Chapter Text
Salutations Grand Duke Morningstar,
First, I would like to express my deepest condolences for the multiple deaths in your family recently. Please know that their demises were swift and mostly painless. No funeral will be held and, as the bodies have already been disposed of, we will not be able to send them to you. In case you were curious, they were burnt to ashes and scattered amongst my newly planted rose garden. It is quite a beautiful garden with roses the color of red blood.
Second, I wanted to apologize for bypassing you in line for succession of the throne. Now that your family is dead and gone, someone new was needed to take the crown quickly to prevent the interruption of commerce and politics. I do hope that you are not too miffed about that.
And on to my final point, if you wish to contest my rights to the throne then by all means come to the capitol for a nice chat. I am sure we can come to an understanding very easily. You would also be able to see your family again in my rose garden.
Thank you for your hard work.
Sincerely,
Your New King Hartfelt
Greetings My New King Hartfelt,
I appreciate your kind thoughts toward my family and am happy to know that they did not suffer. As I recall, the palace garden was a wondrous place that could grow any flower, so I am sure your roses are the most extravagant in the kingdom. It's with great confidence, that I can say my family would be extremely pleased to know they are still part of the palace in some way.
There is no need to apologize for taking initiative and the throne. I would not want the people to suffer due to an absent ruler. The country is lucky to have such a competent man to replace my sister in these hard times. You need not worry about my feelings, I bear no ill will toward you.
I, Lucifer Morningstar, officially waive my rights to the throne to you. I was not interested in it before your rule and I am no more interested after. Unfortunately, I will be unable to visit at any point in the foreseeable future for a nice chat. As I am sure you are already aware, I am the vigilant guard of the north. I must remain here at all times to ensure the safety of the kingdom, its people and especially for you, my King. I shall continue to do my sworn duty and keep the monsters from invading your lands.
There is only one matter I have concern with. I had a trade agreement with the previous queen and I would like to inquire if it remains in effect. The trade has not been disrupted thus far in your rule and I will continue it until told otherwise.
Thank you for your concern and kind words.
Sincerely,
Grand Duke Morningstar
Salutations Grand Duke Morningstar,
I appreciate your cooperation regarding the succession, though it saddens me that we’re unable to meet in person. I am sure you would love a walk in the garden considering that it is always snowing in the mountainous north.
It warms my heart to hear of your loyalty toward me and my kingdom. As a reward, I have sent a new trade agreement with more favorable terms for you. I do hope our alliance will grow stronger in the years to come.
There is nary a person in this kingdom who does not know of your great accomplishments. We are only safe from demonic beasts due to your strength and resilience. You live up to your name well, shining brightly despite the rise of the sun.
Sincerely,
King Hartfelt
Greetings My King Hartfelt,
I have signed the new agreement and am enclosing it within this letter. I greatly appreciate the new terms and also hope for a stronger alliance. I am undeserving of your praise as I am not the only person defending your glorious kingdom. I have many strong generals and knights fighting at my side daily to protect the peace. I have passed on your kind words to them as well.
I am also sending you a gift in hopes of further proving my loyalty. The prisoners that arrived with this letter all contacted me with the intent to commit treason. I have enclosed the letters and other evidence to prove their guilt. I am also sending you the bribes they presented to me. I do hope they assist you in some fashion.
Also enclosed is a list of suspicious nobles who have contacted me recently when they have never spoken to me prior. Please be very weary, my king, there seem to be many that are discontent with your rule. If you are in need of competent personnel, I can loan you one of my generals until the times turn peaceful once more.
Sincerely,
Grand Duke Morningstar
Salutations Grand Duke Morningstar,
It would seem that I have fallen even further into your debt. I had my suspicions of some of these nobles but they were clever little rats. With this evidence and your word, I was able to take care of their small uprising before it could become a problem. You have no need to worry about me as I always keep my eyes open for a potential betrayal.
I deeply appreciate your concern for my well being and am extremely grateful for your offer but I believe your generals are of better use to me where they are, by your side.
As a way to repay you for your kindness, I am sending over a few bottles of my own personal stock of whisky. I can guarantee it’s of the finest quality. I do hope you enjoy.
