Sisters of Swords and Secrets

June 2

2 June

Beastslayer

Prism Sound

Dear Tarisa,

I wish you didn't have to grow up in this way. I remember as a child seeing someone spit in Arran's father's face when we went to Werinton. Papa lost his temper at the stranger. Steward Farro had to hold Papa back and wipe the spit off his own cheek at the same time.

I'm surprised at your reaction to Orlon's poisonous comments about Quinn. This is not censure, I assure you. It's just I think you're confusing manners with morals. I know I've always been seen as an eccentric spinster, though I'm only twenty-three, largely because I'm willing to abandon good manners if morals are in question.

When Papa was separated from his men after battle he found Farro Arran lying on a Trifayan beach, unconscious beside his dead horse. Papa didn't finish the job by putting a sword through the man's heart. He picked up the enemy, carried him two miles back to camp and gave the helpless man medical aid. Farro was so grateful he turned traitor and told Papa about a massive attack planned against the camp, one that would have wiped their battalion off the map.

Papa's moral act was completely against a soldier's expected manners. It saved three-hundred lives, including his own.

You're sitting there thinking, "I've heard the story, I know, M, I know!" But do you really, T? Do you know how impossible it was for a Trifayan calvary soldier and a Solish commander like Papa to become staunch friends?

I still believe with all my heart in your ability to make allies. But in order to find allies, you have to decide which side you're on and show it. For the last soot-ridden time, Steward Quinn Arran is family. Nate is an idiot to have pretended anything else and I don't know how he convinced you to follow him.

I'd rather have you lose Rosetree and be a social pariah than lose yourself, Ree. Stand your ground and make some waves.

I will abruptly change the subject now that I have disobeyed you by sending advice. I can't help it and I hope you'll forgive me. You did ask what I know about the people at Yoren Hall that are more my age. First, I have to praise your perception. You seem to have correctly judged Orlon and Frincel already.

Lord Orlon was indeed a glowering bully whenever I saw him around town, though he disappeared for a short while—an unexplained absence to the country that changed him not a whit, but caused gossip nonetheless. His is a courtesy title; his father is still alive. Mr. Frincel is, as you suspected, more sly than he seems. I've seen him spend a whole evening setting a social trap to humiliate someone he doesn't like.

Lady Havers is more of an enigma. She was the diamond of society, breaking hearts and rules and taking Solis by storm the year I debuted. Since she so outranks me we were rarely at the same events even though we're close in age. I heard it was an accident that cost her the use of her legs.

After that, she lived for years as a hermit at Duke Havers' country estate, different professionals being called down from the university to try and cure her. I didn't think she would rejoin society in any fashion, let alone attend a bizarre party like the one you describe. She is known for being wicked smart, sister. Be careful.

Charlette is too young and the others too old for me to know any more than you do. As for Camden, you probably don't want my opinion on him but...he finally held you like a lover should. I'm wondering what has changed the man. Do you think it is being separated from you so long? Or has being viscount matured him, helped him break free of his inhibitions a little?