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Date: August 2005
THE PRINCESS
From the bench by the window of my tower, I can see where he would train. Jousting with the other knights, honing his skill; he was the bravest of them all. To my eyes, he was the most handsome, as well.
We would sneak out together in the middle of the night, to the clearing by the river. Sometimes we would make love in the moonlight. Other times simply talk and lay together, content to be near, to be touching, to be alone with each other.
It was no surprise that when duty called, he answered. I tried to place all my love for him in the chaste, ceremonial kiss given to each knight in the procession out of town. I could see so much in his eyes...his love for me, and I longed to throw my arms about him and shout to the world that we were lovers. But I had a duty as well; to appear strong, confident that each and every one of them would return safely.
It is only here, alone in this tower, the highest tower in our castle, where I can sob and scream in the anguish of watching him go. And also it is only here where I can watch patiently for his return.
He has been gone many years. I have had to fulfill the commitments of a woman of my station and marry for political and economical gain. I have done many things.
But I have only loved, once.