Journal Entry 61

12.08.2026

And just when I thought Jonas could never be a better mate than he already was, the King astonished me once again with the kindness of his heart.

I accompanied Jonas on his annual visit to KD Coastguard’s headquarters and shipyard in Banks. He had made it a personal rule to conduct both official and unofficial visits to the coastguard and each of Dorstenland’s military bases every year.

This morning, while we were sailing aboard one of the coastguard’s towing vessels, Jonas pointed to our right. He then put his arm around my shoulders and said, “Watch this.”

In the distance, a beautiful silver ship sailed towards us.

“It’s beautiful,” I said as the vessel came fully into view.

“Yes, it is. That is KDC 101, KD Coastguard’s first Meerward 95-class offshore patrol and rescue vessel.”

“I wish Karina could have seen the advancements her team has made.”

“She did see it,” Jonas replied. “Well, not the completed vessel.”

“What do you mean?”

“Karina designed the Meerward 95. What you see before us is the maiden voyage of the first vessel in a new generation of Dorstenland’s patrol and rescue fleet. After she passed, Karina’s team worked tirelessly to ensure that this day would still be possible.”

And yes, tears streamed down my cheeks as the vessel sailed alongside us. Emotions moved through me like the sea stretching before us—grief for Karina, pride in what her team had accomplished, and gratitude that Jonas had brought me there to witness it.

Jonas turned towards me and gently wiped away my tears.

The King’s eyes were filled with empathy and compassion. Yet there was something else in his gaze—something I had never allowed myself to examine too closely.

The way Jonas looked at me stirred something both physical and emotional. For one suspended moment, grief gave way to an excitement I could neither explain nor ignore.