ChapterFour
My nap in the Renselaeus sitting room left me feeling restless instead of weary, so I decided to take advantage of the relative quiet of the palace to be the only one in the baths. I dared not linger, unsure when the nobles would wake, and I felt I should go to Nee and Bran before the grand meeting.
I didn't linger in the baths as long as I would have liked. The fear of being discovered by other nobles with questions I couldn't answer – and couldn't feign matching surprise. I returned to my rooms and discovered two things: First, Mora and at least some of the kitchen staff was up for a steaming cup of listerblossom tea was waiting for me. Second, I found a letter from my Unknown – no, Vidanric – sitting on my table. I snatched it up greedily, wondering if he had written it before our headlong race to beat the Merindar's.
I plopped down on a cushion and began to read:
My dearest Meliara,
I am most delighted that we can continue these discussions in person, and look forward to sharing many hours debating these topics with you.
In the meantime, I have arranged for a meeting in the throne room at first green, like regular Court. I fear it will extend past the time we would normally retire, but there is nothing to be done.
Once this ordeal is over, I understand that you have a family wedding, but I trust that quieter times will follow. I will be at your disposal to serve as foil for any theories you wish to test, and I know that our shared history will provide an unending source of conversation.
While I sense the need for these letters has ceased, I will treasure them as I look forward to the future.
It was signed, perhaps much larger than was normally used on such correspondence:
Vidanric
I couldn't help grinning as I ran my thumb over his signature. He was romantic. I had the distinct feeling that the only purpose to this letter was to sign his name to it. I re-read it before tucking it away with the rest of his letters. I grabbed a blank sheet to send off a quick response.
Dear Vidanric,
I will miss your letters, but I'm so glad that it won't be the end, but a wonderful beginning.
Here's to continuing in person.
Yours Truly,
Meliara
I left it out, knowing that it would find its way to his hands, and making a mental note to thank Mora and the other servants for their faith – and their love, I realized. For the Renselaeus servants did love the family. Their devotion was obvious in the long hours the warriors had put in through the last several months, and in how the servants had wanted us to find out about each other. How they wanted us to connect outside the social confines of the palace. And my own family in Tlanth – for how else could he have learned of my Name Day? As much as I love my brother, Bran would forget his own birthday.
The realization improved my outlook for the future. This showed that the Renselaeus family's concern for the country began at home, and had been going on for years.
I shook myself out of my thoughts. I had to go to Nee and Bran. Then I had to write to Oria – oh what I would have to tell her!
