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Journal Entry 68
01.09.2026 I spent most of the day attending meetings with Jonas and various members of Parliament. To be honest, my thoughts were elsewhere, and it was evident that the King was aware of my inability to remain focused. At times during the discussions and planning sessions, Jonas appeared to take on the roles of both Dorstenland’s King and his own Private Secretary. On several occasions throughout the day, I would instinctively glance at Jonas. Each time, I found the King looking directly at me. It seems we all possess an instinct that tells us when someone is watching us. Jonas’s stare did not stir the strange new sensation my body…
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Journal Entry 67
30.08.2026 Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, is it not? My mind did not receive the memo. Hohenzollern – Friedrich – Sohn – Katte Those four words made up the first line of the letter. Although I burned the letter in front of Jonas, I had quickly written down its contents after retreating to my bedchamber, leaving Jonas and Damien behind in the gazebo. Hohenzollern. That was easy—Prussia. Friedrich – Sohn. An apparent reference to Frederick the Great, son of Friedrich Wilhelm I. Katte. This name I did not recognize—or did I? Perhaps I had merely misplaced the memory. Sometimes, one of the advantages of being a…
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Journal Entry 66
29.08.2026 Today, I accompanied King Jonas and Crown Princess Emily to the Königlich Norwegische Botschaft in Eberbach, where His Majesty paid his respects following the passing of King Harald V. Emily and I watched in silence as Jonas, fountain pen in hand, paused several times before writing his message and signing the condolence book. After Norway’s Ambassador Trygve Husebø received Jonas privately, His Majesty asked Emily to join them. I do not intend to ask Jonas about their conversation. That is a boundary a private secretary must never cross. There is no doubt that Jonas is going to give me—well, let us be honest and call it what it is—hell.…
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Journal Entry 65
27.08.2026 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…
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Journal Entry 64
24.08.2026 My workday started brilliantly, then ended in a blur. I spent the day coordinating the King’s schedule for the week with Parliament, followed by accepting or declining press interview requests with Jonas. The King’s schedule is so complicated that it is a wonder I can give my friend time to eat, much less breathe. I need to make sure Jonas is not scheduled two or three weeks—or even months—in advance. Situations arise that the King must address which cannot be scheduled. My opinion on this matter has caused several heated arguments with Parliamentary staff over the last few weeks. Today was no exception, especially following last Friday’s Royal and…
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Journal Entry 63
21.08.2026 This afternoon, I had the honor of standing beside Jonas as he signed the Royal and Parliamentary Declaration. Dorstenland is now officially a semi-constitutional monarchy—the result of a failed coup against our country. As I lie here in bed with a ceremonial copy of the declaration, my attention is drawn to the King’s middle name: Nikolay. I have always known that the name pays homage to Tsar Nicholas II—but why? Yes, Jonas’s family is distantly related to the Romanovs; however, I know there is another reason beyond simply honoring the late tsar. Years ago, during the early part of 2020, Jonas and I helped Queen Claudia search for a…
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Journal Entry 62
15.08.2026 The first Kronensport store in the world opened this morning in Tänusbourne. Unfortunately, Jonas was unable to attend this landmark event for Kronensport gGmbH. Nevertheless, the grand opening of the “Official Sportswear Supplier to the Royal House of Dorstenland” drew hundreds of people, many of whom had lined up before the doors opened at 9:00 a.m. Later in the afternoon, I ventured outside the store and had the pleasure of speaking with several shoppers who had visited us. Their feedback was sincerely appreciated, as it will help me prepare for future launches both domestically and internationally. During our visit to Banks last Wednesday, Jonas asked me to assume responsibility…
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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…
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Journal Entry 60
07.08.2026 My debt is officially paid. This afternoon, I became a reluctant model for Kronensport’s sportswear line. The company will launch its website next weekend, at the same time Kronensport’s first store opens in Tänusbourne. In exchange for the King allowing me to take responsibility for expanding the company outside Dorstenland, I had agreed to model for Kronensport’s website. In my mind’s eye, I would be dressed in a rugby or football uniform. But no, that’s not what Jonas had in mind. His Majesty had me wear a Speedo-type bathing suit and carry a paddleboard as I walked along the beach. Mind you, I did not care about the scenery…
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Journal Entry 59
01.08.2026 When I woke, I saw the basement’s only lightbulb hanging from a wooden beam. It did not come to life as it had four years ago when Jonas rescued me. This time, two flashlight beams broke through the darkness. It was a surreal moment. I was confused, disoriented, and unable to comprehend what was happening. Once again, standing before me was my King. Beside him stood Zechariah. I saw Jonas’s mouth moving as he spoke, but his words sounded jumbled and almost inaudible. Zechariah gently lifted my head away from the stone wall with his left hand. With his right, he pressed a handkerchief against the back of my…
