"Well, that makes sense. I had wondered what had happened to my 'dear' STEP- sister. Notice I left that prefix out in the letter. That would give him an ever so small reason why to not believe her."

"I knew Hattie hated you, but I didn't think it was this bad."

"I knew it was strong enough, but you would think she wouldn't think of hurting so many people. I suppose the King's Advisor showed it to Euyrn. That's why they were afraid of me at the peace talks."

"Are we to tell the children?"

"Yes. I don't want Lela to feel left out any more."

"Well, this only tells us why. If we mention it to Euyrn it will only back his story up. We're no better off than before."

"Your majesties, we've arrived," called to coachman.

"Mama, Papa, you're back." Lela was overjoyed to see her parents again. "What's happened Mama?" She could see her Mother had been crying.

"Let's go inside and talk, sweet. Where is Areida?"

"Probably in the Drawing Room. She's been very upset since Kori left. She's afraid he might be killed."

"We'll talk in there then. Ella, would you like something to drink? I think I'll stop by the Kitchens first."

"I'll take some brandy if you don't mind dear. Come, Lela."

They walked through the Entrance Hall and into the back corridor toward the drawing room.

"Mama, you're back! What's going on? Why has Ayortha started the war? Why-"

"Your father and I will tell you everything when he gets back."

Char came in with Ella's brandy and another for himself. Ella took a long sip, and then she and Char told their daughters everything.

"You never told us you had a stepsister," said Areida.

"I have two. Hattie's younger sister is named Olive. She is married and lives in Bast. I didn't tell you because we thought we would never hear from them again."

"Olive you need not worry about. She is happy and has no resentment towards you mother. Hattie on the other hand, you know is the cause of all this trouble." Char was amazed at all the destruction one woman could cause.

"Papa, when will the war end?"

"We don't know, sweet."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A month passed, and Ayortha and Kyrria were still at war. Many had died, yet no one was winning or losing. One day the family was praying in the chapel, when Mandy came in.

"Lady, your majesty, you had better come quick. A message has arrived for you from the battle field." Mandy was very pale and she said all this very fast.

"We're coming, Mandy."

They all walked to the Entrance Hall, where a messenger was standing with a grave face. When they walked up, he handed them a letter and said, "G'day, majesties."

Char read the letter first, and then he handed it to Ella. Only Areida noticed his hand was shaking.

Ella read it, and then collapsed into her husband's arms, crying. The letter fell out of her hand. Lela picked it up and this is what she read:

Your Highnesses,

We regret to inform you that the Crown Prince Edmund has died on the battlefield. He was killed by an Ayorthian soldier. He fought well. We are postponing the fights in a temporary truce to mourn our Prince.

General Btueg