Dear Journal,

Dad almost died during breakfast…twice.

The first time was my fault. The night before I concocted a plan to confirm my suspicions and the plan went into action that morning.

"Carlotta mentioned that I should be looking for a husband," I said, taking a bite of bacon.

(Carlotta said no such thing).

Dad started choking on the crêpes (which Chef Louis said were made exclusively for the palace, but he says that about everything he makes) and it wasn't until he returned to his normal color from the bright red that Mom stopped worrying and looked at me.

"Why is that?"

"Well, I'll be turning sixteen in two weeks time. You were sixteen when you met Dad, right?"

They both looked at each other in surprise.

"Yes…" Mom replied hesitantly.

"And you married him right away, so that's why."

"How do you know that we married right away?" Dad inquired.

"Because of the forks."

Mom furrowed her brow and gestured for me to go on.

"Well Dad gets you a fork on your anniversary every year. You said it's been going on since you got married. And you have eighteen forks. That means eighteen years ago you were sixteen."

"I don't care when we were married, young lady. You're not looking for a husband." Dad said sternly, before taking another bite of the crêpe.

Dad missed the sly look Mom gave him before she said nonchalantly, "Perhaps the Princess of Glowerhaven has a son."

He started choking again.

happened when Mom was sixteen. (Tentatively confirmed)

collects forks.

has a past with the Princess of Glowerhaven. (?)

Sincerely, Melody