─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Marina slowly nodded as she held her breath out of fear.
"Listen carefully. Before you lay the child in bed, she is obligated to write a letter to me every night. Of course, at her age, she may not know how to write well. I do not care if she is tired, angry, or sad. You will send this letter in secret to my runner. A runner will be assigned to the child - strictly for her letters. I will then receive the letter as to how I will receive it is not of your concern. However - it is in your best interest to have her write every night and have it mailed daily. If you fail to do this, I will have no other choice but to take your family's life. Do I make myself clear?" Xavier threatened as he stood up.
Marina's eyes grew wide from shock.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will have the princess write to you every night. I promise she will do her best." Marina replied as she nodded.
"Very well. Here is a file I made. It has the runner's information and where he will be located at certain times of the day. I expect you to keep this confidential. Make sure the child is aware of keeping it confidential as well. I do not need anyone meddling their noses in this matter."
Marina slowly nodded as she studied the ground.
"Good. Since we are on the same page. I have another request for you. I was recently informed that the child's birthday is coming up. I suppose a birthday party should be planned with noble children her age. Discuss the details with the chancellor once the date is near. You may leave." Xavier commanded as he shooed her away with his constant hand movement.
Marina bowed with the file in her hand and made her way out of the room. She walked out of the imperial palace, full of thought. She hid the file underneath her apron and placed her hand in front to hold it in place.
"Why did his majesty request something like this? A letter every day?! She is only 5-years-old! How can I make such a young child write so much?! Surely, she is brilliant for her age. But this is just too much! What do I do if she refuses to write or tell me what to write?!" Marina mumbled in frustration as she walked to the emerald palace.
Marina's eyes shot wide when she realized about the other request.
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"BIRTHDAY PARTY?! NOBEL CHILDREN?! DID I HEAR THAT RIGHT?!" Giselle shouted in surprise, making the Emerald's maids and butlers jump in reaction.
They all stopped their tasks and faced Marina and Giselle with a confused expression.
"Marina, what did you just say?"
"I believe she said birthday party. Right?"
"I heard that too. What about a birthday party? Is someone having a birthday soon?"
The maids and butlers all asked.
"I was brought to his majesty's office. Hear this… for the princess's 6th birthday, his majesty is requesting that we throw the princess a birthday party! I have been given permission to invite all of the children from noble families. Of course, invitations will have to be prepared and sent out ahead of time. Apparently, I will have to get all the details from the chancellor when the date is near."
Everyone looked at each other in confusion and shock.
"This is huge news!"
"Our princess is finally coming into society! No longer will she be alone!"
"Praise the Giovidonian gods and his majesty for such a wonderful gift!"
"She can finally meet children her age! His majesty is a generous man!"
Maids and butlers began to whisper to each other with excitement.
Marina sighed lightly as she nodded. She clapped loudly to catch everyone's attention.
"AHEM...As I was saying, I have only wished for this moment since our princess was born. She can finally have a party with other children her age. How exciting!" Marina explained excitedly.
"That being said, I will be in charge of the birthday party, and I will need all the help I can get since this is her first birthday. It is our duty to plan the most extravagant and jaw-dropping birthday party ever thrown." Marina Continued.
"I will go check on the princess. If you need anything, you can find me in her room." Marina said, going up the stairs.
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Nighttime came, leaving Xavier anxious as he waited for the royal doctor's response to the sleeping princess's health condition.
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
Xavier shot up quickly from his chair, placing his hands on the office desk as he looked at the french doors.
"E...enter!" Xavier's voice cracked unexpectedly.
"Your Majesty, the royal doctor has arrived. Will you allow him to enter, Your Majesty?" Announced the night guard as he leaned in, only showing half a body.
"Yes, I allow it." Xavier cleared his throat as he fixed his top suit and slicked back his hair for a neater appearance.
"May the sun, moon, and stars shine upon the Giodivonian empire." the royal doctor said as he bowed upon entering.
"Yes, yes, I got it." Xavier said in an irritated tone as he crossed his arms.
"Your Majesty, I came to bring news about the princess's health check-up." The old royal doctor stated as he walked towards the imperial desk.
"I know this… This is why I called you. Get on with it." Xavier interrupted once again, this time raising his voice in anger.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. The princess is still fast asleep. I checked her heart rate. Though her heart rate shows significant improvement, she has not shown any signs of consciousness. However, I can assure you that she is perfectly healthy. She will wake up soon enough." Trembled the imperial doctor as he explained.
Xavier closed his eyes as he furrowed his eyebrows, letting out a deep sigh. He placed his hand on top of his forehead and nodded slowly.
"...Very well. Keep checking up on her until she awakens. I would still want you to check on her every day until her health is back to normal, even after being awake. Since we leave soon, I need you to keep me updated. I am not quite sure when we will arrive. However, it will be in your best interest to contact me directly through the imperial mage. She will know what to do. Get in contact with her tomorrow morning and keep me updated. You can leave." Xavier commanded as he sat down.