"If Ryland has nothing else to be proud of, it is by no lack of opportunity," Gharreld said. "And had<i>everyone </i>involved been respectful, there would have been no scandal to it at all."<br/><br/>Meaning, of course, Ryland and Kethaias. There was also the matter of an unlocked door. Ryland was normally so foolish, didn't care. He wondered that Kethaias didn't, either, but then again, the man had acted entitled from the moment he had walked in.<br/><br/>The warning only made Gharreld glare back.<br/><br/>"Ryland is a prince of the blood. Marriages are<i>contracts. </i>There are obligations and responsibilities that come with the wealth and privilege of rank that he so enjoys, that our entire family enjoys. Which<i>you </i>enjoy as well, Your Eminence. I expected a finer understanding of duty from you, not the equating of it to slavery, but you are a young line in your rule, the first of your name, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Take this as you will: Ryland is free to renounce his blood if he should like to escape this all. He does not. And we will not be trampled by a tyrant for one prince--<i>for once</i>, when it comes to him--doing his duty by marriage when the time comes."<br/><br/>Gharreld swept a bow, the motion short with temper.<br/><br/>"The negotiations will be finalized with whatever ambassador you choose to send to represent you. We wish you luck in your battles, King Kethaias. Farewell."<br/><br/><i>And I hope we never see a bully like you again.<br/>
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</i><br/>Ryland's first letter arrived a month later.<br/><br/><i>I cannot believe you have not written to me, what a tasteless brute you are. Not even a letter to say you are alive. I should ask that you write yours back in blood as penance, but I shan't. Praise my magnanimity.<br/>
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I think Teleyard is trying to court me. Be jealous.<br/>
Proper jealous, in a froth, not in envy.<br/>
Gharreld does not like him, but he allows it. If only I would allow it. He is a perfect sycophant. But I suspect that wouldn't last. If he weren't handsome, I wouldn't let him give me anything.<br/>
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Now you're properly jealous, thinking of my letting him paw at me.<br/>
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You will be happy to know your ear cuff has set a trend at last. The hairstyles and necklines and collars have shifted to accommodate. We are all lopsided without the cuff on.<br/>
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I have sent you a bottle of honey and some smoke.<br/>
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If you do not write back, I shall never speak to you again.<br/>
</i><br/>His signature was a single, large, looping R with a scribble behind it.