#annaofalbion

My beloved Queen,

You must find it strange that I’m sending you a letter, seeing as the two of us live in the same castle. But I have something to ask of you, something that felt too important for me to simply march into your chambers and tell you as if I had just remembered a funny story. And yet, not important enough that I felt I had to request an official audience. Besides, you have been very busy lately, I know you have. With everything that happened at the Frost Ball, I know all eyes have been turned to Albion and its rulers.  I understand you worked hard to aid in the catching of the mysterious thief, which is another reason why I thought sending you a letter was the best course of action. This way, if you do not have the time or the patience to answer me right away, you can just act as if the letter has not gotten to you yet. You must be overwhelmed at this moment, I know you must, and this way you can take your time answering me without worrying about hurting my feelings - something I know your kind heart would never allow you to do.

I just revealed that I do not intend to take too much of your time and yet I feel it is impossible for me to write a succinct letter. Apparently I tend to ramble in writing as well as in person. But alright, I will make an effort, to the point it is. I am certain you know that the castle has always felt like home to me. I do love every single one of its nooks and corners, as well as the people living it. I have always felt perfectly safe and happy here. And although that feeling has not changed, something else has. Lately I have been feeling more alone here. Many of my old friends have reached that age where they either receive a marriage proposal or leave to pursue their fine careers. And I am happy for them, most happy. And yet it is also difficult not having them here anymore. They are still my friends, and we still correspond and I get to hear about their studies in the healing arts or their first pregnancies. That fills part of my days, but it is not quite the same. I had been feeling quite lonely, until the past few celebrations held by the kingdoms brought a breath of fresh air into my life. That is until they turned south, but before that they were most wonderful. I made new friends, friends from all over the kingdoms. And here, you see, is the reason why I write you, my queen.

I have grown quite close to some of these friends, one in particular. She is a most lovely person, kind and so intelligent and I am sure you too would appreciate her company once you met her. You must imagine my delight after making such a fine friend. And I was delighted, until I found out that she did not live near the castle, exactly. In fact, the Frost Ball was one of the few occasions in which she had even visited it. Your majesty has always bewildered be with your wits, so I am positive you must know where my reasoning is leading? I am asking for your permission to have her stay at the castle in the near future. I have not invited her yet, nor mentioned my intentions to her, and so your majesty should not feel compelled to accept my request if it does not suit you. However I would be grateful if you would do me the favor of considering it before giving me a final answer. Having stated my intention, I shall not steal another moment of your day.

Your loyal subject,

Your majesty, I hope these lines of a simple thank you do not overstep any boundaries between a Queen like you and a humble me like me. Not only decency but my own heart moved me to write this letter to you. A simple show of how thankful I am for the present you gave to me the other day. The present of your company was not only a welcome surprise, but it left me awestruck and thankful. In you Albion has found a Queen not only worthy of the title, but worthy of the love of the entire kingdoms. You shine like a bright light through these dark times and I am honoured a few rays were given to me, too. But I do write these lines not only to thank you, but to beg something of you. Your people hold you high in their regards, I realised as much during my stay in your beautiful country, and Albion is the kingdom of justice is it not? I see myself as a mouthpiece of those in need of a voice. And I now call for your help in my fight to reestablish justice. The terrible war that scarred us all left so many without a family, without a save place to sleep in. Children without mothers, and soldiers burdened with the wounds of their past. I do my best to help wherever I can, but even a Baron like me sometimes reaches a point where he can no longer continue, where his powers and wealth are no longer enough to help those poor unfortunate souls. But my powers and wealth are but small in comparison to the ways and means of someone in your position. I know your majesty has a soul as pure and beautiful as her smile and will surely find it in her heart, to help those crying for mercy and justice, not just in Albion, but in all the kingdoms If you were so kind to give me another present of your time, I would hold such a meeting in high regard.

Your humble Servant Baron Brandan Darkford