Warning: heavy use of italic, best experience reading on the site.

«Before I forget, I have a missive from Duke Kyre here with me. It's for you. He sent it together with the reports about the border situation.»

«How is it?»

«The missive? I haven't read it, Duchess. I am not afraid of what an enamoured husband writes to his wife.»

«I meant the border, your majesty.»

«Oh, it's all following the plans. The Duke's plans, whichever they are. I do trust your husband enough to let him handle the situation how he sees fit. Even if it means allowing the barbarians to settle in Kyre.»

«For real?» I inquire, raising my brows. «My husband proposed something like that? Then, the situation must be difficult...»

«It's not my problem. Duke Kyre will have to deal with the tribes once they cross the border. They won't reach the capital. Hence, it's not something that worries an Emperor's mind.»

«I understand, your majesty.»

He leaves the envelope on the table, and I pick it up before getting out.

«I wish you a pleasant afternoon, your majesty,» I say after a brief curtsey, and I walk out as calm as I can.

I can't just run out to read my hubby's letter, can I? That would be too much. And it's not like I was waiting for it with so much desire.

I thought about it just once or twice. At most, thrice.

Walking through the royal gardens, reaching our wing of the Palace, passing the door of my chambers... It all feels so damn exhausting.

When I finally sit on my sofa, I dare to open the letter. The sigil hasn't been removed, so there's some hope it really stayed private.

Not that there is anything dangerous in here. It's just embarrassing to think of a spy reading my Duke's love words intended for me.

Oh, it would mean I'm not the first to read them! I don't want to think of that possibility.

I open the envelope and take out the paper. I unfold it and start reading, shaping the letters with my lips to feel the words more deeply.

«My dear wife,» I whisper. Oh, Alexander used our secret code.

I mean, my secret code of which he knows.

If anyone read the letter, it must have looked so suspicious...

Here I am, fulfilling the promise I was tenderly moved to accept. I write to you in the first free moment of this tedious day.

How much work is there? He just has to scold the soldiers guarding the borders and contact the barbarian tribe's chiefs to agree on a solution. Why is he making it look as if he was saving the world?

As days pass, I can't stop thinking about how much I miss you.

One moment. Is Alexander going to do something like last time with a secret letter? I don't want to read shameless remarks! And I'm with child, for goodness. What kind of person would write lewd things to a wife in this state?

Oh, let's not think too much from here on. I'll just read without interruptions.

I will curse in my mind later if a need arises.

Where was I? Ah, right, he misses me.

I miss you so much that my nights are full of dreams of our life together. Not the kind of dreams my wife's mind is thinking about now. No, I'm referring to the simplest things.

I miss eating breakfast together. Or bathing in the terms in Stoneyard. I miss your clumsy tries to embroider my name and the way you pout when the needle fails at portraying what you imagined.

My dreams are full of you, wife, but I still need to focus on my tasks.

Yesterday, I talked with the chief of one of the tribes assembled at the border. They insist on having the same rights as those who managed to trespass.

I wouldn't have accepted to talk terms with them if the situation was slightly better. Unfortunately, the border was ill-maintained.

I already informed His Majesty about it, so I believe it's no issue if I tell you as well. It seems that the reason for the decrease of the costs for the management was due to understaffed posts and overlooked passages.

I hate to say it, but the Count did a terrible job here. Even if it has fewer costs for the Crown and the Empire, it leads us to where we stand now. In a chaotic, half-occupied land.

I will have to come to pacts with these people, for I'm not willing to be responsible for bloodshed nor risk my soldiers' lives. If for nothing else, because I will soon be a father.

I don't want our child to hear of it when they grow up.

There is another news I hope my wife likes to read about. I passed by Stoneyard and checked that everything is in order as you left it.

The castle dwellers miss you as much as I do, and they're waiting for your comeback. Your lady in waiting has asked me repeatedly how your health is.

She wrote a message for you, you'll find it in the envelope together with mine.

Coming here without you doesn't have the atmosphere of staying home. Not even one gram of how it felt before.

From the day we were married, my life belonged to you. My home is where you are, and my heart longs to walk in your direction wherever I am.

It's taking me so much firm will to stay here and not fly back before solving every single issue. I curse the day I was asked to leave. But, please, don't tell his majesty about it.

It will be our little secret. Something more to link us forever, my love.

Eternally yours, Alexander.

I sigh and press the paper against my chest. I have to write a reply to this, but I don't know where to start.

I'm not even in the mood, to be honest. I'd just read his message over and over again.

I miss him, but what can I do? At least, he finally managed to send me what he promised: some words from his heart.

A knock makes me snort. I lean back on the couch and fold the letter. I put it in my pouch, far from curious eyes.

«Come in!» I say once done.

«Your grace, there is a message for you,» a maid declares after bowing her head.

«From whom?»

«Her majesty, the Empress Grandmother.»

Oh, already? Well, she must feel alone.

«Yes?»

«Her majesty wishes that your grace keeps her company for tea,» she continues. Her eyes are nervous, and she seems to pity me for this.

That woman has done a marvellous job, making everyone believe she had no hope. Other than letting her leave in peace for a decade, it keeps susceptible flies like this one far away.

It's better to have a few trusted servants rather than a lot that will turn their back as soon as something goes in the wrong direction.

My Duke, of course, is a different matter. He managed to build a whole court in Stoneyard made of trusted people. But he doesn't live in the capital where many beasts reside.

It hadn't been easy for him, but not even as difficult as here.

«Send a reply. I will attend the day after the debut banquet. That day, I'll rest to save energies for the evening.»

«Yes, your grace,» the maid murmurs, mistaking my delay for uneasiness.

I'm looking forward to meeting with the Empress Grandmother. She's something similar to an ally, right now. I know her biggest secret. Hence, she's for sure on my side.

Maybe, I won't be able to use the alliance to full force. But it's reassuring that not everyone wants to kill or belittle me.

Also, since I already go, isn't it better to have some juicy gossip to talk about?

«Where is her highness, Princess Lyland?» I inquire. I've been here for a whole few minutes, yet she's nowhere to be seen.

«Her highness is resting in her chambers. She has a message for you as well...»

«Oh, so many messages for a single day.»

«Her highness wanted to inform you that she's tired of the long day, but she will join you for dinner.»

«Awesome,» I sigh. «Any other notice?»

«No, your grace. That's all.»

«You can retire. Call my personal maid while you get out. She'll help me change clothes and be more comfortable.»

«Yes, your grace. I'll take my leave, with your permission.»

I nod while stretching my legs on the couch. I'm having some backache today. The baby sure is heavy.

Oh, all this trouble will be paid off when I see Elias's sapphire eyes.

His little hands will raise up to me, asking to pick him up, and I will forget how heavy he felt while in my belly.

Oh, how much more? Waiting is torture and looks never-ending.

«As soon as your father comes back, you can come to this world,» I whisper to my round stomach.