To my Darling,

It has only been one day, and I am already heartsick. I miss the heat of your hand on mine and the sound of our horses’ hooves as they synchronize as we ride across the fields outside the manor.

But duty does call.

My loyalty to House Delacroix will soon change with my name when I am wed, but until then the banner of House Jokeri is still one I follow. As soon as I received word from Olivia I knew I must pick up my shield one more time to protect House Valerian. She is heading to the North, and so will I. I am already far behind my Brother and the Lady herself.

I do not want to blame anyone…But it appears my letter somehow got lost in the manor. As if someone was trying to keep the call of my Lady away from me. And as much as I do adore the wedding that I have been so faithfully planning, it is delayed until the march to the North has ended.

As soon as the mission North is complete I am to return home once more, to wear a ring rather than a shield upon my right hand. My blessed sword, of course, will be at my side. But it will take much polishing to keep its steel sharp, as I will not be using it in battle any longer. My duty will change from protection, to creation of a new family line. It is not for love I will marry, as you know.

I am the start of a new line of succession. As I have said many times, It is a good match, the Jokeri Family to the Delacroix. Both of our families are young and hungry for power. And what the Jokeri Family has in discipline the Delacroix family has in opulence. With my feet firmly planted in Capacionne I can assist both the Diamonds with their trade, and secure strong partnerships for future members of our family. The Suite of Clubs will also love to have a summer villa to send the oldest members of our family, as a celebration of their servitude.

I, of course, will lose my status as the Heart: No one without the Jokeri name can hold it. Our Grandfather had punished my Brother swiftly for his failure in that burning house. My punishment is not one of pain: Trained in the Spade I had learned to survive immediate pain. My punishment shall be slow.

They are cutting slivers off me with every new letter: First to give my brother the gruesome role I failed so miserably, then to take away my honor to House Valarian. And, the final blow, tying me into a marriage that is not for my love, but for the growth of House Jokeri.

You have been taking good care of Juliet, thank you. I will be able to make it to the place called Runeheim swiftly. And, when I return, I think I will give her to you.

So one of us may stay in your arms forever.

Forever yours,
Lorelei