I read and reread the page, trembling between my fingers.


    Please forgive the risk I take in sending this communication to you now. Do not imagine it is a renewed plea of the kind I have sent before. You are dear to me as ever, but I have accepted the truth: for you, matters of the heart must always yield to matters of State. It is to this principal concern I wish to speak to you.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Your all-important doe has put herself into extraordinary danger which might have resulted in her death, had I not intervened. Do not be alarmed—the danger is now past, but I feel to express my limitations to you in the lengths I might reach for her protection. I know I promised you and your brothers to keep her safe against the day you will deploy her against our enemy, but I can no longer guarantee it. Whatever has caused your delay, please make haste, or I do not know whether she will survive.


    She signed the letter with her pseudonym.