Dearest Maman,
It is so dull here with everyone gone. They've all left on a grand march to Halamshiral to attend the masquerade at the Winter Palace. I so wish I was going with them.
They departed in grand style. There was a coach, but the Inquisitor rode. Her riding habit gleamed in the morning light. I swear the fabric must have had silverite woven through it. It was exquisite! A simple cut, but it had such radiance! The sun itself had to hide behind a wisp of a cloud out of embarrassment and respect.
Commander Cullen was extremely gallant. I am not even the tiniest bit surprised by that. He personally led Her Worship to the mounting block and saw her seated before mounting his own chestnut destrier.
He rode just beside her with the honor guard surrounding them. There was just enough of a breeze to set the banners flying behind him. Such a sight!
Miette
My dear girl,
I received a full report of the masquerade from my brother's wife's eldest niece who was able to attend. The Grand Duchess Florianne had plotted to assassinate the Empress but was stopped by the Inquisitor before she could act. It is all so shocking!
Grand Duke Gaspard was stripped of all his titles and banished. They say the only reason Empress Celene was so merciful was because she was already having to oversee the execution of one cousin and she did not want to lose them both. But my friend Lianna says it is really because Gaspard would rather have been executed than disowned by his own land.
Her Worship, though, proved the darling of the court. Who would ever have expected so much from a Free Marcher? Between outmaneuvering Florianne, her excellent dancing and conversation, her charm is apparently unmatched.
She caught the attention of more than one noble son. But apparently their admiration is for naught! Lianna said her cousin overheard the Inquisitor saying she was spoken for.
The Commander attended as well. Even with his gruff demeanor, he was well-liked by many. But he turned down every dance! And he apparently avoided all conversation save with those of his own party. Specifically, the Nightingale and Her Worship. Lianna says he doted on the Inquisitor, watching her every move with more than the interest of a commander. And more than one person reported seeing an awkward waltz on a secluded balcony as the morning approached.
My dear, everyone is abuzz with speculation that the untouchable Commander has become quite devoted to the Inquisitor. But no one can say if the alleged relationship is anything more than a dalliance.
You must tell me everything you see. No matter how small. It would be the greatest news to share at my upcoming Salon. Will you send a letter or do you wish to come home and relate it all yourself?
All my love,
Maman
Maman,
I do have news and it is delicious. I will be home soon to tell you all about it.
Miette.
Thwack!
Cullen shook the practice sword to loosen it from the wood. He freed the blade and buried it again in the thick wood that supported the training dummy. The large swings hid the shaking of his hands. It didn't do anything for the pounding pressure in his head, but at least it hadn't made it any worse.
Cold sweat trickled down his face and between his shoulder blades. He swung again. The wooden post splintered and the remains of the straw man toppled.
"And people say I need to go easier on the training dummies," Cassandra said behind him.
Cullen wiped his forehead with his arm. The sweat left a damp smear along the sleeve. "It's been awhile since I so thoroughly defeated one," he said.
"I find it happens weekly," she confessed. "I've heard, though no one will say it directly, that they've named one of the lumber groves 'Cassandra's Yard' and all the wood gathered there is used to build new training dummies."
Cullen smiled, but did not laugh. He looked down at the scattered hay and splinters. "I should return to my duties. I have been away too long."
She nodded. "I find the dummies suffer more when I am preoccupied."
"Yes," he said noncommittally.
"Eleri generally tries to make me talk about it," Cassandra tried. Cullen winced at the name.
He took a long breath. "Sometimes, there are no words," he muttered. "I will keep you apprised in the event- I will keep you apprised." He bowed his head and turned away.
"She should be back in a few days," Cassandra called after him.
"A few more days," he repeated softly as he walked away.
Cassandra pursed her lips. His tone was...worrying.
