Journal Entry 85
19.10.2026
Over the past week, I complied with Jonas’s demands that I continue sleeping each night on the couch in his royal suite. The King continued to be one person in public and another in private.
Several times during the week, I attempted to address the elephant in the room, but Jonas would not acknowledge my questions.
Outside of my secretarial duties, I dissected the conversation I had with Fräulein Heng. She was correct that I should focus on one dilemma at a time. My dearest journal, you know that is not easy for me to do.
Over and over again, I remembered Fräulein Heng’s question: “Will it be the hourglass or His Majesty?”
This evening, as I walked through Gdańsk Old Town, I made my decision—His Majesty.
Although the week felt repetitive, there were two interesting changes that I have yet to fully comprehend.
- Jonas ended the additional security for his children, as well as mine. When I inquired about his decision, Jonas replied, “It’s no longer necessary.” Of course, I followed up with “Why?” and, as I had expected, he replied, “Because I said so.” The King knows more about the meaning of the cryptic letter than he is telling me, and that infuriates me!
- I was free to go wherever I wanted, albeit with two of Damien’s men in tow—without my approval, I should add. I was free to go wherever I wanted? I am not sure why I wrote that, nor why I even think that way. Of course I was free to go wherever I wanted. I was not, and I am still not, a prisoner. Technically, I was always free to leave the castle grounds. I did not need permission from the King, Damien, or his henchmen.
Last night, as Jonas and I were watching a film, I grabbed the TV remote and pressed pause. I turned to the King and told him I had decided to go to Gdańsk in the morning to evaluate whether the city would be a good fit for the next Kronensport store.
I lied to my King.
My intentions had absolutely nothing to do with Kronensport.
It was a test, and I was correct, although at first I believed otherwise. When I arrived at Eberbach International Airport this morning, I thought I was alone. I thought the same while on the plane headed to Poland. I had not caught a single glimpse of Damien’s men.
That changed this evening as I walked through the Old Town.
The two men did not even try to blend in. They stood side by side with their hands clasped in front of them, almost as though they were standing at attention.
Then my mobile rang.
“How are you?” Jonas asked.
“Doing well,” I replied.
There was a moment of silence before Jonas spoke again.
“I told you, Ian, I will not let anything happen to you. It does not matter how far away you go. You mean too much to me.”
Damien’s men and I stared at one another as I listened to Jonas’s voice.
“Remember when our fathers sat us down and talked about our future roles as king and private secretary?” I asked.
“Of course I do. Why do you ask?”
“They told us that, above everything, a king and his private secretary should not keep secrets from one another. We both agreed to their wishes in writing at your coronation. You have gone against our fathers’ wishes and our agreement.”
There was silence again on the line. This time, it lasted longer.
“You are correct, Ian, and I will correct my error in judgement.”
“When and how?”
“Come home. It is time for me to be honest with you.”
Silence once more as I considered my response.
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
I abruptly ended the call, slipped my mobile back into my pocket, turned away from my protectors, and returned to my hotel room.
I have scheduled my flight for tomorrow morning.
I am coming home to Jonas with questions.
Lots of questions.
