The entire assembly was in disarray the moment the news broke. Lady Ragna claims the assassination was carried out because of the assembly, that we provoked the empire and the deaths of House Vivek were a warning. Given the way Lady Ragna spoke of what was found, it would seem possible, and I think some present even believed the accusations.

But how did an assassin enter Rook Castle with all of the security? And why did the empire go after House Vivek? And covertly, no less. This is not how Commander Orion operates. He is not the kind of man to hide behind secrecy and duplicity. Something else is going on. And I believe you disappeared because you know what is happening, not because you ran away or were murdered.

Please write as soon as possible. Whether the empire was involved or not, Commander Orion will take advantage of this situation and most likely go for the wall near House Vivek. We need to act before it is too late.

Grand Lady Bryren of House Merek

Then it was true beyond a shadow of a doubt. Lady Ragna had succeeded in killing Lord Rune and Lady Runa. Damien clenched his hand into a fist. She murdered them in their sleep using her gift, just like Selene said her mother would. Just like Selene herself could.

His nostrils flared, and he spun around and picked up the letter. Lady Ragna used their deaths and his disappearance to plant seeds of doubt and fear, destroying any unity the seven houses could have achieved and allowing the empire an easy way into their lands.

And the Dominia Empire would come. Already the empire had sent out scouts. The highwaymen they had caught during their trip here had indeed been from the Dominia Empire, confirmed after Captain Baran interrogated them. And the empire was working with House Ravenwood and House Friere. Even now Commander Orion’s army could be crossing the wall.

And we are in shambles, unprepared for the onslaught.

He breathed through his nose, scoured the letter again, then placed it down. No, the empire would not cross yet. It would be foolhardy to invade in the winter, especially since this year was predicted to be especially snowy. There was still time. Very little time, but at least they could formulate a plan.

Damien sat down and pulled his quill from the jar while reaching for a fresh piece of parchment. “Well, I am definitely alive and well,” he said as he began to write. “And there is no longer a question as to if there will be a war. The real question is, will we be ready to fight?”

His pen flew across the page, detailing what he could share of Selene’s revelation and the duplicity of House Ravenwood and House Friere, his hand only stopping when a house secret prevented him. At the end of the letter, Damien wrote,

We need to arrange a meeting. This kind of planning cannot happen through letters and needs to be done in person. Winter will keep the Dominia Empire at bay, but once the last frost melts, war will be upon us. If you are still for signing the treaty, then let us find a central location and determine our course of action. If we do not, then I fear the worst for our people and our lands.