The Secret Room
While wandering through the old library, I stumbled upon a section I that catches my attention being different from all the others. The shelves are lined with dusty, forgotten books that seemed to whisper secrets of the past. As I reached for a particularly ancient tome, my hand brushed against the back of the shelf, and to my surprise, it moved.
Curiosity piqued, I pushed harder, and the entire bookshelf swung open, revealing a hidden doorway. Heart pounding with excitement. I definitely wasn't expecting to find a secret passage today. I stepped through the threshold into a narrow, dimly lit corridor. The air was cooler here, and the faint scent of aged paper and ink filled my senses.
At the end of the corridor, I find a small, hidden room. The walls are lined with shelves filled with books and artifacts that seemed untouched by time. In the center of the room stands a large wooden desk, covered in a thick layer of dust. On the desk lay a leather-bound journal, its pages filled with intricate drawings and mysterious notes.
As I began to read the journal, I realized it belonged to a long-forgotten scholar who had spent his life journaling about what seemed like private conversations between royal family members. How did he hear all of this? I read through the conversations feeling as though I am invading someone’s privacy. I can’t help but wonder who the author of this journal is and what they were doing with this information. When what sounds like whispers flow from the vent above me.
“End it? Elau, do you understand what you're saying? This engagement is crucial for our kingdom's future.” I hear King Eloquen’s voice clear as day.
“ I do understand, Father. But I don't feel the connection with Princess Maeve that is necessary for a lifelong partnership. Marrying her would not be fair to her. I believe we both deserve to marry someone we truly love and connect with.” Elau responds
“ Love and connection are important, but so is duty. Our alliance with the human kingdom is vital for maintaining peace and stability in our region. This is not just about you, Elau, it’s about our entire kingdom.”
“I am aware of the political significance, Father. However, I believe that forcing a marriage without mutual affection could lead to personal and political strife in the future. It is not fair to either of us.”
“You speak of fairness, but what about the fairness to our people? This marriage secures an alliance that ensures their safety and prosperity. Personal feelings are secondary to the greater good.” The king sounds annoyed with this conversation.
“ I understand the weight of my responsibilities, but I also believe that a marriage built on a weak foundation could cause more harm than good in the long run. It could lead to resentment and conflict, both personally and politically.”
“You are young, Elau, and perhaps you do not yet see the bigger picture. Marriages of state are seldom about love. They are about alliances, power, and the future of our people. You must learn to put your personal desires aside for the greater good.”
“ I respect your wisdom, Father, but I cannot ignore my own feelings. I believe that a marriage without genuine affection is doomed to fail. It would be unfair to both Princess Maeve and myself.”I can tell how desperate Elau is to convince his Father.
“ You speak as if love is the only thing that matters. In our position, duty and honor must come first. You have a responsibility to this kingdom, and breaking this engagement would be a grave mistake.”
“I am not dismissing my responsibilities, Father. I am trying to fulfill them in a way that is honest and sustainable. I believe that Princess Maeve and I both deserve the chance to find happiness, even if it means seeking it elsewhere.”
“And what of the alliance? What of the peace and stability that this marriage guarantees? Are you willing to risk all of that for the sake of your personal feelings?”
“I believe that we can find another way to secure our alliance without sacrificing our personal happiness. We were working towards opening the borders before Maeve was even part of the equation. “
I am surprised at how I can easily hear every word of this conversation. Whoever was keeping these journals was definitely invading the Royal Family’s privacy.
“You are being naive, Elau. The world of politics is not so simple. Alliances are built on trust and mutual benefit, and this marriage is a cornerstone of that trust.”
“ I am not being naive, Father. I am trying to find a path that honors both our political needs and our personal well-being. I believe it is possible, and I am willing to work towards finding that solution.” Elau responds by defending himself.
“You are stubborn, Elau.” For a moment I feel as though something is wrong. This feeling grows stronger as I replay the conversation in my head. I start to feel a tightness in my chest and sinking feeling in your stomach. My thoughts become consumed with "what ifs" and "should haves," making it difficult to focus on anything else. This internal conflict leads to a deep sense of regret and self-reproach, as I recognize the impact of my actions on others. The realization that I have not yet rid myself of guilt from my relationship with Elau. I place the journal back down and emerge from the hidden room. It sounds like Elau still has a lot of work ahead of him if he is going to end this engagement. The King does not sound like he will be easily persuaded.
“Oh Elau,” I whisper to myself, “I pray to the Goddess that you can end this engagement without renouncing your title.” I close my eyes and imagine I am speaking to the goddess herself. Although the guilt eats at me, and I feel as though we may be making a mistake for the Realm, I still feel in my heart that Elau and I belong together. That it is the only way the world will continue to spin in the right direction.