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

Dorogoi Prince Yevgenich,

I have been studying the history of the human world. Did you know they have something called paragliding? Apparently, it is a recreational activity where a person is strapped into a harness attached to some fabric, and then they run off a cliff to let the fabric take them where the wind will. Does that not sound like the most crazy and yet exciting activity? I think I would love to fly.

Do you ever think about flying? I know there are creatures in the magical forest that call the skies their home, but would it not be such a treat to be in those skies yourself? Da, I must sound crazy. What kind of a person does not want their feet planted solidly on the ground? I sound crazy even to myself. But I know when I take the throne, it will be my responsibility to keep the trading passage open, so I suppose it is okay that I wonder and learn about the human world. I still remember when you taught me about ice cream cones and things called movies. Now, I’m reading about these things myself. At least, it means I am taking the initiative, nyet?

The winter has been brutal here. I hope you are staying warm. Tell me of your latest adventures. In your last letter, you mentioned training. Have you managed to master the art of the sword after all these years?

S uvazheniyem,

Princessa Sergeivna

Dorogaya Princessa Sergeivna,

I think it would be a glorious adventure to be able to fly. I cannot say that I have ever thought of it, but when you mentioned it, it seemed like the most perfect pastime. Much better than the training I’ve been undergoing.

The captain of the guard has been training me for the last few years, taking over from his father, who trained me since I could first hold a sword. But ever since he took over the training, I’ve been punished multiple times for my lack of finesse. According to him, I have been slacking.

So, to answer your question, my training is going horribly, and I am never perfecting the art of the sword. Maybe that’s better for everyone. There should be at least one thing I’m bad at. I’m already perfect at everything else. This could be my thing.

If we ever have a chance to go paragliding, I think we should take it. Are queens allowed to fly? I guess, if they’re not allowed, they can just write a new law, right? I’d second it, if it comes to that.

You haven’t mentioned any new books lately. Have you given up on trying to solve every mystery in your library?

S uvazheniyem,

Prince Yevgenich

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