'You have done beautifully! Absolutely marvelous! Your new sleeping place will be ideally located for the next step of your assignment.'
Trace silently re-read the first lines of the letter with disdain before continuing. Best to get this over with.
'The ball is upcoming, and time is short. Both the princess and the king look forward to a good match for her future mate, and they will find one. Give the princess pleasant dreams of dancing with a man in green and yellow. I have enclosed a drawing of the costume he will wear. The king, likewise, must have visions of such a man dancing gracefully with his daughter. I will know whether you fulfill this assignment or not, and the consequences for failing to complete it would be dire indeed.
'Should your conscience bother you, rest assured this match is best for the kingdom. I know you will do well!'
