Noah's reply arrived much faster than I had anticipated.
Only a day had passed since I had sent my last letter, yet the butler appeared again, slightly out of breath as he stepped into my usual lounging spot where I often spent time with Livia.
He held the enchanted parchment in both hands like he was carrying a divine judgment from the heavens.
"It's from the Archduke," he announced with the utmost seriousness, as if the glowing paper might combust in his palms at any moment.
I looked at him stunned; surprised that it would come so quickly.
"One day?" I said aloud, eyebrows rose in pure amusement.
Livia sipped her tea quietly but was also showing interest on her face.
I took the parchment and grinned, my fingers already itching to open it.
"Noah must've practically tackled the messenger to send this reply so quickly." I said to no one in particular, laughing as I carefully unsealed the letter.
It shimmered faintly with warm magic, like it carried his feelings on every line.
***
Seraphina,
You're unbelievable, and I mean that in the most adoring way possible.
Let me be honest… I couldn't sleep a wink. Not because I'm worried… okay, maybe a little. It was because I was lying there imagining just what in the world you were doing right at that moment.
To walk beside you in that world you've told me about so often would be a dream. I may not have the words, but if the chance ever comes, take me with you.
Joking aside… Sera, I read every word of your last message at least five times.
Yes, I'm still panicking a little. I wish I could have been there to rip those men apart myself. But knowing you and Livia had it handled, I knew I could rest easy.
It makes me even more determined to finish this campaign quickly, but safely, of course. So I can come back to you.
The Eastern Ridge is still holding. We've cleared out another swarm of beasts near the valley, and our scouts are pushing into the next area. They're becoming even more coordinated as we fight, though; that's concerning. Almost as if they were learning.
I'm shifting my plan soon to account for these variables just in case this turns into a larger pattern. I still have a gut feeling that someone is controlling them, but we've found nothing.
I'll keep you updated, no matter how small the change, and make sure to stay safe.
Keep sending me these letters that have the whole camp wondering why I'm grinning like a lovesick fool. I can't wait to hold you in my arms.
I love you, always!
Noah
***
My body started shaking with laughter as I held the letter to my chest, a routine I would do every time I read one of his letters.
"He really is a desperate man… hehe." My smug expression was seen completely through by Livia.
"Says the woman who's called out the Archduke's name more than once in her sleep," Livia's expression was surprisingly cheeky.
I looked at her with suspicion. "Do you watch me while I sleep?"
Livia stammered for a moment, "What… of course not." She turned away, suddenly very interested in something on the far wall.
My playful nature was fully ignited. "You know I don't mind it, but you should at least let me use you like a personal hug pillow if you're going to spy on me."
"I was only doing my job; I would never." Livia huffed with a cute pout I didn't know she could even make with her arms folded.
Anyway, I kept thinking about the part of his letter where he suggested someone might be controlling the monsters. How could that even be possible? And if it is, whoever's behind it sounds like the final boss of this entire story.
"Livia, do you think people can control monsters?" I asked quizzically, she's much more educated about this world than I currently am.
She looked at me weirdly, "Why such a question?"
"Well… Noah seems to think the monsters they're fighting might be under someone's control." I leaned back in my chair, eyes drifting towards the ceiling. "Could that really be possible? Something like a lich?"
"I've never heard of such a thing." Livia said with visible unease at such a thought.
Hmm, I hope my instincts are wrong, but I can't help thinking there's more going on than we understand.
That butler had left this time without waiting, dropping the parchment I would use for a reply right in front of me.
***
Noah! Guess what?!
Have you guessed yet?
What about now?
Okay, fine, I'll tell you… I felt the baby kick today!
She's very active! I think we have a little fighter in there. It was the weirdest, most amazing sensation… like a tiny foot just suddenly decided to say, "Hi Mom!"
I nearly burst into tears but then started laughing so hard that Bors panicked and almost knocked over a suit of armor rushing to check on me. Livia, of course, scolded him. It was adorable chaos, watching her face down a man several times her size.
Anyway, she's growing; I can feel it. Lyra seems to be healthy and strong.
To think I'm going to be a mother, something I would have never thought of in a million years in the past. But I know I'll be fine. I've come this far, haven't I?
With that said… Noah… I'm not looking forward to labor. You better start preparing your hand muscles now because I'm warning you; I might break it during childbirth. Like a full-on, bone-cracking death grip. Look forward to it, Muhahaha!
Seriously though, I'll try hard not to crush your bones, but no promises.
Anyway, Bors has practically turned himself into a full-time, growling gargoyle at the front gate. He's scaring off nobles so effectively that one messenger fainted before even making it to the castle. It gives me some peace of mind, though not quite enough.
I still worry, Noah. What if someone sends an assassin? What if someone gets in? I don't know how tight the castle's security truly is, and my imagination gets the better of me sometimes.
That's why I've been making Livia sleep in my room lately. She's been a good sport about it, quiet as always, but it helps.
Of course, it's still not the same as having you here. Nothing compares to my big snuggle bear. I miss clinging to you like a second layer of clothing. Come back soon, but make sure to be safe… always safe.
