Quick note: Maur is pronounced "Moore" and Doure is pronounced "Do-er"

Maur of Doure paced his study, staring intently at the door leading to the birth-room. His eyes caught sight of the family tree. With a look of bitter disgust he averted his gaze. He didn't need to be reminded that he would never inherit more than the title of "King's Nephew."

Tiring of his pacing, Maur slumped down onto a chair. He was a tall, handsome man, with neat brown hair and moustache and bright blue eyes. In his looks he took after his father Jemis, but had inherited his mother's height.

Now he waited impatiently for the midwife to allow him into the birth-room. His new wife Lianne was having their baby.

No one had expected the marriage contract between Tortall and Tusaine to work out. For one thing, Maur's father Jemis had once tried to kill Tortall's king, King Jonathan, while Maur's uncle Hilam waged war against Tortall. For another, neither Lianne nor Maur had been eager to get married…until they met each other. The two had very much in common. Most predominant was that both resented the fact that they would never have the power that their relatives were born into.

Finally a baby's cry broke the silence. Maur leapt off his chair and rushed to the door. The midwife pulled it open just as he got there.

"Maur?" Lianne called weakly. "Come look at him, Maur, he's gorgeous."

Tentatively the Count of Doure walked to his wife's side. In her arms she cradled a baby boy. His baby boy. The child had fine, dark hair and eyes that were indistinguishable in color. Maur leaned closer, staring into his eyes, and realized that they were a dark brown-blue.

"Well, look at those eyes!" Maur exclaimed. "What beautiful eyes!"

Lianne smiled. "I was thinking…We should name him Roger."

Maur shot her a sharp look. He had heard the story of Roger of Conte, of course. His own father had been associated in his plotting. But now that he had his son, court games meant nothing to him. He didn't care a whit that he wouldn't be a duke. He was content to settle down onto their estates forever more.

"What would your father say?" He whispered to his wife. "He would think…" He trailed off. Maur wasn't a plotter. He didn't want any of them to be disgraced or disowned.

"I don't care. My second cousin was in the same position we are. I just want my family to know how I feel. Besides," she reached down and tickled her son's nose, "Roger is dashing name, like our dashing little boy."

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Dearest Lianne,

I've heard you had a child. A son, in fact. I am delighted. I've no doubt in my mind that he is beautiful, like you. How has Maur been treating you? He seems like a fine gentleman, to me, no matter what his father was like. All of us here wish you two the best with your new family. I'd really like to honor it, and hope that you, Maur, and your son will come and visit us here in Corus, so we can properly congratulate you and Maur. We'd also like to meet your son. You may wonder why I refer to him only as 'your son.' Perhaps you can guess, but it still pains me to say 'Roger.' I know I shouldn't question why you named him as such, but I do hope that it's not because you harbor ill feelings. Maybe I'm just worrying myself; Roger is a fine name, even if my cousin was not such a fine figure. I have to go now, but Alanna, Gary, and Raoul say hello and send their congratulations.

Your loving father,

Jonathan

My lovely Lianne,

I hope you have been receiving my other letters, and are in good form. How is young Roger? I do wish that you and the family would come to Corus and visit. We miss you so. But I realize now that you are angry with me. I should have known before, when first you ignored us, then named your son, possibly out of spite, Roger. I am aware now why you feel this way, even if it took my whole council to explain it to me. I never would have thought that we wished to feel of more importance in my eyes. You needn't be jealous of Roald, or Kally. If you had wanted to marry one of Ain's sons, you should have told me before. Regretfully, by the time you seemed ready to marry, all of Ain's sons were married also. I just hope you can be happy with Maur.

On a brighter note, both Roald and Kally have had children. Roald had twins: a boy and a girl. They are named Jasson and Keladry. Isn't that nice? Roald and Shinko both thought it proper that they name the girl after Keladry of Mindalen.

Kally and Kaddar also had a son. He is named Ibrith, after Kaddar's father. They told me that if they have a girl, she will be named Daine. Let's see… Jasson and Keladry are older that Roger, and Ibrith is younger than Roger. I do not doubt that they will all get along splendidly. Please write back.

Your loving father,

Jonathan

Dear Lianne,

We all continue to hold hope that you are not lost to us forever. Though we have not seen you or heard from you in several years, I still believe that I can see you again, for there is nothing I want more than to see my daughter and grandson. Please accept my apology for disappointing you in any way. Because I am sorry that you feel you got a short straw, or were not appreciated. You are special and unique, and still belong in our family.

There is much I need to tell you. I am getting on in years, and have retired as King. Roald's coronation was almost two months ago. Alanna, Gary, and Raoul have also retired. Domitan of Masbolle now commands the Own, though his title isn't 'Knight Commander', Owen of Jesslaw is Roald's Champion, and a man named Thiery of Dughpoint is now Prime Minister. Nealan of Queenscove is excelling in his position as chief palace healer. His father, Baird, passed away several weeks ago.

And now, my beautiful daughter, I beg you to visit in two months. Kally is going to be visiting with Kaddar and Ibrith. You can also meet young Jasson and Keladry. You also might be interested to meet your brothers' new wives, for Jasson and Liam have finally married. I feared that Jasson (now commander of the regular army, replacing Vanget) would never marry! Both of your Ducal brothers are very happy. Liam just got his shield, and wasted no time proposing.

I eagerly await word from you and sincerely hope that you will come to visit and meet your nieces and nephews, and perhaps congratulate your brothers, Roald included. The people love him.

Your loving father,

Jonathan

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Lianne read this letter through three times before standing to carefully place it in the box on the mantle where she stowed all of her father's letters. Maur watched her patiently. Roger slid from his father's lap and ran over to Lianne. She crouched down to look into her four-year-old's mysterious eyes.

"Well?" Maur asked curiously.

"I forgive him."