The letter was sent via horseman from Sarmagh to Valys, to be delivered to William Alexston himself. It bore the familiar green wax seal of the Lord Alexston, unmistakable in its ivy pattern and fine, thick off-white paper. Inside was the best a father could do to try to guide a son that, he thought, he had little in common with.



William,

Your sister wrote me and told me of what's happened with Merripen, and the events leading up to it. Your mother is livid, I'm sure. I've not yet spoken to her on the matter, in favor of writing this letter to you first.

I'll put it simply enough, William: Your mother knows everything. She can be the Lord of any province. She can advise the Queen. In fact, I've every confidence that if your mother and sister were to switch places today, everything in Ygriss would be just fine, aside from perhaps his Majesty's ego. Your mother could just as easily be Queen - or King, rather, if she were to be given -any- crown - and the entire Kingdom would probably better for it.

Your mother, William, is an excellent politician. It's part of where you get your natural cunning in all things political, why you seem to have this innate knowledge of social hierarchy (whether or not you put it to good use), and the reason you're so very good at what you do. It's bred into you. I know I've never been the brilliant Lord Alexston that everyone may have expected your mother to marry, so many years ago. Nor have I ever been the fearsome man that might be expected to father a man like you. My knowledge does not rest in politics, but in people.

You see, William, your mother is a brilliant woman. But again, she's also a politician. And while there's nothing at all wrong with her excelling in politics, I believe that sometimes she looks too much at things as a politician would and forgets to look at things as a woman would. Your situation with Merripen is no different. I'm certain that you understand, if Merripen were a woman of high-standing, your mother would give you complete and utter backing. If Merripen VanGatt were -Lady- VanGatt, she'd be thrilled to see you coupled off with such a fine woman. But she's not, and your mother knows that she's not, and she can see that. It's no personal slant to Merripen herself, but her station. It's a weakness, it's a flaw in the Alexston name, it's poor breeding.

But I remember where I came from. I was also the product of a long, long line of bad breeding. You see, William, there are loopholes everywhere. I married one of the most terrifying nobles in Nharati, because I made her happy. If Merripen makes you happy, then I support you in that. Your mother would call me foolish, if she ever got her hands on this letter. In fact, she'd probably be quite upset with me, and that's an understatement. But Ygriss is such a dismal, filthy place, that I'm glad you found a bit of light in the midst of it.

Hold on to that, Will.


His Lordship, Samuel Alexston
Sarmagh

Father,

Your letter was something of a surprise, but very welcome. As you haven't beaten around the bush, neither shall I.

I fear I have very much upset mother. After I talked to Merripen last night, I spoke with mother this morning. I said a few things that I'm not sure I regret, though I do regret the pain they'll have caused her. You might want to consider either writing or coming up for the coronation early. I can't guage just how much damage I may have done by bringing up Danele and Violet whilst she's alone with their memory.

I know what she did to get the both of us out of Valys the first time. I have assured her that should it come to it, I will go to the same lengths to protect Merripen.

Be assured, I will keep the letter from her - I'm not sure she'd take kindly to the boys looking like they're ganging up on her. But I do appreciate the gesture.

Be well, and all my love,


- W V-A


He never was any good at letters.