The bracelet you gifted me for my thirteenth birthday is in desperate need of repairs. I’ve had to stop wearing it to prevent it from breaking. When you’re home, I have every intention of begging you to fix it for me. I’m afraid if I try, I’ll destroy it.
The Garden Kingdom looks beautiful. What is your favorite thing you’ve seen so far? I’ll make a list, and when you return, we’ll plan a trip together so I can see them with you.
Three hundred and sixty-five days.
Yours,
Roman
P.S. Thank you for letting War sleep with you. I feel better with him at your side.
22
Roman,
King Dean and his mate, Fawn, arrived at the palace yesterday morning. The king left two weeks ago to attend the Mountain King’s coronation with no mate. Griff, the gossiping hen, told me Dean’s mate died. His information was either incorrect, or Dean met his second mate during his travels.
Lydia and Victoria arrived yesterday as well. The contrast between the two is entertaining. Victoria is the calm to Lydia’s crazy.
I woke in the middle of the night a few days ago and found War staring at me. It scared the shit out of me. I told him it wasn’t polite to stare at people when they were sleeping, but maybe you should tell him too. I don’t know if you’ve ever opened your eyes in a dark room and saw glowing orange eyes staring back, but it’s terrifying.
After Lydia and Victoria leave next week, Ares said we’re going to the Human Kingdom. I’m excited to see their foliage in real life. Do you remember the paintings Ms. Bonner had of their kingdom? The colors were dull, but maybe they aren’t as dreary in person.
Want to hear something strange? This morning, at breakfast, Fawn wore a cuff attached to a strap around her wrist, and the king held it like a leash. She didn’t seem happy about it, either. When she tried to take it off, the king’sfamiliar, a giant serpent named Lilith, wrapped around her and pinned her arms to her sides. Fawn waspissed.
Other than that, King Dean dotes on her, and she seems to like him too. I’m sad we’ll miss their upcoming wedding, but I’m excited to see the other kingdoms.
I have to go. Griff just threw an apple at me (he missed) for making us late to Ares’ fight. He’s competing in a sparring competition with the Garden warriors. He seems excited about it.
I miss you.
Always,
Violet
P.S. If the gods grant you another mate while I’m gone, tell me, please. I’d rather know ahead of time instead of arriving home as the last to know.
* * *
Griff,
If you ever throw an apple at Violet again, I will cut your fucking arm off.
Roman
P.S. Stop taking her to watch sweaty men fight.
* * *
Princess,
I hope your travels to the Human Kingdom are going smoothly. I’m unsure how long it will take for you to receive this, but I needed to tell you as soon as possible. The last thing I want is you worrying that I’ll take a mate while you’re away. I planned on telling you this face-to-face when you returned, but your last letter made me realize there’s a possibility you’ll meet a man who interests you during your travels, and I can’t let that happen.
There will be no news of another mate while you’re away.
Since Vivian left, you are the only woman with whom I will plan a wedding. The only woman I will call my wife and mate. I am yours, and you are mine.
Three hundred and thirty-seven days.
