I woke with butterflies in my stomach worried about the first time that I would have to do my job without Delilah but I kept a brave face through breakfast and nodded to everything Edwin said even when he asked me if I was ready which I was not. When I got to my duty I was surprised to see how ruthless my father had been on the countryside and more specifically to the farms, though I remembered what my father often said about war. “If you destroy their food and poison the water then hope will crumble.” I softly repeated his words and Belle looked away as if she could not stomach my words. “They are my father's words and just seeing all that must be done I see that is what he did.” Belle nodded but didn't say anything and for the first time I saw what the war had done to my new home. I looked back at Belle a few times and she started giving me encouraging smiles but they didn't reach her eyes.

  I went to Edwin during lunch and when he saw me he smiled, “Hello Eleanor, how is everything?” I began to tear up and before I could stop I ran into him and sobbed into his chest. “I'm so sorry!” I cried. He was silent for a bit then taking a deep breath said, “It is also my father's fault, if he hadn't decided to reclaim land that we lost ninety years ago then the war would never have started.” I still sobbed into his chest but I was able to relax a little when he wrapped me in his arms and rocked me so slightly. When I finally calmed down Belle was at my side again straitening me out and Edwin forced a smile, "Why don't we eat together. Maybe that will help everyone calm down.

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  After a few weeks I was able to send money and seeds back to the countryside and was surprised when baskets of daisies were sent to thank me. “Why it is my job as the Grand Duchess?” Belle laughed a little, “No one knew what you would do and many didn't expect you to give an exact amount of what everyone would need. But now they know that you are indeed their monarch who cares for them and not just a princess who is forced to be here.” I nodded and for the first time smiled to myself for I had done what Delilah had said that I couldn't and yet the people loved me for it. I began to walk prouder and talk to more people including my Edwin who I made sure to listen carefully to everything he said and I realized that he did the same.