To: Prince Whelan of the Realm of Waters
From: High Prince Altair
Greetings Prince Whelan,
It has been three days since we spoke at the Feast Day, and I would be lying if I said I had not thought of you often since we parted.
I have never met an Elf who challenged me the way that you do. I feel off kilter with you–unsure of my footing–and yet, I have never felt more safe and assured.
I hope you do not think me too forward, but I would very much like for you to visit me soon. We could have dinner at the Palace of Night or simply find a quiet corner, as we did at the Feast, and talk.
I confess that I’m not sure I’m ready to be the High Prince of Avalon, and I am certainly not ready to be High King.
I live in constant fear that something will happen to my father. He has recovered almost entirely from the wasting sickness that forced him to abdicate his throne to me, but there are times when I see the fatigue in his eyes though he tries his best to hide it with his boisterous humor and his faux anger.
Why do I tell you these things, I wonder? Why is it so easy to talk to you?
I cannot say. I only know that your presence is a comfort to me, and I would be honored if you would visit me soon.
Yours very sincerely,
High Prince Altair
Image by Ahmed AbdulMoniem from Pixabay
W. Dale Jordan, Author 