The letter read:

My Dearest Marie,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I confess, the days seem to pass more slowly knowing that each one brings me closer to our inevitable union, yet keeps us still apart. Anticipation, they say, sweetens the reward although I must admit my patience grows thin.

Your father speaks highly of your accomplishments at the Royal Academy. Top of your year, he tells me. Such dedication to your studies is admirable, though I wonder if perhaps you apply yourself TOO diligently.

A woman's mind is a delicate thing, after all, and overmuch learning can create... unfortunate complications in the harmony of a marriage.

But I do not write to lecture you, my dear. Quite the opposite. I write to assure you that I understand the concerns that must surely occupy your thoughts as our wedding day approaches.

It is natural for a young woman to feel trepidation about the transition from maiden to wife, from the freedom of youth to the responsibilities of marriage.

Allow me to ease those concerns.

You need not worry about managing a household because I have a full staff well-trained to my exacting standards. You need not concern yourself with the complexities of noble politics or business affairs. After all, these are matters for men to handle.

You need not even trouble yourself with entertaining guests or maintaining social connections, unless of course I specifically request your presence at an event.

In short, my dear Marie, I ask very little of you. Only your presence, your obedience, and your... affection. Surely these are small prices to pay for the comfort and security our marriage will provide not only to you, but to your struggling family.

Speaking of which, I have wonderful news. I've arranged to have the western wing of the estate redecorated for your arrival.

I've taken the liberty of selecting the color schemes myself: soft pinks and creams, very feminine and soothing. I think you'll find the room quite cozy.

It has a lovely view of the gardens, and the windows are fitted with the most beautiful frosted glass. Perfect for allowing in light while maintaining privacy from the outside world.

I've also commissioned a new wardrobe for you. The dressmaker assures me the gowns will be ready before the wedding.

I provided her with quite specific instructions regarding the styles that would best suit a woman of your position as my wife.

Nothing too ostentatious, of course. I prefer understated elegance. And modest necklines, naturally. A husband must be the only one to appreciate certain... assets.

I hope you don't mind my taking such liberties with these arrangements. I simply couldn't help myself.

The thought of you occupying those rooms, wearing those gowns, fills me with such pleasant anticipation that I find myself making these decisions almost without thinking. After all, we shall soon be one flesh, one household. What is mine shall be yours, and what is yours... well, that too shall be mine, in the fullest sense.

My father tells me your family's debt situation is even more dire than initially reported. Additional loans have come to light.

How fortunate that our marriage arrangement was finalized when it was. I hate to think what might have happened to your family's estate had we delayed even another month. The creditors were apparently becoming quite insistent.

But you need not worry about such unpleasant matters anymore, my dear. Once we are wed, all such concerns become my responsibility.

Your father will no longer bear that burden. Indeed, he will be able to retire from active management entirely, should he wish it. I'm certain a man of his age would appreciate the rest.

I must confess, Marie, I find myself wondering what you are doing at this very moment. Are you studying in the library? Walking the academy grounds? Preparing for bed? I imagine you in all these scenarios and more.

Sometimes I imagine you thinking of me as well, though I suspect your thoughts may be less... warm than my own.

That will change, of course. Time and proximity have a way of fostering affection, even when it is absent at the start. I am a patient man when it comes to things I truly desire, and I have many methods for encouraging... fondness.

My previous relationships have taught me much about the gradual cultivation of proper wifely devotion.

I believe in the firm but gentle guidance of a husband who knows what is best for his household. You will come to appreciate this, I think. Most do, eventually.

But listen to me, going on about such serious matters when I meant this letter to be a source of comfort! Let me instead share some lighter news. I've planned quite the celebration for our wedding.

Three hundred guests, musicians from the capital, the finest foods and wines. The ceremony will take place in the cathedral, of course because your connection to the royal family, however distant, demands nothing less than grandeur.

I've already commissioned your wedding gown. The designer is sworn to secrecy about the details, but I can tell you it will be a masterpiece.

Virginal white, naturally, with a veil so extensive you'll barely be able to see through it. I find there's something rather... appealing about the symbolism. The unknown bride, hidden away, revealed only to her husband.

After the ceremony, there will be a reception lasting well into the night. And then, my dear Marie, you and I shall retire to the bridal suite I've had prepared. I think you'll find I've attended to every detail to ensure our first night together is... memorable.

Forgive me if I've been too forward. The excitement of impending matrimony makes me speak more freely than perhaps I should. But then again, we will soon be husband and wife. We may as well become accustomed to a certain level of... intimacy in our correspondence.

I look forward to your response, though I understand if you find yourself too overwhelmed by your studies to reply immediately. I am, after all, a reasonable man.

Until we meet again, I remain,

Yours in Eternal Devotion,

Lord Rathek Al-jack, Third Son of Duke Al-jack and Future Lord of Kerenth

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P.S. - I've enclosed a small gift with this letter. A bracelet of silver and pearls. I had it made to my specifications. It is delicate enough to be beautiful, sturdy enough that it won't break easily.

Do wear it, my dear. I like the thought of you carrying a piece of me wherever you go. In fact, I insist upon it. After all, we must begin as we mean to continue.

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