Sincerely,
King Hartfelt
Greetings My King Hartfelt,
I apologize in advance if my penmanship is not the best as I have indulged in a bit of the whisky you have graciously sent me. My sincerest gratitude for the delicious present. Unfortunately, I cannot accept payment for doing my duty as your loyal subject and protecting you. I will, however, be accepting your wonderful gift as a friend instead.
And now that we are friends, I would like to share my favorite apple cider with you. There are special apple trees that produce fruit despite the cold weather. It is a wondrous sight. The red apples almost glow amongst the white snow. The leaves on the trees are white, as well, but the bark is a light gray. The trees look dead in this frozen landscape.
But I digress, the apples are very edible and make excellent cider when fermented. The bottles I have sent you came from a tree high in the mountain with the sweetest apples. I do hope it suits your tastes well. Please be honest as I may gift you more in the future.
Sincerely,
Grand Duke Lucifer
Salutations Grand Duke Lucifer,
I have inquired about these apple trees and your cider but it seems no one knew of their existence. That is surprising since the taste is absolutely divine. I must admit that I’ve already emptied one of the bottles. The others I have stashed away to prevent theft from my husband, Vox. He was quite upset that I refused to share your generous present. I told him that you gave it to me as your friend instead of as your king so I didn’t feel inclined to share. He is upset with me but he always forgives my selfishness with time.
Is this apple tree rare? If not, it would be an excellent idea for you to sell the apple cider in the capitol. As we already have a merchant guild bringing down the monster parts from the north, it would be easy to add the cider. Perhaps then Vox will stay away from my personal stash. Haha.
Sincerely,
King Alastor
Greetings My King Alastor,
It fills me with joy to know that you enjoyed the cider. I have sent a few normal bottles so that you can indulge your husband, King Gille. I’m sure making him happy will bring you joy as well.
As for your question regarding the trees. They grow aplenty and we have more cider than we know what to do with sometimes, not often, as my generals are very creative. I tried to export it to the capitol a few times, but I have been waylaid by Marquess Valentino Garavani. The monster parts have to travel through his land to reach the capitol. The only reason the tax on those is low is due to the trading agreement that I had with the late queen and now you.
The late queen refused to get involved and Marquess Garavani wanted to tax it too much to be worth selling. No one travels here very often so it makes sense that no one would have known about the apple trees or cider. I was afraid that if I set the price too high, that no one would purchase it, as it is an unknown product.
I have plenty of income but most of it is used to fortify against the demonic beasts and I cannot afford to be careless with the Duchy’s finances. I forwent the idea and thought perhaps I could try again at a later date.
Sincerely,
Grand Duke Lucifer
Salutations Grand Duke Lucifer,
I suppose I could assist with your little problem with Marquess Garavani but I would need something in return. Perhaps a few bottles of your special apple cider each year along with a few of your non-special to give to Vox. Just to appease him.
Do not be mistaken with our relationship. Our marriage was simply a strategic endeavor to aim for the throne. We are friends and nothing more. Vox likes to be a bit clingy toward me, but his lover is actually Marquess Garavani. I only wish he’d be less open in regards to their relationship.
There are times I wonder if I made a mistake in marrying him. His choice in company concerns me greatly. The deals he makes are generally unfavorable as well. But I suppose I am only being paranoid. We work well together and the palace is running smoothly between the two of us. I am writing this to you in confidence, I do hope that my trust isn’t misplaced.
Sincerely,
Alastor
Greetings My Friend Alastor,
I would greatly appreciate your assistance with Marquess Garavani. I have written up another trade agreement and have enclosed it for your perusal. Please feel free to change or add anything that you like. I would gladly part with one special bottle each month to get this endeavor started.
I apologize if I have offended you with my careless remark. I often forget that not everyone marries for love like I have. I was very lucky to have married a strong woman like Lilith. Perhaps you will meet someone too, and though you cannot marry them, at least you can have them as a lover.
Your instincts and skills have carried you this far in life. If you are uneasy then there may be cause to worry. As a king you must always be cautious of everyone but especially those that would gain from your downfall. I am not saying that you shouldn’t trust King Gille but be very mindful of those around him. Those loyal to him may not be loyal to you.
Your trust will never be misplaced with me, my friend.
