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Cleon of Kennan
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"Dear Cleon,
This day has been too short. Tonight I take my Ordeal. I'm not scared really. That's a lie- I'm petrified. I pray it gets easier as the night goes on.
Cleon, there's something I must tell you. I know that this letter breaks our unspoken rules, but I must tell you, for I would ache to die without you knowing.
I love you Cleon. It feels good to finally pen the word- love. If I survive my Ordeal, this letter will not be sent, and we will go on as before.
Be safe up there, Cleon. With luck I'll be joining you soon.
Love, Kel."
Cleon stared at the letter. He'd heard the news of Kel's knighthood. Why had this letter been sent? Had a nosy servant put it with the dispatches while cleaning her room?
But did it really matter? Kel loved him! Him!
Cleon longed to saddle his horse, ride to Corus and sweep Kel into his arms.
To hell with their unspoken rules. Cleon loved Kel. They deserved to be happy. Cleon got out pen and paper to write a letter to Kel, his love.
As he was penning the opening, a knock sounded on the door. Cleon pulled it open, annoyed at the disturbance. It was a clerk.
"Yes?" Cleon demanded almost rudely.
"Excuse me, Sir Cleon, but there is a mage message from Kennan."
Cleon's heart sank. He felt like there was a lump in his throat and a brick in his belly. Not much news from home was important enough for a mage message. Trying to keep his voice low, he nodded to the clerk.
As he followed the man from his room, Cleon picked up Kel's letter, tucking it inside his jacket's pocket. He had a bad feeling that he would never finish his response.