Dearest Alistair-
I have sent this messenger ahead from Highever, where I visit my brother, to Val Royeaux by sea and then overland to Weisshaupt Fortress. It should be waiting for you when you arrive, for he is a swift runner, alone and unburdened, and should make excellent travel time. I could have instructed the messenger to intercept your convoy on the road if I thought that, after you heard my news, you would actually continue on into Anderfels. I know you, love, and you would turn back before you even reached Nevarra's capital. How would that look to the Warden Commander in Weisshaupt? Though it was a difficult decision, I admit. Part of me wants you here with me, despite what I know is best politically for us and for Ferelden. My dashing king must make an appearance when he is requested by Warden headquarters, even if it is a six week journey both ways. Perhaps you can goad the pokey oxen into a faster gait on the return, and make it in four and a half weeks.
I have seen Wynne today and confirmed it. Alistair, you will soon be a father. Can you believe it? Wynne says I am about seven weeks with child now. After all our worry about the difficulties of conceiving, and here we managed it after a mere 18 months of marriage. Isolde would roll her eyes and call us peasants for our fertility!
I have also been in contact with the mage Avernus from Soldier's Peak. No, I will not consider any of his magic now that it could endanger the baby, so don't fret. But I did ask his opinion on the taint, and the potion I drank when we ventured there to retake the castle for the Levi Dryden. He is of the mind that the potion altered the taint enough so that we could bear a child. He requested a sample of my blood, which I sent, along with the request that he keep me informed of his research. I see nothing immoral about this and I will not hear any fussing about it! I know you do not trust him fully, but I think he is harmless to us. He is trying to help us, and who knows what his research could reveal for us and for our recruits.
Speaking of recruits, I have elevated the former templar Cullen to Warden Commander now that I am no longer able to perform those duties. He has come out of his ordeal during the Blight remarkably well, I think. I had a long talk with him at Amaranthine before I returned to Highever, and he is a natural leader. He reminds me of you, in some ways, though without much of your adorable bashfulness. He is a good leader. And he has lost much of his former prejudice toward mages now that he has worked in close contact with them. In fact, I believe he may be courting a young mage from the Circle now, of all things! I declare, these young people and their flirtations. Tell me we were nothing like this, I beg you!
Things are going well at court, so don't worry. I have not yet announced my condition to the people and would wait until your return if I could. I'm afraid it will be evident to all who see me before you are by my side again. I will no longer be the shapely lithe lass you left but a swollen cow of a thing. Ah, my wounded vanity. I think of the child we will have and it's all worth it. I'm so happy. Now, hurry and conduct your business with the Wardens and return home safely. That is a command from your Queen!
I remain, my love, your-
Charlotte