A Battle of Fyre and Frost

Letter

to Lauden Erynore, princess of Thegalla, from Sylvoril Erynore, crown princess of Thegalla.

Oh, no. Not a ball! You poor thing. I shall weep and lament and send my offerings to the altar of the accols to soothe your misfortune!

Fabulous news that the hottest man you've ever seen hasn't tried killing you yet. What about anything else? Because the fantasy is fine, but be careful. I'm all for you exploring before marriage, Laud, but you have to remember our limits. Right? Please tell me you remember the limits. I know I don't need to remind you what's at stake. Reynleal will make a fine husband, I'm sure. And he seemed perfectly up to...exploring. You wouldn't be the first woman to imagine another while being ridden by someone else – and you won't be the last. You think either Quint or I think of each other when we do our duty? And don't say it's different with us. Yes, we have an understanding, but very few women are as lucky as me with their husband, let alone his understanding.

I don't know what encouragement I can give about Reynleal's ambitions, Laud. I'm sorry. I know it must be hard, but I don't think you're awful at all for wanting to keep a good man good. Or for wanting something of a normal life. You may want whatever you want in your heart of hearts, just remember that your job is to support Reynleal. I know that's no real consolation, but it is not your place to decide who or how the crown of Zegon is ruled. You are not their royalty. Though, I'm sure you're viscerally aware of that.

That image of the farm of Perron descendants made me laugh. Do you remember the time Grandmamma told us that the lambs had gone to live on a lovely farm, even though we were old enough to know the truth? I think of it something like the way I used to picture that farm for 'gone' animals when we were younger. I'd like to think they're happy there, but the realist in me wonders if perhaps Perron isn't keeping them prisoner so they don't cause problems. Imagine having that many potential heirs? I suppose Perron's dragons keep them from any coups.

If you fill the castle with useless baby crap, I will return the favour to you tenfold! I don't need more crap. We've already filled two rooms with gifts. The only thing your nibling needs is you to survive and visit as often as you can.

And, please do not tell me you're going to pierce yourself! Where on earth would you Oh, you are not thinking about, Marien are you? Lauden, princess – and potentially future queens – do not pierce their clits or their nipples. We've had this talk. It's fine for those in the profession – expected even – but on this I will actually forbid you. You are actually forbidden. If you even think about it for one more second, I will ensure that Nycostaer punishes you severely. What would Reynleal think? No. Never mind. I'm sure he'd be fine with. More than. Mother would quite literally prefer Zegon to invade, though.

Things are fine here. I have officially 'popped' and the baby is moving. The baby will not stop moving. It's constant and unwieldy. If I didn't know better, I'd wonder if there were wings in there. Its favourite past time is sticking its foot into my bladder, so that's great fun. I don't know how women do this more times than absolutely necessary, but then I suppose that's our privilege showing, and they don't really have a choice, do they?

And now look, I've gone all emotional again. It's ridiculous. I cried in parliament yesterday because one of them said I looked healthy. What is that? I've become a weeping mess. Quint's been wonderfully supportive and sweet. We've spent a lot more time together lately. I even thought just yesterday that it's almost a shame we'll never be sexually compatible as I'm quite sure we've fallen in love in every other possible way. Which is nice, though, and at least I know parenting this baby will be a team effort. Provided Mother doesn't get too involved.

She hides her excitement better than Quint, but I know how much she's looking forward to being a grandmother. Accols help you when it's your turn, Laud. I'm quite convinced she'll move to Zegon for the first two years, if not entirely abdicate and leave Thegalla to me so she can just grandparent freely.

Behave, my darling sister. Please.

Love always,

Sylv x