My Interview Exclusive: A Sit-Down with Princess Elena of Zurdonia (And Her Very Broody Bodyguard)
By: Lauren Kutney, Special Contributor/Author
????Location: Somewhere “Secure” in the Zurdonian Capital
????️♀️Security Presence: Confirmed and uncomfortable
When you get called to interview a girl who has gone from orphan to heir presumptive to a royal line that was thought to be extinct, you don’t say no. You bring your notebook, your mic, and—if you’re smart—a stress ball.
Since sitting across from me today is Princess Elena of Zurdonia, otherwise known as Elena, who was once only so identified in royal archives for over a decade. And to her right, all edges and introspective silence, stands Alexei Novak, Head of Royal Security, who seems to hope he’s somewhere other than here, providing answers. (He might well be doing so grudgingly between clenched teeth. I’ve not looked.)
Let’s dive in.
First of all, thank you both for taking the time. Elena—Princess? Elena? What do people call you these days?
Elena: (nervously laughs): Honestly? I’m still getting used to being called anything other than “hey you.” But. sure. Elena is fine. The whole “Princess” thing sounds like another person’s name. Someone taller. Maybe with better posture.
Alexei: (barely looking up): She’s trying.
And how are you coping? You’ve gone from, well, nothing … to castles and crowns.
Elena: It’s surreal. One day I’m battling over who used the last drop of shampoo in the orphanage, and the next thing I know, someone’s hiring me a royal etiquette teacher and four forks for lunch. It’s … a lot.
Alexei: (mumbles): She still uses the wrong fork.
Elena: (smiling): On purpose.
So, let’s talk about the moment. The big revelation. Alexei, you’re the one who told her she was the lost princess. Walk us through it.
Alexei (stone-faced): Classified.
Okay. Can you tell us when you found out she was alive?
Alexei: Also classified.
Can you tell us anything that isn’t classified?
Alexei (after a long pause): She bites when she’s cornered.
Elena: That was one time! I didn’t know it was you!
Alexei: Still bit me.
Right. So how do you feel about Zurdonia now, Elena? The people, the politics, the palace life?
Elena: The people are nice. Bemused, but nice. I think they want to believe in me—whatever that is. The palace is … like a living museum that breathes down your neck. And the politics? That’s a blazing maze of backstabbing and small cups of bitter tea. I’m learning. Slowly.
Alexei: She’s progressing faster than the rest of us anticipated.
Elena (surprised): Was that a compliment?
Alexei (brusquely): Simply expressing a fact.
There’s news that Elena remains in danger. Anything you hear?
Alexei: No.
Care to elaborate on that “no”?
Alexei (dryly): No.
Elena (leaning in): What he’s attempting to say is yes, but no, and by all means, do not stroll the east wing of the palace at night. Not that I’m speaking from experience.
So, what’s next for you, Elena? Besides the entire learning-to-be-royalty thing?
Elena: That’s the thing—nobody actually explains to me what comes next. I’ve been provided with this life and this name, but I still don’t know the entire truth about what happened to my family, or why I was kept in secret. So … what comes next? Finding out some answers. Figuring out who I can actually trust. And maybe—just possibly—learning how to rule a kingdom that nearly forgot I existed.
Alexei (whispering): They won’t forget again.
Last question, and then I’ll let you two get back to your life of royal drama and shadowy menace. Elena—if you had to choose right now: the crown, or liberty?
Elena (pauses, looking at Alexei, then again): Ask me again when I’ve earned the right to wear it.
???? Editor’s Note:
Zurdonia’s most unwilling royal is back, and this time, she is not alone. The relaunch (The Crowned Mystic), with new content, tighter turns, and a heroine you’ll not want to ignore. Watch this space. Or, if you’re Alexei, hover quietly in the background until something explodes.
Now that Elena and Alexei have (grudgingly) spilled some tea, what do you absolutely need to learn more about? Share your theories, questions, and out-of-control speculation in the comments below—we’re listening (well, Elena is. Alexei’s probably already scouting the room for threats).
XOXO,
LK????
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