(Still Julianna)
I looked at myself in the mirror, gazing down across the blue values making up my new dress. I was still questioning why Nurse Mirabelle would just give my a dress like this.

Another knock sounded on my door. With a small leap of surprise, I frantically tried reaching my back to fasten the dress, shouting to the door, "J-Just a second!" When the door swung open anyways, I let out a small yelp and spun to face whoever came into my room.

Charles stood in the doorway, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he watched me frantically try to fiddle with the clasps of the dress. "Need help, my Queen?" he laughed, slowly walking towards me.

I simply nodded in defeat. He stood behind me, his strong hands easily maneuvering among the intricate fastenings. "I didn't know you had a dress like this," he commented.

"I did not," I replied with a smile, "Nurse Mirabelle gave it to me. Her mother made it when she was my age, and neither of them were ever allowed to wear it."

Charles cracked a sad grin, mumbling, "You do not have to marry to save our kingdom, my Queen. We can find some other way, make new trade partners, or maybe-"

I held up my hand to stop him. "I shall marry, Charles. I am just as uncertain about this as you, but any other option would not give the kingdom enough money fast enough to save it from poverty." Charles finished the fastening the dress, leaning to the side to see my face. I closed my eyes and turned my head. I would not let my people see me in such distress. As their queen, I had an image to maintain.

"Charles," I sighed, feeling my shoulders slump, "Tell me about my parents." I felt Charles freeze in place, listening closely as he inhaled through his teeth.

He walked around to stand in front of me, easing me down onto a nearby chair. "Why ask me of all people, Julianna?"

I watched as he walked off to grab another chair, glancing back at me every few seconds. With my head slowly going limp, I muttered, "You knew them best. You've worked for them nearly all your life."

"Nurse Mirabelle has worked here longer my Queen."

"Nurse Mirabelle?" I scoffed. "She throws sugar and spice on everything she tells me, like I'm still a child. You are blunt. You are  honest. You tell things the way they are." I lifted my head, looking him in the eyes as I nearly begged for his understanding. He nodded, and stood up as quickly as he sat down.

Holding out a hand to bring me to my feet, he said, "My Queen, I would love to have this talk with you. But right now you have suitors awaiting your hand." I stared at his hand, a whole new load of bad emotions fell back onto my shoulders. I took his hand and remained silent as the Duke pulled me to my feet. The second I stood on my own, he let go of my hand.

I followed as he walked towards the room's exit. As he placed his hand upon the knob, a loud knock echoed from the other side of the door. Charles opened it, and Prince Argo's unmistakable figure was on the other side.

"Good evening, Charles," he said, his singsong voice echoing down the hall. Charles gave Argo a sour nod before Argo continued, "If it is not too much to ask, may I ask Queen Julianna to join me on a short walk through these halls?"

Charles looked at me for a reply. I could tell he hoped my answer was no. But without any forethought, I felt a smile reach my face and my mouth respond, "I would love to, Prince Argo!"