Ignis read the letter twice. No matter the nice things written in the letter, the last note irked her.
"That rake!" she fumed when she read the letter for the third time.
Domi was helping Roana to clear various reports spread on the small study table. She chimed in "Did he say something naughty? My goodness! you are blushing My Lady".
"Enough Domi, I am not blushing. I am fuming. How could he say that my handwriting is bad?"
The room suddenly fell silent. Ignis looked up to both the ladies. Their faces showed that they silently agree with the note. She removed both the ladies from her chamber and sat at table to write him a reply.
Dear Adrian,
I am writing as slowly as possible. I apologize that my handwriting caused you much distress.This is what I did in the last few days.
I went to my first tea party yesterday. The ladies were so warm to me. There were a few who tried to embarrass me, but Roana reminded them of my position so there is nothing to worry about now. Thanks to the tea party, since morning I am getting many invitations for banquets. Although, I will not be attending all the banquets, I have decided to attend a few.
Also, I met Duke Bailey regarding our suggestions last time. He is quite impressed with the new weapons we procured for testing. He has decided to mass produce the weapons. Of course, you will get a detailed report from him soon, but I was too excited to wait. We talked for hours on such topics. There is so much to learn from people like him.
Roana was saying that I need to wear a flower wreath on our wedding day. So I was trying to make one. The result was worse than expected but I will practice to make a good one.
I am sure you are not in the west currently, but I hope whatever you are facing does get resolved soon.
I hope to meet you soon,
Ignis
*****
Dame Benji entered the tent and bowed to the King "Your Highness, as you predicted, we have got information that there are more intruders. But I am not sure how they are easily hiding their presence. I fear that they are one of our own".
Adrian was reading a letter and appeared to be deep in his own thoughts. She waited for him to say something but he stayed quiet. After much waiting, she tried again "Your Highness, do you want me to come back later?"
"I think I know how to find them" he frowned. "I sensed around seven suspicious people in the forest yesterday and this morning the number increased to eleven. If I am not wrong, these intruders are using a secret path or a magic portal to enter the Land."
"But, how are they able to hide their presence?"
"In this age of advanced magic and medicine, that is not impossible. We will need to catch one to find their methods." he turned to face her. "Right now I can only find their location but I cannot guarantee if that person is an intruder. Make sure you don't kill them. There are chances that we may arrest some innocent people. We will need to interrogate them thoroughly."
"Yes, Your Highness. I will keep the knights ready and wait for your orders"
"Also contact the Magic Tower and ask for their support". Adrian rubbed the hair on the back of his head frustratingly. "Let's finish this as early as possible. I don't want to be late for my own wedding."
*****
Dear Princess,
I am glad you are trying to meet the ladies of the Land. Believe me when I say that most Noblemen listen to their wives than any Royalty. You will find it easy to control the Council. Let me know which banquet you decide to attend and I will try to accompany you. A banquet is a source of information, both good or bad. It is also a good place to have fun, if you have the right partner.
Duke Bailey is a kind person. He spent his life either on the battlefield or researching weapons. He is a vassal with vast knowledge, whom you do not like to lose. Make sure to turn him on your side.
Thank you for letting me know about your wreath making skills. I will make sure to not keep much expectation. Although if you need help, I am sure Jen will happily guide you.
Things have become more hectic here, hence, I will not be replying to any of your letters. But you can continue to send one and I promise to read your every letter.
Once I am back, I would like to know why you think I am not in the west. Also you have not yet answered my question. Do you miss me?
See you soon,
Adrian
*****
Ignis crumpled the letter and threw it out of the window.
"Now what? Did he again insult your handwriting?" Domi looked out of the window and saw the letter slowly getting wet in the flower bed. "My Lady, are you sure you do not want me to fetch the letter before it gets destroyed in the rain?"
"Ignis, he is just trying to tease you. We have so much to prepare. Do not let him get to you." Roana said without looking at her.
Ignis sat on her sofa and massaged her throbbing head. She looked at her bed and saw Jen beautifully braiding Roana's hair, while Roana tried to take care of some paper work. Ignis went to Jen and sat beside her.
"Princess, I heard you make beautiful flower wreaths. Is it true? Can you teach me?"
"Really? You want me to teach you? I would love to" Jen gave her a wide smile.
"Then shall we go to the garden?" Jen happily stood up on the bed and spread her arms for Ignis to carry her. Just as Ignis was about to carry the small child, Roana stopped her.
"Wait Ignis! We just got your night gown. Let's check the fitting" Roana said. Ignis looked at her in confusion. Instead of giving her an explanation, Roana simply wriggled her eyebrows and grinned. Once the understanding dawned upon her, Ignis was horrified beyond words.
"Yo - you got me what?" she whispered, covering her mouth with both hands.