Noah, let me tell you something tragic… WE DON'T HAVE CAMERAS HERE!
I could've been sending you cute, colorful pictures of the baby room, my changing belly, and also the giant rotisserie chicken Livia just brought to me… everything! Instead, you're just stuck with my endless handwritten letters full of love and sass.
Speaking of which… Why haven't we had any portraits done yet? Is it only through painters here? Why haven't you commissioned an oil masterpiece of me yet? Noah, fix this!
I want a dramatic painting of us, the perfect royal power couple. You would be standing behind me with your sword drawn, and I would be holding our baby like the future saintess of this realm.
We could add wind blowing with a few lightning strikes in the background to really drive it home to all those nobles just how untouchable we are.
Anyway, I have to go now. My appetite is out of control, and this little kicking girl needs to be fed. Livia is giving me the look, probably hoping I don't make her reheat everything just because I got caught up writing this letter. Honestly, I might eat the whole damn thing myself.
Kick some monster ass up there, my love.
Love you lots! Your chicken-devouring, belly-growing, lovable wife,
Seraphina
P.S. I'm sending this before the grease stains the page… You're welcome!
***
After the paper shimmered and vanished, I leaned back into the chair, a satisfied smile playing on my lips as I looked down at the food.
Across from me, Livia set down her tea. "You didn't mention the apple pie," she said dryly, completely understanding my personality.
"Haha… Oh no," I said with mock seriousness. "That's my secret weapon; he only gets the pie report if he writes a love poem next time."
Livia raised an eyebrow. "You're really trying to provoke him, aren't you?"
I just grinned. "How would he even know I wanted a poem?" The question genuinely intrigued me.
The next morning, just as I was poking at my breakfast and debating whether I wanted honey or jam on my scone… the answer being both. The butler entered with that same shimmering light that brought a smile to my face every time.
He didn't say a word and just handed it to me with a polite bow. I tore it open like a child on Christmas morning and started reading...
***
My Seraphina,
I can't tell if I'm supposed to laugh, cry, or build you a shrine and start calling you the Patron Saintess of Overwhelming Letters.
So I'll just say this…
Of course you would feel your first baby kick and then immediately threaten to break your husband's hand within the same letter.
Lucky for you, you're adorable.
"I've already assigned two of my strongest knights to a special training regimen. They think it's part of their usual routine, but the truth is… I'm preparing for that day. Because when our child is born, I won't be anywhere else but right there with you. So… go easy on me."
Let's be real, you probably won't, but I can handle it!
You let Bors guard the front gate? He's going to scare off every visitor. That man doesn't have a neutral expression. It's either the look that wants to kill someone or the one that's already killing. Honestly, I approve. Keeping the nobles uneasy might be the best way to keep them out of your hair for a while.
Now, onto your actual concerns…
Yes, assassins are a risk, but trust me; the archduchy has been thoroughly reinforced. Since I left, I've stationed a few of my best shadow operatives around the estate. You probably haven't seen them, which means they're doing their job. They're watching everything and protecting you from threats you might not even notice.
Even though I can't help but be jealous of Livia, if it's helping you become more comfortable, I'm all for it. Honestly, I'm not even surprised about what she did because I understand her background. I'm sure by now she's told you what I was hinting at in my last letter.
If she really trained and tried her best, she could probably put up a fight vs. Kellan or Bors.
Also… rotisserie chicken?
You just had to bring up food while I'm out here struggling to get a decent meal. I haven't had anything roasted in days. I'm surviving on dried meat, hard bread, and tea that tastes like something you would serve to an enemy.
I'm not jealous or anything…
Alright, it's time to stop messing around and get to the real crime.
We really don't have any portraits?
You're absolutely right… It's unforgivable! We'll commission one the moment I return, with windblown hair, lightning bolts, and you holding our child. It'll be the perfect piece to hang in our room and admire for years to come.
I'm not even joking; I will really get a painter to deliver on everything you desire.
You asked me once why I loved you so much. This letter… is exactly why I feel that way.
Because no one else in the world could write a heartfelt message about pregnancy, impending labor, technology beyond anything in Coldmere, dimensional travel, food cravings, and public executions all in the same breath.
It makes me laugh, cry, and want to run home all at the same time.
You're everything to me, Seraphina… even if you break my hand.
Forever yours,
Noah.
P.S. A little birdie said you wanted a poem, so I will give it my best shot.
***
By the time I finished reading, I was practically glowing. Also, how the hell did he know I wanted a poem?
When I looked over at Livia, she just shrugged, as if she already knew why I was staring at her.
Livia, glancing with an inquisitive look on her face, said, "Is he really writing you poetry now?"
"Soon," I said, with a grin on my face. "I'm sure I have you to thank for this?"
She said nothing, but a smile bloomed on her face, incapable of hiding it from me.
Then she spoke to break the tension in the air that had persisted for the last few seconds.
"It wasn't me; I would never do something that you didn't order yourself, but I've already located both of Noah's shadows, and it's highly likely they report about you."
Those damn bastards, not like I really mind, but that's annoying for them to relay something that I was never going to force on Noah to begin with.
Whatever… I guess I will just wait and see what happens.