Dearest Mother
The country of Amaris is one of unusualness that I am unsure of since arriving here.
The wolves howl late into the night and the mountains sing to the stars and moon on the cold winter’s night.
There are many trees, tall and thick, that go on for miles in any direction you choose.
Different from the scorching sand, mountains and blazing sun of home.
I am still unsure as to the purpose on which you have sent me here.
The king and queen have been gracious to me since arriving, offering kind words and astute attention to the different needs of myself and Nia to make us comfortable but those sitting on their court are another story.
It is clear that there is tension that my arrival has caused, especially with another woman whom Prince {REDACTED} had been previously betrothed to before the arrangement had been made.
I am sure you do not wish to hear of such petty court drama, but there are concerns that I must convey.
I hear the whispers among the court and the awful insults about my blood—our country—would do to the Crown.
They speak of such violent action that we’d be better off dead.
I am not sure why you sent me here, Mother, but I often fear in the deepest part of the night that one of the—the people of the court—would see me off to my death.
Mother, I’m afraid and so alone here. To make matters worse, I have yet to meet the man that is to be my husband.
He is a recluse. From what I have heard, he is often away from court.
Yet when I inquired further as to what he does away from court, no one knew.
I could be marrying someone who dallies in forbidden establishments or other seedy establishments.
The only reprieve I have here is the lush rose gardens that the grounds have.
I often find myself wandering the maze, getting lost in the fragrance of crimson blossoms. There is a boy that I run into, sitting there hidden in the far back alcove of the maze.
Always with a grim expression he wears—how can one be so grim in such a beautiful place, Mother.
The next time I see him, I ought to explain that one cannot wear such an expression among exquisite blooms.
Perhaps I may find a friend here in the den of wolves.
With love,
Cecilia
I