A Heart to Heart
Chapter Three: A Heart-to-Heart
The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the palace gardens. Princess Seraphina sat on the edge of a stone fountain, her fingers trailing in the cool water as she gathered her thoughts. She had spent the morning reflecting on her conversation with her mother and the changes she wanted to make in her behavior. But there was still something weighing on her mind—something she needed to ask.
Taking a deep breath, Seraphina stood and smoothed her lavender gown. She found her mother in the royal library, seated at a large oak desk with a stack of scrolls and letters before her. The queen looked up as her daughter entered, her expression warm but curious.
"Mother," Seraphina began, her voice soft and hesitant, "can we talk? In private?"
Queen Eleanora set down her quill and nodded. "Of course, my dear." She gestured to a pair of plush chairs by the window, and the two of them sat down, the sunlight streaming in around them.
Seraphina twisted her hands in her lap, her cheeks tinged with pink. "I've been thinking... about what happened yesterday. The... the spanking," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It made me realize how awful I've been. I don't want to be like that anymore. But... I want to understand. What kinds of things will... earn me a spanking in the future? So I can avoid them."
The queen studied her daughter for a moment, her heart swelling with pride at Seraphina's maturity and willingness to learn. She reached out and took her daughter's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad you asked, Seraphina. It shows that you're serious about changing. Let me explain."
The queen leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "First and foremost, a spanking is not something I ever want to give you out of anger or frustration. It is a tool to help you learn and grow, not to hurt or humiliate you. Do you understand that?"
Seraphina nodded, her blue eyes wide and attentive.
"Good," the queen continued. "Now, there are certain behaviors that will always result in a spanking. These are actions that show a lack of respect, responsibility, or self-control. Let me give you some examples."
She held up a finger. "One: deliberate disobedience. If I or your father give you a direct order—something that is for your safety or the good of the kingdom—and you refuse to follow it, that will earn you a spanking. For instance, if I tell you not to leave the palace grounds without an escort and you sneak out anyway, that would be a serious offense."
Seraphina nodded, her cheeks flushing as she remembered times she had done just that.
The queen held up a second finger. "Two: disrespect. This includes talking back, throwing tantrums, or being rude to others—whether it's me, your father, the servants, or anyone else. A princess must always show kindness and respect, even when she's upset."
Seraphina bit her lip, thinking of the many times she had snapped at the maids or shouted at her tutors.
"Three," the queen said, holding up a third finger, "lying or deceit. Honesty is one of the most important qualities a ruler can have. If you lie to me, to your father, or to anyone else, that will result in a spanking. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mother," Seraphina said quietly.
"Finally," the queen said, her tone softening, "there are times when your actions could put yourself or others in danger. Recklessness, like climbing too high in a tree or running off without telling anyone where you're going, will also earn you a spanking. Your safety is my top priority, and I need to know you can make wise choices."
Seraphina nodded again, her expression serious. "I understand, Mother. I'll do my best to follow those rules."
The queen smiled and reached out to brush a strand of hair from her daughter's face. "I know you will, my dear. And remember, a spanking is not the end of the world. It's a chance to learn and grow. If you ever do earn one, it doesn't mean I love you any less. It just means I care enough to help you become the best version of yourself."
Seraphina felt a lump form in her throat, and she threw her arms around her mother in a tight hug. "Thank you, Mother. I love you."
"I love you too, Seraphina," the queen replied, holding her close. "More than anything in this world."
As they sat together in the warm sunlight, Seraphina felt a sense of clarity and determination. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with her mother's guidance and love, she was ready to face it. And for the first time in a long while, she felt truly hopeful about the future.