many crops, their families, their relatives who had gone to fight in the last Great War. They told me everything, and I listened, loving them and everything they did for the kingdom.

After a couple of months, all of my friends wrote back. They all had great news- the war was nearing its end, we had won the last battle, and the King, my father, had been rumored to ask after me. Perhaps I was to be brought back! The thought cheered me. To see my friends, my family, and my home again! Such a wonderful thought!

It wasn't until four months later that I received another letter. This one was from my best friend, Ann. She wrote of bad news; the war was stretching on, showing no sign of stopping; we had lost several battles and skirmishes; the King had been mortally wounded in battle and it was doubtful that he would recover. The next in line for the throne was myself, but Ann said there were whispers that my cousin, Charles, would challenge me and my family to claim the throne. He wanted to rule.

It was another year before I learned what had taken place in my homeland: My father had died. Charles had taken over the throne and executed everyone who supported me. Ann had fled, and was now living with me. Charles sent me an official edict- I was to remain in exile. If I returned, I was to be executed.

I had a duty, however, to my country. To my people.