I moved on to the second letter.

Your Majesty,

Hollis,

I am finding Great Perine much to my liking. The air is not so soft as it is back in Coroa, but there is something in it that smells of spices, and the beauty and mystery of it all fills me with curiosity each day. It has been good to go away, to be an unknown in a new place. I’ve made many new acquaintances and have told the great story of you becoming queen to each of them. I daresay you may be the most famous royal of our lifetime.

Speaking of being a famous royal, how are things at home? I remember you mentioning a dozen little ideas before I left. Have any of them come to fruition yet? I remember Hagan being nudged toward you as a suitor. Is he your betrothed now? Did you happen to find someone more to your liking?

It sounds like your reign is off to a very good start, Hollis. Of all people, I know you want to prove yourself. I think you will leave your mark on our country, but only give it time. I think that’s what you’re doing. I hope so.

All that to say, I have enjoyed studying here in Great Perine, learning about literature, philosophy, and art. I have thought many times that I should make this place my home. I’m not sure I could bear the pitiful or judging eyes of the court in Keresken Castle again. And yet, the thought of staying away forever makes my chest tighten. Did you feel that way when you went to Isolte? What is it about a home that pulls us back, even when things weren’t always good?

Perhaps in the next month or so, I might come back to visit, to see you and your great plans. Maybe then, once I walk through the resplendent halls of Keresken again, I’ll know where I’m supposed to be.

I know you are far busier than anyone else on the continent, but once you find time, please do write and tell me of your many adventures. After all this time, you’re the one I want to know about the most. I send you my love and my devotion.

Your subject abroad,

Delia Grace

Reading that letter was akin to taking a deep breath. While we had talked through many things before she’d decided to leave, I felt like my life at the castle would never feel quite settled until she was here beside me. By now there was no way that she was the most scandalous one between the two of us, so she wouldn’t have to worry about drawing eyes in every room she walked into. But I wondered if there was a part of her that still wished for those eyes to be on her, so long as they didn’t find her wanting.

Maybe I’d never know. But I hoped.

I took a deep breath and broke the seal of the last letter.