Sincerely,
Lucifer
Lucifer,
I would like to apologize for being unable to respond to your latest letter. As I am sure you are already aware, I had been poisoned. Please accept my eternal gratitude for sending Marchioness Sloth when you heard the terrible news. I’m sure she already informed you of my condition, but I would like to send assurances that I am now fine.
The poison was previously incurable, but Marchioness Sloth was able to create an antidote. She also stayed by my bedside and fought off various assassins with ease. As she is primarily a doctor, I can only imagine the strength of your other generals. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to repay you.
As we searched for the culprit, I recalled a letter that you previously sent me months ago. That I should be weary around Vox’s loyal companions. I looked into them and you were right. They do not like me and wish for my downfall. I am unable to determine at the moment if Vox is involved or not, but we did find the culprit among them.
If Vox is involved, then he hung the man out to dry alone. I do not have enough evidence, but I believe that Marquess Garavani is the true perpetrator. He was angry about the trade agreement for the cider that I signed all those months ago. He complained to Vox and in turn Vox complained to me for getting involved. I thought the argument frivolous at the time, but I will be looking into it.
Thank you for everything.
Your Friend,
Alastor
My Dear Friend Alastor,
I am happy to hear that Marquess Garavani has finally been dealt with. Though I am sure that King Gille must be peeved by his execution. I hope this does not incite a further incident.
I must admit that I was sorely tempted to go to the capitol myself when I had heard of your poisoning in the fall of the previous year. My generals had to tie me down to talk sense into me. I regret that I could not be there to help you through this difficult time.
I will be recalling Marquess Lust and sending Marquess Wrath in his place. Now that Marquess Lust has located all the perpetrators involved, I believe it is time to fortify your defenses. Marquess Wrath will assist with pointing out potential weaknesses to security and restructuring. He is also excellent at training, so I suggest you use him to train the knights that you trust most.
I can only loan you Marquess Wrath for two months. I will need all my Generals back at the beginning of the new year so we can prepare for the next monster attack in spring. The first wave is always the biggest and the harsh winter does weaken the defenses of my castle. Not a single monster has ever made it past me and I do not intend to break my record.
Your Loyal Friend,
Lucifer
Luci,
I implore you, no beseech you, to come visit the capitol. If not for you and your generals, I would not be alive. I know that not all of you can come to the fall ball, especially on the heels of the devastating monster attack you received at the beginning of spring, but I would like to dedicate the celebration to you and all your hard work.
I am aware that it is not just you keeping us safe, but you are always at the forefront of the fight. I have sent you relief supplies to assist in your Duchy’s recovery, but I would like to reward you in person. Please reconsider coming to the capitol.
I wish to meet with you.
Your Friend,
Al
My Dear Friend Al,
You have asked, demanded and threatened me to come to the capitol. I am finally happy to announce that I plan to visit for the next summer season. I apologize that I missed the fall ball you planned. I am unable to go during the winter as the roads are too dangerous to travel and I cannot see you in spring due to the influx of demons, so summer is the earliest I can manage.
My generals and I have searched every crevice in every mountain for monster nests and destroyed more than has ever been recorded in history. We believe that the spring hunt will not be difficult next year. I have also used the supplies you sent to fortify the castle and town. My people will sleep better due to your generosity.
I would also like to apologize for a lie I told you in a previous letter. You inquired about the sudden and mysterious circumstances around the death of my late wife, Lilith. You proposed that the previous royal family had a hand in her demise and I stated that I speculated as much but could never prove it. I also stated that since they were dead there was no point in looking into it.
The reason why the details around her death are mysterious is due to me. I ordered anyone who knew to keep it a secret and chose to report it vaguely. The previous royal family did not care since they had planned to get rid of her anyway. Both Lilith and I were aware of what they were trying to do.
Lilith perished from childbirth. We kept her pregnancy a secret from the royal family and when Lilith passed, I hid the circumstances around her death too. I did not want to risk the life of my lovely daughter, Charlotte. She was all I had left in this cruel and unforgiving world. I made the decision to hide her away until she was strong enough to protect herself. She will turn twenty during the next winter season.
Charlie has been asking for years to go to the capitol. She wants to make friends with other nobles and see grass and other plants. I took it as a positive sign that you both were pestering me for the same thing and she’s very excited to meet you.
