Episode 3

"The Last Letter"

"Why is that, Grandpa? Is it because she is gone that you feel such deep regret in the end? Did you make a mistake back then?" — asked Joseph.

"Yes, my grandson... I have committed a great wrong against her, do you know that? Until now, I deeply regret everything that happened. I was one of the right-hand men of her father, and I was appointed as the guardian of their only child — and that was Princess Alice.

She was the very first woman I ever knew, the most beautiful in the entire kingdom, yet also the most spirited and stubborn. I was older than her by only about four years. By the time she was eighteen years old, I knew her as an independent young woman — kind, brilliant, and the worthy successor next in line to protect the throne. Above all, she was incredibly brave. That is how I knew her.

And during those days, that was the very last time we spoke and saw each other... because of what happened at the palace back then. Enemies from the Kingdom of Kenya attacked — fierce and merciless people who killed without hesitation.

On that day, I wished that I had been the one to fight, to defend the palace and its people. I wanted to take her away to safety... but I could not do it. Not because I was a coward, but because she pushed me away. She sent me through a hidden, narrow passage — a secret door that no one else knew existed.

She sacrificed her own life just to save me, as well as the people she managed to rescue and bring out of their kingdom. On that day, there was nothing more I could do. She locked the iron gate from the inside, and no matter how hard I tried, I could never open it again.

During our final moments together, she told me that I needed to stay alive, because there was still so much I could do to help others. She told me that I should marry, start a family, and live a happy life... because I had never experienced having a family of my own. She chose to let me live and be happy, while she stayed behind to fight and defend her kingdom.

But before she left, she gave me a letter... and the only thing I had given her in return was a necklace — the very same necklace that was the only memory I had left of my own mother. I do not know where it is now... it is gone, along with her last breath.

She told me that this letter must only be opened at the appointed time — when everything had become clear, when people were finally free, and when everyone’s lives had become peaceful and quiet."

"Grandpa... what was inside that letter? What was written there that could change you so much?" — Joseph asked curiously.

"You know, my child... what was written in that letter contained everything I needed to do to change myself..."

"And what was that, Grandpa? Tell me... so I can understand, and maybe even help you..."

Grandpa Zion smiled softly.

"My grandson... I have never read that final letter yet. I have never even opened the box it is kept in... So... if you really want to know, go to my room and look for it. It is hidden inside a box at the bottom of the cabinet. Bring it here, and together we shall see and read what is written inside..." — Grandpa instructed with a gentle smile.

Joseph immediately ran back to the house, straight to his grandfather’s room, and searched for the box... He found it right away. Quickly, he ran back down the house and rushed towards the garden, running as fast as he could.

"Grandpa! Here is the box!" — he shouted, waving it with both hands.

"Slow down, my child! Be careful when you run... you might trip or bump into something!" — Grandpa Zion warned.

"Grandpa, here it is! I have the box!"

"Why are you in such a hurry, my grandson? It seems you are far too excited."

Joseph smiled widely. "I am rushing, Grandpa, simply because I am so happy! I am really excited to find out what is inside that box!"

"Ahhh... I can clearly see how happy you are, my child. Very well then... I shall open it now, so we can read and see what this letter says, and what else lies inside this box..."

"Yes, Grandpa!"

... and both of them shared a happy and eager smile.

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