I've lived in the palace my whole life. I don't remember when I came here or where I lived before. I remember almost nothing from my childhood. Because I live in a palace, you might think I'm a princess, but I'm not.
Let me introduce myself first. I'm Eleanor. I was five years old when I was first taken to the palace. That's what they tell me, because I don't remember.
They taught me almost everything. How to behave, speak, dress, and the various rules I had to obey.
It hasn't been officially announced yet, but Prince Michael and I are engaged. Our engagement was not announced until now because we were not yet of legal age. When we became of legal age, Michael's older brother, Nicholas, was still unmarried. According to tradition, at least a year should have passed since his marriage.
After so many years of waiting, we now await Michael's return, which will arrive in just a few days. I'm looking forward to meeting him. I missed him very much.
Michael, Nicholas, Isabella and I grew up together. I am literally part of their family.
When Michael went to study, I took over royal duties in his place.
To tell you the truth, many people don't like me, but I understand them. It's not easy being a member of the royal family. They always try to make up some kind of rumor about you. Almost every time you come across a negative article written about me.
After Michael left, Nicholas and I had to spend a lot of time together, which led to a lot of rumors that we were together. Even now, if you go online, you will find many articles saying, "Eleanor and Michael have broken up. The new target is Nicholas and the crown." Or "Michael left the palace because of Eleanor. The brothers don't speak to each other."
Fortunately, all this did not affect my relationship with Nicholas.
I was very happy when he got engaged to Natalie. It reduced the media and public attacks a little.
Natalie and I became best friends before she married Nicholas, I had to teach her royal etiquette, and we spent a lot of time together because of that.
I don't meet my family members at all, and I don't have a good relationship with my father after my mother's death. I'm told he did everything he could to get me into the royal family and then took advantage of it. If my mother were alive, she wouldn't have allowed this. I still remember her smile and the words, "Be strong and follow your heart." I wish I could do this because now I would be traveling the world and not stuck here, but it doesn't matter now because Michael is coming back and I have a wonderful family by my side.
I have to meet my father again tomorrow because they have to talk about our engagement. They want to get us married as soon as possible. I hope that after this they will stop attacking me and spreading these terrible rumors. Because of this, I hardly leave the palace and feel like a bird locked in a cage. I'm sure everything will change when Michael arrives. I hope time passes soon.
There was a knock on the door. This means I have to get ready and come down for breakfast. Lucy came into the room and started to go over today's schedule. If it weren't for her, I probably wouldn't have been able to get so much done. She helps me with everything and is very loyal.
Lucy: "After breakfast, you have a psychology and literature class, there's a garden party in the afternoon hosted by the Queen, and an important meeting with the Prime Minister in the evening, don't forget. You'll have a very busy day today."
Me: I know, and I think you missed something?
Lucy: "This is not a complete list. I have completely freed you up this week for the engagement and to have time to meet with Michael. That's why you won't have any time to rest at all today."
Me: Thanks for that.
I went down for breakfast, as always the first to arrive. I don't like to be late, I prefer to arrive early and wait for the others to arrive. Soon after, Nicholas, Natalie, and little prince Lucas arrived.
Me: Hello, did Lucas wake you up early again today?
Natalie: "Hello Ella, he we woke up us early today too. We have a lot of work to do today, you know how busy we are."
Me: It seems like Nikola didn't sleep well. He has an important meeting today and is probably very nervous?
Natalie: "That's right. Eleanor, are you happy that Michael is coming back?"
Me: Of course, I'm very happy.
Nicholas: "What kind of question is this, my dear? You know that she has been waiting for his return for a long time."
Natalie: "I know they've been waiting a long time for the announcement."
The rest of the family joined us for breakfast and we discussed the day's plans. Everyone in the palace was excited, which is not surprising.
While we were having breakfast, Michael called to let us know that everything was ready for his return. This made me even more excited, after all this time I would officially become a member of the royal family. I don't even want to imagine the reaction to all this, but Michael will be by my side.
After breakfast, I went to lectures. Time passed very slowly, it felt like a century. I kept looking at the clock every minute, and that's probably why.
After the lectures, I went back to my room and took off my clothes. I put on a blue summer dress and a necklace that Michael had given me. I loved it the most, probably because it was a gift from my beloved.
I immediately headed to the garden, not wanting to be late. I was away from the people and looking at the flowers. I don't like such gatherings, because they do nothing more than gossip. Everything went well. Everyone's attention was on the Queen and Natalie. When it was over, I returned to my room. I decided to rest for a while, but Lucy reminded me that I had to prepare for the evening meeting. I had a lot of things to remember and I'm really distracted today, I don't know how I'll manage, but Lucy will be by my side.
I had a lot of paperwork to prepare before I went to the meeting. At first, when Michael left, it was really hard for me to do all this, but now I'm really used to it. I can't say I'll miss it, because I never imagined my life would be like this. I love Michael very much and I'm sure he feels the same way, but I prefer to be away from the palace. Somewhere far away, near the coast, probably because I've never been there. Far from all this gossip, fighting, and power. Just me and Michael, in a quiet and peaceful place. I know it's impossible because he has his own duties to fulfill, so I don't talk to him about it. As long as he's by my side, I can handle anything and I'm sure I'll be happy with him.
Lucy reminded me that I had to go to a meeting with the minister soon. I was right, she had everything ready and she didn't leave my side all night. I didn't make a single mistake. I'm glad she's by my side.
King Nathaniel gave a great speech at the evening. Nicholas' speech was also great and I was very nervous. Maybe because I had to speak instead of Michael. I kept thinking that he would be back soon and my schedule wouldn't be so busy. After the speech, we moved to dinner. I didn't hear anything because I was lost in thought.
I'm so happy that Michael is coming back, but I don't want to see my family tomorrow. How should you meet the person who sent you away in order to gain power? I'll probably never be able to call him father.
Dinner ended late. I was so tired, I could barely make it to my bedroom. I lay down on the bed and just took off my shoes.
Despite my fatigue, I couldn't sleep. I thought about Michael, what would happen when he returned, meeting my family, and people's reactions.
I was staring at the ceiling and playing with the necklace in my hand.
If you were here, I would be calmer. If you hadn't said anything to me, you would have at least managed to calm me down. I want to say so many things to you. Come back soon and never leave me alone again.
I couldn't sleep for a long time. When I looked outside, it was already dawn, and that's when I fell asleep.