The Guardian of The Lamb

Letters

   Tino and Berwald sat side by side sorting through a desk of paperwork together.

"I didn't know a king's duties had so much paper work." Tino said not sure where to start.

"It doesn't, yer father's been busy."

"Oh yeah, guess he couldn't do it all the way in Denmark." Tino giggled.

   A woman knocked on the door and the two looked to see a maid with more letters.

"I'm sorry sir." She said handing them off to Berwald.

"S' alright." Berwald said taking them to the desk.

   The woman left and berwald began to sort through them. He stopped when he saw two of interest.

"Tino." He summoned.

   The tiny fin ran to Berwald's side and looked at the two letters. "Ones from Estonia and the others from Denmark." He read.

"Which y' wanna read first."

"Mikkel's!!" Tino said excitedly.

   Berwald opened it and handed the letter to Tino to read out loud. "Ehem. The small boy cleared his throat. "Dear Prince Tino and family. It is I, your best friend Mikkel! I am inviting you to my coronation, as promised! It will be earlier since my people are hardworking baddasses. So be there by the next half moon!"

   Berwald shook his head and sighed. "Let's see the n'xt one." 

   He opened the letter and when he saw the unfolded seal his heart dropped. Tino held his hand out waiting for the letter excitedly and completely unaware. 

"Lemme see." He said reaching for the letter.

   Berwald moved it away and read the end words to make sure and he closed his eyes when he was right. He looked at Tino who's excited eyes slowly dropped into worry.

"Berwald? What's wrong? Why won't you let me see?"

"Tino I-"

"Ber, just tell me, it's from my mum and dad right?"

"No, it's from someone else."

"Who?"

"Ivan...... Braginski."

"The leader of Russia?"

   Tino's eyes flew open in realization that the news could not have been good.

"Why is it from him?" His voice shook.

"Tino..... The Russian's h've killed y'r mother and father."