I wander around the Castle looking at the beauty it held with new eyes. Things I had taken for granted now seemed more beautiful than ever. My time at the Moors Castle has given me an appreciation for the art and artifacts I obviously had not 'seen' before. I touch the tapestries with delicate fingers, knowing they were chosen and placed by my Mum and Da. Ibbe and I make sure the long neglected vases are now filled daily with fresh flowers ...a talent the Queen taught me.
Dear, dear Ibbe. Our friendship seems even more cemented since my return. Perhaps the time apart has done us some good. Oh, never let it be said we agreed on everything...far from it! We still scrap at times but we know it is meant in good humor...mostly. Something has changed but I cannot put my finger on it. Ibbe seems happier. Perhaps it is all the attention Akir showers on her. I can watch without being jealous, something I was never able to do before. Must be Ibbe is growing up.
::She reread what she had written and scratched out the sentence regarding jealousy.::
I AM jealous. I miss the attentions of the Prince, few and far between as they were. I do NOT miss having to watch every word I speak for fear of upsetting his delicate nature but when he was kind, he was very, very kind. I have not heard a word from him since that day at the docks. He DID come to see us off. I suppose that is some consolation. The Gov encourages me to write to him. I do not yet have the courage to send them tho I write often. Perhaps another day.