I must, shamelessly, ask a favor of you. As I do not own a residence in the capitol, I was hoping you could assist me in finding a safe inn for my daughter and I. I will purchase an abode if my daughter wishes to stay but I would need to do more research first.
I am very excited to meet you for the first time. Though we have only been exchanging letters for four years, I feel like I’ve known you for a lifetime. Thank you for being my close friend.
Your Loyal Friend,
Luci
Luci,
You have nothing to apologize over. I can see that your daughter is very important to you. Though I did not know you at that time, I still wish I could have done something for you. It must have been devastating to lose the love of your life so suddenly. To something outside of your control no less.
I am overjoyed to hear you finally came to your senses to come visit me. You need not worry about accommodations as I will host you and your daughter in the palace. If she wishes to stay for an extended period then I will be more than happy to have her.
Please tell me more about Charlotte so I can look into other noble women her age that she can befriend. I can also recommend some saloons based on her interests. Include her fashion taste and measurements so I can have a dress prepared for the summer ball. If you wait too long, you might not be able to get a suitable one.
Your Friend,
Al
My Dear Friend Al,
I am sure that you are as disappointed as I that only this letter has accompanied my daughter to the capitol. I can only trust you to take care of Charlie in my stead. I have sent a bottle of extra special apple cider as a bribe as well.
Just as we were about to set out, a dragon flew overhead and attacked my estate. We were able to fend it off with little casualty, but I could not leave with a dragon in my territory. I delayed Charlie’s trip by a day but decided to send her off anyway.
I could not bear the heartbroken look she gave me when I tried to cancel the trip entirely. She’s a tough girl and can hold her own, but I worry for her anyway. Unfortunately, she’s taken after me in social situations. Which is to say that she is awkward and clumsy with her words. I trust you will protect her physical and emotional wellbeing.
I will be leaving shortly after finishing this letter and I do not believe I will be able to return anytime soon. Dragons are very dangerous creatures. They are smart and have the ability to manipulate nearby monsters. We will need to mount a full expedition in order to track and kill it.
I am sad to say that I won’t be able to write back to you for some time. I am even sadder to say that I may not survive this fight. My knights are not skilled enough to fight a dragon so the generals and I will be facing it alone. I did not tell Charlie the odds. In her mind, I am invincible and incapable of dying. How I wish that were true.
If anything were to happen to me, my dearest friend, then please take care of Charlie. I know she is an adult but I need someone I trust to guide her in this world. She needs someone she can trust. I am unsure what will happen to the north should I perish, but you need to prepare for the worst. Hopefully, at least one of my generals will persist to assist you.
My one regret is never having met you in person. I wish you the best in this life.
Your Loyal Friend,
Luci
Luci,
As I have stated in several of my previous letters, I hope the expedition is going well. You do not need to worry about replying to all of them. I mostly send them as a comfort to myself. If they are able to reach you, then I hope they may bring a warm smile to your face.
Now on to important business. It’s with a happy heart that I inform you that Charlie's progress in the capitol is going well. She’s doing wonderfully. Her natural charm and charisma outweigh the occasional awkward moment she is prone to. She’s made fast friends with some of my close associates and has even been courted by many.
Let me reassure you, that I have persuaded those to leave her be. Most listen, some need a little more force. Unfortunately, there is one pesky woman who has been able to side step my threats. Countess Motha was Adam’s adopted daughter, I only spared her after the revolution, as she was clearly neglected. The rumors are that he only adopted her so he didn’t have to marry and could keep his lecherous lifestyle.
I did not mind them becoming friends, but she’s hardly trustworthy. Teaching Charlie to be mindful of her position and others intentions has been difficult, but I believe she is finally grasping it. Her sweet little heart only wants to see the best in people. That’s a dangerous mindset to have for someone with not only high status but a right to the throne.
I wouldn’t mind naming her my heir, but I will wait for your return to discuss that fully.
Your Friend,
Al
My Dear Friend Al,
Thank you for all the wonderful letters and updates on Charlie you have sent me these past few months. I received them all while out in the field, I just did not have a way to respond.
I apologize for my terrible handwriting and for the short response. Belphy is glaring daggers at me as I write. My dominant hand was injured in battle but I am mostly fine otherwise. My generals and I have survived the dragon, but are in various states of recovery. Thankfully, Belphy and Satan suffered the least so my defenses will not crumble while we recover.
