CHAPTER 2

[Princess Francesca]

A few days ago since I had visited the city, more specifically the part of the commercial village, one of the great forces that moves the kingdom's economy, about a disguise that consisted of the concealment of my identity, in the company of my faithful lady-in-company, whom I consider more than a maid of the royal house, Cloud is also my best friend and my confidant.

And as much as she doesn't agree most of the time with my plans and strategies coldly calculated in my head, in the end Cloud always ends up supporting me regardless of any circumstances, after all, the smart ass knows that I am always right, and rarely mislead in any decision or judgment.

Princess, are you really sure this isn't going to go wrong? I'm afraid that... -Cloud begins to ponder hesitantly, but if it interrupts before concluding the thought aloud.

Cloud my friend, listen. - I say calmly as I hold your hands between mine. Do you ever remember a time when I took a hasty attitude that could put everything to waste? This is the ideal time, it all happened exactly when it had to happen. I wasn't there in that place by chance, it was fate offering me the answer to the problems of this family and the kingdom, don't you see? - I'm going to stare it right into the eyes.

I understand, you need a quick fix before she swerves and quickly looks away before returning it to me. Well, what makes you sure that's the best choice? That you will not regret the decision made in the future?

- I don't have many options left under the current circumstances, Cloud. -I get up from my bed where I was sitting and walk anxiously from side to side in the room. I know what I'm doing, I'm fully aware of my actions and their consequences.

I stop walking for a minute and pull a long, deep breath as I aim at the richly ornamented ceiling in white and gold details of my palace room.

I decided to take the risks of this choice because I bite the tip of my tongue, thus avoiding the urge to cry and move on. - Ever since my mother, our queen, died... things have lost balance and direction in our home. And that's been a few years, Cloud. Things can't go on like this. - I say succinctly in the middle of a sniff I try to disguise.

Of course, princess. You're right, you're right. -Cloud agrees to come towards me and hugs me affectionately.

I rest my head on your shoulder and allow myself to enjoy for a few moments the moment of calm that precedes the terrible storm that will soon form.

- Know that you can always count on me, princess. You have my full support and approval.

I appreciate that, Cloud. Your support is of utmost importance to me at this crucial time. I know you still have to keep dozens of questions about this subject in this beautiful little head of yours that I love so much, however, for you to reassure yourself and your soul remains in peace tonight, keep in mind what my heart tells you now, this is the best choice we have made together.

I say convinced while my friend doesn't even blink her eyes, attentive to every word I still have to utter.

-I felt deep in my soul the certainty and conviction that it was her. What I saw could never be the work of pretense or manipulation of feelings, when the person did not even know that he was being observed.

I say as I recall the scene I followed from afar with my own eyes and ears, which had happened in the commercial village of the city.

Listen Cloud, my soul connected in a very deep way with that girl, as if our spirits were brothers. You know, when you get confirmation of something then... it has to be her, the one chosen for that task.

I conclude at last by searching for signs of understanding on his face and smile relieved when I find a small smile in agreement.

If that's the case, so be it, Your Highness. -she plays and I turn my eyes, a totally inelegant attitude that Cloud disapproves of, and laughs together.

Don't be silly, girl. -disdain for formal and unnecessary treatment due to the intimacy of two friends in a personal environment. -Come on, you will accompany me to the king's chambers, where I will finally have an audience with him and my brothers in order to establish a conclusion to this case.

God help you in this difficult endeade, princess. This won't be an easy war to fight. You know that as well as I do. -Cloud ponders as we leave the protection of my room and follow by my side elegant steps through the external corridors of the palace.

The guards scattered around the place in service, greet each of us due to their title, all keeping in the permanence of their positions.

I've never had any doubts about that, Cloud. I just hope I don't have to witness a scene of screaming and spouting blood through the castle walls. -sigh at the thought of the possibility. -Because let's face it, these ancient walls are too beautiful to be covered in red blood, don't you think?

-Just the princess to keep the good mood around at a time like this. - she denies it with her head and we laugh.

Wish me good luck, dear friend. - I ask when we stop in front of my father's office.

Good luck, Princess Francesca. May you achieve all the desires that your heart desires. Cloud shakes my hands in yours, and comes out like a horse trotting when I tap two touches on the cabinet door destined for the king.

Medrosa.

It was time, Francesca. We were just waiting for you. Frederick, the firstborn of the brothers, is the one who welcomes me by opening the door for me. Come on in. -he signals with his hand to the inside and I do as he asks hearing the door be closed again to my back.

- Daddy, Frederick, Philip. - I wave to every man in the family.

My older brothers are sitting in armchairs on each side of Dad's desk, while even behind the furniture, everyone stares at me with sharp eyes and impassive faces.

I feel my soul freeze inside, but I stand firm and do not waver in showing weakness or nervousness.

And then, French. We're listening to you. You can start. -his voice is not harsh when addressing me, but Dad can not hide the tone of disappointment that it brings with him, and it leaves my heart.

I hate it disappoints.'

I want to ask forgiveness again for my mistake, but I know it won't do any good to do it. What's done is done, and there's no turning back. And now, because of me, we're all paying the price somehow.

-I have found the partial solution to the problem, since the consequences of it will remain forever, in secret between us and these walls built by our ancestors, but they will still exist.

Did you find a decent candidate, sister? Frederick is the first to create the courage to question what everyone is eating away from wanting to ask. In such a short time? But how? - he's still an inquisitor.

-Brother... -Philip says in a tone of warning.

Forgive me if I don't trust Francesca's abilities, given the outcome of recent events, Felipe.

Frederick exasperates and I offer hurt by the indirect insult.

- It's a great change that we're dealing with here. A decision that will affect the life of our family and especially your life, brother. So I have every right to worry and question the character of the decisions made by our dear little sister.

Guys, boys! -Dad manifests himself avoiding the beginning of a new confrontation between the two. -Shut up for God's sake and let Francesca just say what she has to say before I end up losing patience with all of you.

Contradicted by the rebuke, but loyally faithful and obedient to the patriarch, Frederick and Philip establish silence for the next few minutes giving me the opportunity to finally express myself.

- I met the chosen one in the commercial village of the city a few days ago. She is a modest but principled girl, perfect for the role we need.