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Thirty-Four

Ayna

My dearest Andraya,

I’m writing this letter as I can’t speak these words aloud to anyone. Perhaps writing them down will save my sanity, and perhaps you knowing the truth will buy my daughter a chance at survival. They executed Ivan. Not for the official reasons you might have heard—traitor to the Crown of Tavras. No, they are executing a Milevishja royal. An heir to Tavras’s throne. I’ve suspected for years, but he never confirmed, probably because he wanted to protect our little Ayna and me, but today I’m certain.

When you read this, Ayna and I will be long gone. I won’t tell you where we’re going, but rest assured, it will be far away from the Jelnedyn court and its dealings. I can’t have my little child executed for her bloodline as well, and after what the king has done to my Ivan, I can no longer in good faith see her married to Erina. If ‘like father, like son’ applies on any level, Ayna better never come near the Jelnedyn heir. She better never know her heritage. She’ll be safer for it. And happier.

When you read this, Andraya, don’t think of me as a coward. Think of me as a mother who can’t stand to see her child sold off to a fate of certain cruelty. Keep your eyes open, my friend, for if Ayna ever returns to Meer, if she’s ever recognized for who she is, she’ll need someone she can trust.

If you ever hear about the Milevishja heir, strap on your knives, and come find her. For if she ever returns to Meer, it will mean I’m no longer alive to protect her. She’ll need you. And I trust you to come for her.

With all my love,

Elenja