Journal Entry 65

27. August 2026

Jonas was not pleased with me this evening. His Majesty arrived at my residence determined to learn the contents of the letter I burned in the firepit on Monday. I understood his concern. Had our roles been reversed, I would have expressed my concerns as well.

Needless to say, the King left my home without the information he sought.

Jonas admonished me for behaving as I did in my youth. My dearest journal, he was referring to the occasions when I would disappear on solitary adventures, only for the future King of Dorstenland to be sent to “save” me from myself.

I admit that, perchance, there may have been a time or two when I was unreachable for a limited period. I am certain Jonas would disagree with both my arithmetic and my recollection. Water under the bridge, in my opinion.

The King pleaded with me to allow him to assist in any way he could. As he did, he looked at me in that way—the one that causes my body to respond to his stare in this unfamiliar physical manner.

I truly wanted to tell him the contents of the letter. I did. But now is not the time.

There is something I must do—alone.

I will protect my best friend, Dorstenland’s King, at all costs—even with my life.

His Majesty means everything to me.