Love Letters: Part 1
A series of “notes” exchanged between the Prince and Claire. For the purpose of convenience, the Prince’s name is Alexius. Don’t worry about canon, this is just a fun tangent.
Note 1:
Lt. Claire Vailant,
Lucius suggests I should thank you for your assistance the other night. It has also come to my attention that you have agreed to be my bodyguard despite believing that I am a “pompous, spoilt, brat” (something you made abundantly clear at the meeting).
With due respect, I would like to point out that I was caught off-guard. I mean, do you really think I can’t take on a wannabee assassin with a gun? Hilarious!
Suffice to say, I don’t need your protection. However, in my magnanimity, I have agreed to let you do your job. It’ll probably be a valuable experience for a new officer like you.
As the Crown Prince of Ascailes, it is my solemn duty to treat all my staff with respect and kindness. So, I would like to formally extend my hand as a gesture of peace.
Please understand that there is no trickery afoot, and this is not a ploy to make you lower your guard. I think we are both at fault for our recent offenses. Therefore, I would like to bury the hatchet and make your work easy and pleasant.
Signed,
Crown Prince Alexius Valerian Aeternus
Note 2:
Prince Alexius,
You presume too much. I am not so easily mollified by flashy calligraphy and pretty words. These “offenses” involve you questioning my ability and dedication to my duty and country.
I have agreed to guard your pompous, lazy ass only because the order comes from His Majesty. As for your offer to make my time with you pleasant and easy, let me tell you that you have sorely misjudged the situation. Don’t bother me again, and I promise not to make your time with me unpleasant.
Lt. Vailant
PS: Question my integrity again, and I’ll knock your ass off that high horse you so proudly sit on.
Note 3:
Lt Claire Vaillant,
I understand why you might have misconstrued my statement. I wasn’t questioning your integrity or your ability to protect me. I was questioning why I needed protection from someone like you in the first place.
I hope that clarifies my objection to your appointment as my protector and clears the air between us.
Signed,
Prince Alexius Valerian Aeternus
Note 4:
Prince Alexius,
Someone like me?
I will ignore that insult as long as you stop sending me these notes. Let me be very clear. I don’t need your gestures of peace. I am here to do a job. That’s it!
You keep out of my way, and I’ll keep out of yours.
Lt Vailant
Note 5:
Lt Vailant,
I am sorry for what happened at the meeting. I didn’t mean to bump into you like that. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a while.
Prince Alexius
PS: Would it kill you to smile once in a while?
Note 6:
Prince Alexius,
There’s no need to apologize. It’s part of the job. However, I will reiterate that you stop sending these notes. I don’t care what you think.
Lt Vailant
PS: Would it kill you to stay awake once in a while?
Note 7:
Lt Vailant,
If you don’t like the notes, you can stop replying.
Prince Alexius
PS: I wasn’t sleeping. I was meditating on the issues being discussed.
Note 8:
Lt Vailant,
I am sorry for giving you the slip and running away to the city. It was Calix’s idea. No, it was Hope’s idea. Now that I think about it, I think it was Edmund’s idea. He is the strategist after all.
I am blabbering. I’ll stop. Once again, sorry.
Alexius
Note 9:
Lt Vailant,
You were very impressive at the shooting range today. Now I see why you have won so many gold medals at the corps.
Alexius
PS: It was hilarious seeing the nobles bluster as they kept losing to a woman.
Note 10:
Lt Vailant
Sorry for the second note. I just want to clarify what I meant by the postscript in my last note. When I said “losing to a woman”, it wasn’t my view on a woman’s ability to wield a gun. I was only conveying their reactions. “Their” meaning the nobles.
This isn’t my best note. Sorry.
Alexius
Note 11:
Lt Valiant,
Since you have stopped replying, I think it’s fair to assume that you have accepted defeat, and I have won. Although I wasn’t raised to gloat over my vanquished foes, I must admit it feels good to beat you.
Alexius
Note 12:
Lt Vailant,
It has come to my notice that you are down with a cold. I am sorry, and I hope you feel better soon. Mom used to give me lavender-infused, honey and garlic tea whenever I came down with a cold. I am sending some over.
Get well soon.
Alexius
Note 13:
Prince Alexius,
Thank you for the tea. The Empress’ remedy works wonders. I feel a lot better. Although, you didn’t have to send a doctor along.
At this rate, I’ll be back to work soon.
Lt Vailant
Note 14:
Lt Vailant,
I am glad to hear it. To be honest, I miss you at the council. I mean, I don’t personally miss you. I just miss your input. I mean—
Okay, I’ll shut up.
Alexius
PS: How are you feeling?
Note 15:
Prince Alexius,
I understand what you mean. Those meetings are such a snooze. I am surprised you can sit through them every week. I couldn’t.
Claire
PS: I am as good as new. Thanks again for the tea.