Letters of Amber Rose

[Caspian]

Dear Sarah,

I have recently arrived to Sundren, per our father's request. The voyage up the coast was long and cold, so of course Pockets complained the entire time, as if he was the only one soaked and chilly. The guard assigned to me was as attentive and disciplined, as always, and made me feel safe from some of the unlikely characters aboard our vessel.

The weeks on ship gave me more than enough time to think about the unfortunate events prior to my depature, because so little makes sense at this moment. I am trying my best to stay bright and happy, *drawings of smiley faces* but the images of mother still linger horribly in my mind. I must keep telling myself that this journey is for my own safety. Father sent ahead transcripts to the university at Sundren with our family seal and a year's tuition paid in advance. Hopefully my studies will prove helpful, although you have always been the dutiful sister in respect to academics.

So what news of you? Boys? The court? The king's daughters? Please send news. Thank you so much for the charm, too. It was a wonderful parting gift.

Pockets sends his best and wanted me to tell you that he misses your radishes terribly. I must do something soon about his snoring, by the way. It's starting to wake me up at night.

I pray you are well, Sarah. Do write soon.

Love wins, -Amber Anne Rose

[Caspian]

Dear Sarah,

I cannot believe two weeks have passed already in Sundren! *continues in very elaborate handwriting* Thank you for your letter and warm words, they have been very comforting to hear considering the recent news I received from father. His sending me so far north was wise, timely and precise. *brushes hair behind her ear* I am thankful for his intuition regarding our mother's death and Count Saleus' wicked plans. I cannot come to any other conclusion than to agree with father that she must have overheard him speaking of some dire political scheme. It is a shame we have found no evidence against him. I pray for misfortune on his part and on behalf of our beloved kingdom.

Speaking of which, do you miss mother at all? She is on my mind considerably more these days. *bites lip* Although she always mistrusted and looked down upon my magic, I cannot help but be drawn to tears more and more in thinking of her since her parting. I wish more was restored between us before that night. So much was left unfinished. *drawings of roses and dragonflies* I can only hope that the years ahead may somehow redeem all that is left unmended.

But enough of such serious matters. *hearts and scribbles* Tell me of you? Who is this officer of whom you speak? Did father introduce you? *brightly smile* How was his dancing? Your dress sounded lovely, by the way! I am quite envious.

Pockets has been trying to get comfortable in our new home, moving around from the bed to the corner to the chair and such. He says hello and that he his misses his pillows from our tower room. *light sigh* He's so spoiled.

Thank you again for your correspondence, Sarah. My warmest, as always.

Love wins, -Amber Anne Rose

[Caspian]

Dear Father,

Thank you so much for your letter, support and your very timely plans to move me to safety. *bright smile* Your words regarding recent actions around the castle startled me and made me even more thankful that you sent me away for some time. Forgive my inappropriate response when you first told me about my upcoming travels. *bites lip* So sorry, daddy. You, as always, have the best in mind for our family.

First, I was astounded at the audacity of the investigator to suggest that magic was responsible for mother's death. How horrible! Do you know much about the officer in charge of the investigation? If he is a man of integrity or not? How is his dress? Modest? Do you see any connection of him to Count Saleus? Saleus is masterful at manipulating those around him (and his robe choices are horrible, if you ask me. Who wears light blue in October? Honestly!) If he was truly responsible for mother's death I am curious to know who he pawned into service for him that evening.

Thank you for asking about my time in Sundren. Classes at the university have started off well and no, I am not falling for any boys (you have always worried too much regarding my relationships). *smiley faces* My magic is progressing slowly, but I am not one to draw much from tomes or lore. I fear it is starting to frustrate my professors as it did at home. *light sigh*

Pockets has been his curious self lately, scurrying around here and there, getting himself into trouble. I had to pull him out of a townperson's cabbage patch just the other day! I don't know what to do with him sometimes.

Tell Sarah hi for me and wish her my best. I love you! Do write soon.

Love wins, -Amber Anne Rose