The Poisoned Princess: A Snow White Retelling (The Skazka Fairy Tales)
The Poisoned Princess: Six months earlier

Dorogoi Prince Yevgenich,

Today was a difficult day. Am I allowed to admit that? What if someone sees this letter and sees how weak their princess is? But I think I can trust you not to show it to anyone, right? If you do, I’ll just have to send you to the dungeons.

I’ve been studying more about the trading passage and the human realm, but it feels like the information I’m given isn’t all that important. Nothing useful, especially to me as a future queen. When I asked my tutors about it, they nearly ignored me, then the queen came by to reprimand me. I’ve been reprimanded by her plenty. I think it comes with the territory. But today felt different. She actually made me feel like I would make a terrible ruler.

Do you ever wonder about that? I guess, maybe you don’t. You always seem so confident about everything. I suppose that’s what happens when you constantly excel at things. I don’t excel at things anymore. It feels like I’m stuck in a spin cycle, like one of those whirlpools in the sea, and I can’t swim up or down. I’m just spinning somewhere in the middle.

Wow, this has become a very depressing letter. But writing it out helps, even though there’s nothing you can do to help. It’s nice to have someone read my words and know how I’m feeling.

Less than a year from now you’ll be coming here. Have you thought about it at all?

S uvazheniyem,

Princessa Sergeivna

Dorogaya Princessa Sergeivna,

I’ve thought about it a lot for the last year and a half, but I simply forgot this date was approaching so soon. I suppose, the initial shock has worn off, and here we are, spinning in that middle of a whirlpool. But I think it’s almost time to come out on the other side of it, so I’ve started thinking about it.

I don’t think it’s a weakness to admit you have doubts. I’m sorry you’ve had a rough time recently, and I wish there was more I could do than offer words of support. But support is what you have me for. When we’re married, that will be my primary duty. But, Princessa, I truly think you’ll make a great queen one day. So the support part is the easiest aspect of all of this. My father taught me that admitting that you’re scared actually shows that you’re brave. If you still move forward and do that scary thing.

So be brave, Princessa. Soon, I’ll be there to help you with my incredible joke repertoire and almost-good enough sword skills. If it makes you feel better, I’ll even let you braid my hair. I heard that’s a relaxing activity. You can tell me how amazing I am when you see me.

S uvazheniyem,

Prince Yevgenich

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