Thank you again for the supplies and doctors you have sent. Belphy is making good use of them. I will be sure to send them back as soon as I am able.
I will be spending the entire winter season on recovery so that I can prepare for spring. Satan is working double time with the knights to empty as many nests as they can. I do not believe spring will be difficult since we cleared out a lot of the monsters searching for the dragon. Regardless, we will be prepared to face the worst. Perhaps I can try to visit again in the summer season.
I miss my daughter terribly, but from the sound of her letters, I do not believe she will come home. It is good that she is happy and I was prepared to face that possibility. It seems I will just have to visit the capitol often. What an awful fate that has befallen me.
Belphy has just threatened to skewer me, so I really must stop writing.
Your Loyal Friend,
Luci
Luci,
I am relieved to hear that everything ended well and I expect you to show yourself come the summer season. I will have plenty for you to do while you are here. I hope you will be fully recovered so you can handle the itinerary.
Charlie misses you and her home dearly. She keeps trying to invite everyone to visit when she goes back next summer. I will let her know you plan to be here for the summer and I assume leave before winter. As much as she loves the capitol, I believe she loves your estate more. She lamented the lack of snow over the winter.
She complained that it wasn’t even enough to build a snowman. That prompted Countess Motha to gather as much snow as she could to build an eight foot snowman. Charlie was clearly smitten with her for it, but then regaled us with a story of you. I wanted to inquire if it was an exaggeration.
Charlie told us that you built a twenty foot snowman that has persisted throughout the years. It simply sits near the entrance to your castle. It has survived storms and monster attacks. She claimed it was as tough as you. When asked when it was built she shrugged and stated that it’s been there since she was a little girl.
That’s the first story I wish to hear from you in person. The knights that came with Charlie have stated that she is the spitting image of you in every way. She even takes after your mannerisms. I wish to see how you tell the story and compare the two of you myself.
Your Friend,
Al
///
Alastor reread his own letter before carefully folding it and slipping it into an envelope. He dropped red candle wax on the back and sealed it with his magical stamp. It was a gift from Lucifer to prevent unwanted eyes from opening it. The stamp was made with some of Lucifer’s hair so that only he could unseal the letter. Alastor had sent over his own hair in one letter so Lucifer could seal his letters with the same process.
It was almost time for his daily tea time with Charlie. She would pass along her own letter and Alastor would send them together.
His red deer ears twitched when he heard the loud knock. Charlie used more force than necessary so he knew it was her. He suspected that it was a habit she picked up from her father.
“Come in,” Alastor stood from his desk with a stretch, a few of his joints popped in the process.
“Alastor!” she poked her head through the doorway before entering. “Here’s my letter to dad.”
She handed him the letter and he placed it on top of his own before passing them to his servant, Husker. The sour cat sighed and shoved his flask into his jacket. His big red wings flapped slightly with annoyance. He took the letters and headed for the door, his tail swishing back and forth lazily as he left.
Charlie had already seated herself on the sofa and poured them both tea. He’d only been watching over her for a short time and she already felt like a daughter to him. He smiled fondly at her and sat down on the opposite sofa.
“Dad had to keep his letter short but he wrote that he couldn’t wait to tell me about his adventure to fight the dragon,” she said as she picked up her saucer and sipped her tea. “He’s so good at telling stories. I can’t wait to see him… I really miss him.”
Charlie smiled at her tea sadly before placing it on the table.
“Luci has informed me that he plans to come for the summer season,” Alastor sipped his own tea. “Let’s cross our fingers another dragon does not cause problems.”
Charlie covered her mouth to hide her giggle.
“Dad could really use a break,” she said with a serious expression. “I need to come into my power and learn to fight properly so I can step up and help him.”
Alastor blinked at her in surprise.
“What brought this on all of a sudden?” he asked curiously.
“I was so useless during the dragon attack,” she picked up a cookie and fiddled with it. “Dad got hurt protecting me. It wasn't a big wound, but I’ve never seen him bleed before. It made me realize that someday he’s going to be gone and someone has to take over the Duchy and protect the kingdom. I’m his daughter so that someone should be me.”
