Chapter Text
Dear Nox,
I only sprung from my bed the moment I caught wind of a letter addressed to me. Oh, I had never prayed harder for anything in my life and somehow it ended greatly in my favour. So, hello Nox. I hope you are well.
(It's within my mind to give thanks for your wishes of good health to me and my mother, or your queen. Though, I cannot tell her of these wishes as she is unbeknownst to these letters. It looks like we both have a thing or two to hide.)
Regretfully, t’was not a sparrow at my window that delivered my letter, though I saw one in the gardens earlier, so I assume it was a sign. Maybe it had become lost on its way. I have kept your words close to me; they live nestled within the boards beneath my bed. The presence of them comforts me, and I often read over them time and time again, as if a new page may fall into my hands, conjured from thin air, and your message shall never end. This is what I have found my days to be occupied with since you have left.
It has been six days since your departure, and I made sure to keep a close count. It has been rather mundane in the castle, as usual, though one instance stuck out to me…
Dinner had felt awfully tense. My mother sat alone at the head of the table, as usual, but to me she felt awfully distant, more so than usual. After dinner I witnessed her speaking with the general. What business she had with him at such a late hour I have no clue, however she did not look the most pleased. Perhaps it is just you on my mind all the time, but my first thought was that you were not in good hands, and that something had happened to you. It worried me quite a bit, so I hurried to my room and checked your letter again. I wondered if there had been some message to look out for between your words. Alas, I couldn’t find one— or maybe I don’t possess enough intelligence to decode it— but I still hope you are okay, my dearest. In fact, that moment was the event which had sparked the idea to keep your letters more treasured. Secure. Not that I don’t already keep them treasured…Your words mean a lot to me I swear by it…I may have dug my own hole there…
It hasn’t become easier to live without you, but it feels as if I have become accustomed to it more. I still find myself reaching for extra fruit in the mornings, and lighting a second lantern at night, and these little habits may never cease. But for it to be such second nature for me to love you, I don’t wish for them to end.
I’m unsure when you will receive this, but I wish you sweet dreams. Goodnight, Nox.
—Chase