MOCKERY IN THE MORNING

The morning sun rose lazily over Astoria, casting a warm glow across the castle grounds as Princess Elara diligently practiced her swordsmanship. It had been days since Prince Theron's departure, and though his absence weighed on her heart, Elara remained steadfast in her routine of early morning training.

With each swing of her sword, Elara felt the familiar rush of adrenaline, focusing on perfecting her technique despite the ache of missing Theron's guidance. Sweat glistened on her brow as she executed a series of precise maneuvers, her movements fluid and purposeful.

As she finished her session, catching her breath and wiping her brow with a towel, a voice cut through the quiet morning air. "Elara, still playing at being a warrior, I see?"

Elara turned to see Prince Thaddeus, her stepbrother, with a sneer on his face and his arms folded across his chest. Thaddeus, known for his disdain towards Elara's unconventional pursuits, often took pleasure in mocking her ambitions.

Ignoring the jibe, Elara straightened her posture and faced him with a calm demeanor. "What brings you here so early, Thaddeus?"

Thaddeus chuckled condescendingly. "I came to see for myself the spectacle of a princess who prefers the sword over her needlework. Your antics never cease to amuse."

Elara's jaw tightened slightly, but she maintained her composure. "My commitment to training is no spectacle, Thaddeus. It is my choice and my passion."

Thaddeus raised an eyebrow mockingly. "Passion? Perhaps you should focus on fulfilling your duties as a princess instead of playing pretend warrior. Your father would be displeased to see his daughter neglecting her responsibilities."

Elara felt a surge of frustration, but she bit back a retort. She knew arguing with Thaddeus would only fuel his mockery. Instead, she opted for diplomacy. "My duties are important to me, as is my training. They are not mutually exclusive."

Thaddeus shook his head dismissively. "You can't fool anyone, Elara. Everyone sees through your facade."

Elara's hands clenched at her sides, but before she could respond, a voice intervened. "That's enough, Thaddeus."

Both Elara and Thaddeus turned to see Sir Cedric approaching, his expression stern and unwavering. As the castle's former master-at-arms and Elara's mentor, before he was forbidden from training her, Cedric held considerable influence and respect among the court.

Thaddeus scoffed but inclined his head in deference. "As you wish, Sir Cedric."

Cedric turned his attention to Elara, his gaze filled with concern. "Princess Elara, you must not let Thaddeus' words affect you. Your dedication to training is admirable, and I believe in your potential."

Elara nodded gratefully, her resolve strengthened by Cedric's support. "Thank you, Sir Cedric."

Cedric nodded and then turned to Thaddeus with a pointed look. "Prince Thaddeus, I suggest you find more productive ways to spend your time than belittling others."

With a disgruntled huff, Thaddeus turned on his heel and strode away, leaving Elara and Cedric alone once more.

Elara exhaled deeply, her shoulders relaxing slightly now that Thaddeus had departed. She turned to Cedric with a grateful smile. "Thank you for intervening, Sir Cedric. His words... they can be difficult to ignore."

Cedric clasped her shoulder reassuringly. "You have a strength of spirit, Princess Elara, that few possess. Do not let anyone diminish that."

Elara nodded, her spirits lifting in the face of Cedric's encouragement. "I won't, Sir Cedric. Thank you for believing in me."

As Cedric returned a nod of affirmation, Elara resolved to continue her training with renewed determination. Thaddeus' mockery had stung, but it had also ignited a fiercer determination within her to prove herself—not just as a princess, but as a skilled warrior worthy of respect.

***

The sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling castle courtyard. Princess Elara had just finished another morning of intense training, her muscles aching but her spirit resolute. As she made her way to the castle's main hall, she couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that had settled in her chest since Prince Theron's departure.

In the days since Theron had left for the border, Elara had thrown herself into her training with renewed vigor. She missed his guidance, his steady presence, and their shared conversations about life and duty. More than that, she missed him. The bond they had forged in those early morning sessions had deepened into something she hesitated to name but felt keenly in his absence.

Today, however, was different. A messenger had arrived from the border with urgent news, and Elara's heart beat faster at the thought of hearing from Theron. She quickened her pace, her steps echoing through the grand corridors of the castle.

As Elara entered the hall, she found it already abuzz with activity. Courtiers and officials gathered in clusters, their faces marked with a mix of concern and curiosity. At the center of the room stood King Alden, her father, deep in conversation with a weary-looking messenger dressed in the colors of Astoria's army.

Elara approached the group, her eyes fixed on the messenger. The man noticed her presence and offered a respectful bow. "Princess Elara," he greeted, his voice hoarse from travel.

"Please, tell us what news you bring from the border," Elara urged her tone a mixture of hope and anxiety.

The messenger nodded and began his report. "The situation at the border remains tense. Our forces are holding their ground, but the skirmishes with Valoria's troops are becoming more frequent. Prince Theron has been instrumental in organizing our defenses and maintaining morale among the warriors."

Elara felt a surge of pride at the mention of Theron's name, but the messenger's next words brought a fresh wave of concern.

"There have been several clashes in the past week, and while our forces have managed to repel the enemy, the fighting is taking its toll. Prince Theron has requested additional reinforcements and supplies to bolster our position."

King Alden's expression grew grave as he absorbed the news. "We will do everything in our power to support our troops and ensure Prince Theron has what he needs. The alliance with Eldoria must be maintained."

Elara's mind raced as she listened. She knew Theron was strong and capable, but the thought of him in constant danger filled her with a mix of fear and determination. She couldn't stand idly by while he fought to protect their kingdom.

"Father," Elara said, stepping forward with a determined glint in her eyes. "I wish to send a personal message to Prince Theron. I want him to know that we are thinking of him and that he has our unwavering support."

King Alden looked at his daughter with a mixture of surprise and approval. "Of course, Elara. I will ensure your message is delivered promptly."

Elara nodded, her heart pounding with a mixture of worry and resolve. As the court resumed its discussions about the situation at the border, she slipped away to her chambers to compose her message. She knew she had to choose her words carefully, to convey her support and affection without revealing the full depth of her feelings.

Sitting at her writing desk, Elara picked up a quill and began to write.

---

My dear Theron,

I hope this letter finds you well, despite the challenges you face at the border. Your bravery and leadership are a source of inspiration to us all, and I want you to know that we are all thinking of you and praying for your safety.

Your absence is deeply felt here in the castle, and I miss our morning training sessions more than I can say. Your guidance has meant more to me than words can express. Please take care of yourself and know that I am eagerly awaiting your return.

With warm regards,

Elara

---

As she sealed the letter, Elara couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. She wished she could do more to support Theron, to stand by his side in the battles he faced. But for now, all she could do was send her words and hope they provided some comfort.

With a deep breath, she handed the letter to the royal courier, who assured her it would be delivered swiftly. Elara watched as the courier departed, her heart heavy with concern yet buoyed by the hope that her words would reach Theron and remind him of the bond they shared.

As the day wore on, Elara returned to her duties, her thoughts never straying far from the border and the prince who had captured her heart. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but she was determined to remain strong, both for herself and for Theron.

In the quiet moments of the early morning, as she continued her training alone, Elara found solace in the knowledge that she was doing everything she could to be ready for whatever the future held. And as the days turned into weeks, her resolve only grew stronger, fueled by the hope of Theron's safe return and the promise of a brighter future together.