“Charlie dear, you’re only twenty and your father is barely sixteen years older than you,” Alastor sent her a reassuring smile. “If anything, your children will take over the Duchy when he’s gone. So marry well and have strong offspring.”
She outright laughed at that and he joined her.
“You’re right,” she nodded with a genuine smile. “I still need to learn to use my power but I should focus on marrying someone willing to come back with me.”
“Someone like Countess Motha?” Alastor raised a brow at her.
Charlie blushed and hid behind her teacup as she took another sip.
“I have no idea what you mean,” Charlie replied nervously and almost dropped her cup on the floor when she missed the table.
“I’m aware you’ve been chatting with her behind my back,” he chuckled at her horrified look. “I suppose if she truly drops everything and follows you to the north then I can believe her loyalty to you.”
“Do you really think she would?” Charlie asked hopefully as her whole face turned red.
Before he could respond, his ear twitched when he heard distant shouts of distress.
“Charlie,” he spoke calmly. “I believe I am about to receive some unwanted guests. Please hide under my desk until they are gone.”
Her eyes widened with concern but she did as she was told quietly. It wasn’t the first assassination attempt that she’d witnessed.
Alastor used his shadows to get rid of any evidence that she had even been there. He patiently sipped his tea until the doors were kicked in. He crossed his legs as they approached.
“That was hardly necessary,” he placed his cup down with annoyance then entwined his fingers above his knee. “The door was unlocked, my dear husband.”
“Shut the fuck up,” Vox snarled and pointed an angelic sword at him. He was flanked on either side by two of his shark lackeys.
After Alastor’s near death by poison and Valentino’s execution, their relationship only grew worse. He suspected for a long time that Vox was the one that was trying to get rid of him. The arguments between them and the assassination attempts had increased after he started exchanging letters with Lucifer frequently.
Even though he had a lover, Vox had been very jealous of Lucifer. The more Alastor had spoken to or about Lucifer the angrier he got. He complained every time Alastor had sent supplies and help to the north. Vox had even tried to block him from doing so on more than one occasion.
Alastor stood and straightened out his red jacket.
“I suppose this was long overdue,” Alastor summoned his microphone cane and faced them. “Let’s get this over with.”
The lackeys were easy enough to deal with but Vox himself was a strong contender. They had trained together, spared together and even fought together for many years during the rebellion. They both knew the other’s strengths and weaknesses. It would have been a battle to exhaustion, but Alastor had made a fatal error.
In order to dodge an attack he’d ended up right in front of his desk. He knew if he dodged Vox’s next attack that it would hit Charlie. Deciding he’d rather die by Vox’s hands than Lucifer’s, he stood his ground. The lightning struck him square on the chest and he crumpled against the desk.
He panted against the pain, having barely survived the assault. He clutched the bleeding wound to stanch the flow of blood. Vox was giving some monologue, but Alastor wasn’t listening. His ears drooped as he tried to brace one hand on the ground to sit up and glare at Vox.
“Isn’t that a pretty face?” Vox smirked at him. “Any last words?”
Alastor felt something touch his hand. He spotted Charlie’s fingers coming out from under the desk. He couldn’t die like this. Vox would hurt her after he was gone.
“I refuse to die alone,” he growled and summoned the last of his strength.
Vox barely had time to look confused before a tendril speared him through the chest. It disappeared quickly and his lifeless body fell to the ground.
“Alastor!” Charlie cried. She was kneeling in front of him now.
She took off her own jacket and tried to tie it around his wound.
“A useless endeavor, my dear,” he chuckled weakly. “You need to leave. Find my close aids. They will protect you. Vox may have more minions in the castle.”
“No, I can’t,” her voice was thick with tears as she struggled not to sob. She pulled him into her lap. “Alastor, please! You can’t give up.”
“You’re the only person with a right to the throne,” his words sounded muddled. “Luci gave his up years ago.”
“You can’t die!” she shouted and he felt her fussing with him but his eyes slid closed. “Please! Alastor! Please!”
He couldn’t feel his body anymore and sound faded to the background. It felt like he was simply floating in a sea of blackness.
Maybe he’d be able to see his mother again. That would be nice since he’d never be able to meet Lucifer.
How he regretted having never met his closest friend…Luci……