DAY 4 OF THE YEAR OF EDMOND

After the tyrant Tothiliand was defeated, my armies became loyal to me once more. They released Braesin and Hallstein and gave a grand procession as I marched back to my castle.

Princess Edmondina waited for me on the steps to my throne room as I returned. Her face was fine as a masterful painting, her gown a lurid violet, her expression hung between regret and joy.

“My king,” she said as I dismounted and climbed to her. I could see excitement flash across her beauteous face. Fourty-four freckles, nothing more radiant. “You were right,” she said, “Jarlheim is real and the Chambre is false. You truly defeated Tothiliand and reclaimed yourself, as well as my love. Your suffering is over. You are free.”

And we embraced. I remembered once feeling her warm body, her soft skin. But in this moment, I could not feel her. Jarlheim was real. My freedom was real.
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So why couldn’t I feel her?