Page 39 of Embers in the Snow

Someoneelsewanted to intercept it.

This could have all turned out a lot worse.

“Thank you for your endeavors, Kyron. Let’s hope this is the last of the unexpected disturbances for today. Try and enjoy the rest of your Seinmas.”

The captain downs the remainder of his drink in a single gulp, before rising to his feet. He bows. “Appreciate it, Your Highness. I’ll take my leave, then.”

“There’s a banquet in the mess hall. Small thanks for those who went out today.”

A quick smile appears, giving me a glimpse of the old Kyron. “You always fucking spoil us, Your Highness.”

“Not nearly enough.”

Suddenly, I’m alone again, the echoes of Kyron’s footsteps ringing in my ears along with a thousand other sounds.

It’s taken me a long time to learn to shut out all the noise.

I open the cylinder. There’s a rolled-up parchment inside, bound by a simple wax seal. My name is written on the outside.

Corvan.

Only a handful of souls in the empire can address me by my first name.

I slip my fingernail under the seal, breaking it. The wax falls away easily thanks to the sharp edge of my nail, which has become hard and crystalline.

I unroll the parchment to reveal my father’s elegant script. But my father’s writing is perhaps a little smaller; a little less assured than I remember.

This is a personal letter, devoid of any official imperial insignia.

Father and I haven’t spoken in two years.

Something must be happening, because the emperor doesn’t do anything without reason.

* * *

My dearest Corvan.

Not a day goes past when I am not filled with regret. Rahava is at peace and the empire is prosperous once again. And yet, you, my eldest son, are not by my side.

This rift is of my own making, so let me be the one to extend the first overture. I trust you are well, my son. I continue to receive heartening news about the fortunes of Tyron. The fact that you have managed to turn a once-barren province into one of the most prosperous regions of the empire is nothing short of remarkable, but then again, you are my son, so it doesn’t surprise me at all.

Now more than ever, I am convinced that your condition, whilst perturbing, does not justify such reticence.

So allow me to come straight to the point.

In the coming days, you will receive a guest. Her name is Finley Araluen Solisar. She is the daughter of Baron Lucar Solisar.

I have accepted her father’s proposal for a betrothal.

She, Finley Araluen Solisar, and you, Corvan Ithar Taelinor Duthriss, will be married.

I know that you will find this arrangement to be an imposition and an inconvenience. Knowing you, you will more than likely try to resist. This long-suffering fool has tolerated you rejecting suitor after suitor, even before you became one of Hecoa’s Chosen.

Therefore, it is important for you to know that this union is now enshrined in Imperial Law, by my decree. It has been recorded in the Imperial Chronicles as an Official Engagement.

Any attempt by you to annul this union will result in the invalidation of all of your Lands and Titles.

Yours with the utmost love,

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