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since the return of the princess, curious cityfolk and even nosy reporters had fl-
ooded the area, all eager to catch a glimpse of the princess, to ask her a few c-
hoice questions.
one such reporter, a kalon with an enchanted quill that hovered patiently above
a scroll, crossed her legs delicately as she gazed at the princess from across the
table between them. she had likely purchased the quill from a witch or a wizard,
and the magic was familiar to alyce, comforting, even. her family was not with
her; the members of the kingdom wanted to hear only about alyce, her myster-
ious disappearance, and her sudden return.
"so, alyce," the reporter began, leaning forward slightly as if to catch every move
that the princess made. "have you enjoyed being back at the castle? it's been a
while."
"it has," alyce agreed, though she paused to consider the question. this interview
would be how she was portrayed for the entire kingdom. "i have enjoyed... cert-
ain aspects of being back." like being in control of the palace, she thought inwar-
dly, her hair curling against the nape of her neck as she tipped her head upwards
to gaze at the crystal chandelier that glimmered from above.
the magical quill scratched against the parchment rapidly, taking swift notes e-
ven as the reporter once again began questioning alyce. alyce couldn't even r-
emember this woman's name; annie? ally? something cutesy and feminine and
annoying, she was sure.
"and what has your family thought about your return?" annie-or-whatever inq-
uired, her eyes scrutinizing as she gazed about, the rest of the royal family n-
owhere in sight.
"they have welcomed me with open arms," alyce murmured; that was for sure.
they were scared half out of their wits anytime she entered a room, and the o-
nly time they were safe was when alyce was at the market or taking a walk.
"wonderful," annie replied, leaning back in her cushioned seat. "you are a signi-
ficant icon for many magicfolk; how do you feel about being the hero of so ma-
ny people?"
alyce shrugged noncommittally, her eyes roaming once more; she seemed to be
refusing to make eye contact with this dreadful woman, though it was not beca-
use of intimidation or fear, but rather the utter annoyance that this reporter d-
rew forth. "it's fine," she spoke slowly.
the quill scratched and the woman hummed, pursing her lips briefly. "and how do
you feel about your status within the kingdom? is it overwhelming? do you wish y-
ou were closer with your people? do you enjoy being handed everything on a sil-
ver platter?" it was a sugar coated jibe at the princess for being so spoiled, and
yet alyce only released a small, derisive laugh.
"i thoroughly enjoy my status as princess," she answered this question more will-
ingly, waving a hand slightly as she spoke (the reporter flinched slightly at the m-
ovement, perhaps worried that she might be hexed or cursed). "i find it incredi-
bly... rewarding," alyce's voice was almost a purr as she thought of the mounds
of gold that she had access to. she had become almost conceited with her time
in the castle, preferring golden cauldrons to brass, decorating her room with
silver draperies and wearing dangly bracelets upon her wiry wrists.
with a final flourish midair, the quill ceased it's writing and annie folded the par-
chment into a tiny clutch at her hip, standing abruptly. "well, princess, i thank y-
ou sincerely for your cooperation; it was a lovely interview and i am sure that t-
he kingdom will have far less unanswered questions." extending a hand, annie s-
miled brightly; alyce stared at her for a long moment, unmoving, and, after a w-
hile, annie's hand began to waver before she dropped it once more to her side,
clearing her throat.
"it was a pleasure," alyce spoke her final words before turning and sauntering away.
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│└────────────────────────────────┘