Dear Eugene,
Were you saying "shaking palsy" as a joke or are you really experiencing symptoms? Don't play with me like that if you're saying it as a joke; you know I don't like staying up all night worrying about you more than I already do. You should have your secretary write to me if you don't have any business leafing through letters. Sitting in one place for a long time won't help the cramps or stiff joints you have, so summon a masque to rub out your sore spots. For the sake of both of us, please be kinder to your body, Eugene.
"After all, you put up with me for three years. What woman with a sense of self can even begin to brag about that other than my own wife?" I suppose not very many. If it makes you happy, I'll accept your sweet talk without complaint. Your statement about "coming clean" worries me a little, however. I'm curious about your meaning, but I want you to take your time with getting off whatever it is you have to get off your chest.
Right now is a period for recovery and rehabilitation. Repentance can open up a whole new door of stress if, by some chance, I don't take it well or my response offends you. Focus on Corona and healing yourself first. Arendelle can by all means take charge of your housing and feeding belt in the meantime. I've already drawn up my own blueprints for what kind of centers I'd like to build.
Geometry and Architecture History were my favorite subjects as a child, so I have some erudition. My chief engineers have helped me with the practicability of the designs. What I will say is that the square footage and locations of your centers didn't look very helpful when I finally saw the blueprints your construction workers were given. Allegedly, their brick walls were also improperly mortared and the iron pillars underneath the floor were brittle enough to collapse in due time. One center was placed on an eroding cliff while another was too close to the quarantines.
You seemed to have had a decent amount of shelters, but not enough space in them. We're going to change that this month after we've taken care of Rugen. It should help the population issue you're dealing with in addition to making sure your buildings won't fall apart. Anything else you need will be written down by your secretary. So far you have inoculations, border protection, food, builders, and doctors underway.
I'm not as confident as I would prefer to be about the longevity of Arendelle's charity. This is the type of relationship that I didn't want Corona to depend on when we first talked about the famine, but there's no turning back. Arendelle has agreed to support Corona until the kingdom can support itself again. I've agreed to emotionally support you and your daughter for life. We will do all that we can.
Who's treating your sinuses at the moment? Can the Ice Leaf help you or was it destroyed during the invasion? If the answer is yes, then you should be constantly hydrating yourself with nothing but sugar-free liquids in order to thin your mucus. Mixing horseradish with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice will clear your passages. Ginger root with tea and turmeric can also help.
I sent Grandpabbie's tea tree oil to you this morning for Isolde's earache. The yellow dock root packaged next to it is for both of you. I'm hoping that her earache wasn't caused by an upper respiratory inflammation, but if Waldus and Ingul never said it was, then that shouldn't be the case. Have them keep me updated on your recoveries because they haven't written to me in years. How are they managing during all this?
I have never expected you to forgive the Storting after the travel ban was enacted. I can't forgive it myself. The members know what I want more than anything, but their fears and my fears are conflictive. At the same time, I still understand why my powers are such a big concern for them. However, it won't hurt me or them to attempt teleportation once you're in better shape and at least look you in the eye consciously this time. I just have to watch my stamina levels while I'm attempting it.
I learned exactly one hour ago that Prince Palmar's coronation is being arranged. I don't see reason for Ragnar to allow such a succession if he is alive. I'm going to keep my connections open with King Kasimir and Queen Malmö for now. They've told me that Aloysius and Hans are still living as they were before. There being evidence of new alliances has yet to surface, but I find the idea doubtable.
In response to the ultimatum letter that I gave the Isles, I have been begged by Prince Palmar to make peace with his family. I'll figure out where his head is and report back to you with what I've gleaned from him. You made the right decision regarding Krämer. Having another man's blood on your hands is possibly even more traumatizing than seeing men fall before you. You don't want that on your conscience; Krämer has nowhere to run, so I doubt he'll try.
Your guess is as good as mine. I'll make time for an in-depth conversation about it with Grandpabbie. I plan on visiting you tomorrow night, so please keep your window open for me. My hand is trembling as I write because I want to get it right this time.
"Learn to give yourself credit where credit is due, because like I said before, you are one amazing woman." Thank you, Eugene. That means a lot to me.
From Arendelle,
X of January, 1850
Love,
Elsa
P.S. Thanks for still keeping my blanket safe.