Lady Dhampir
Chapter 207

My Dear Queen,

Only three days away from you and I am already wallowing in the despair of your absence. The image of you, waving from that balcony, so beautiful and yet so far, stays engraved on my mind like a thorn in my heart. How sweet the pain, how addicting the poison of our memories together.

Each day while long hours I pass on my horse, I think of a thousand words I shall send my beloved wife. I become the most skilled poet and could compete with your favorite authors on those aisles of literature you love so much. Yet, when night falls and our sore legs hit the ground, all those beautiful words and inspiration abandon me and I'm left like an illiterate soul faced with a blank parchment. During those times, my thoughts are so rough I am glad I already conquered the stage of wooing you, otherwise, I wouldn't deserve better than a slap of your hand. (Which, shall I add, I might replace some shameless delight in.)

The spirits of the men are still high, and I hope it keeps so for as long as possible. Our troupes are now as deep as I've ever been into the emerald forest, but we shall all keep in mind that the enemy will sooner or later appear on the other side. Although we have encountered nothing but wildlife in our long pilgrimage, I fear the shadows of the trees will soon be replaced by ones of walking mountains ready to step on us.

The young ones, like your brother Lucian, are relentless, and I have to allow frequent hunting parties to keep the most restless minds busy during our long hours of riding. At least, we will not run out of food anytime soon despite our slow pace. There is so much wildlife around that I am starting to wonder if we shall not also make records for the future. Who knows when the Capital's surroundings will be deserted of the boars, deers, and foxes we loved to hunt in our younger days? The other day, I came across a beautiful black weasel that reminded me of your dark hair, and I did not dare kill it. The creature fled, as gracious and quick-witted as a Dhampir Lady I happen to know.

As we have set camp for the third night, I am writing from the comfort of my tent after sending the Generals away to bicker between themselves so I can write to my beloved. Some nobles are already expressing their displeasure in the poor quality of their bed camps. Some obviously were expecting an easy field trip and a war that will be an easy win. I can only hope they will not cry or run once the real thing happens.

Another thing is the frequent taunting between the low and high born. As much as I had wished for a meritocracy to be instituted, some habits die hard. Our Commanders from the first to last division have to constantly remind some of our men they should have left their titles at home and instead, brought their good manners with them. Discipline has to be installed with an iron hand in a velvet glove, or I might as well start slapping some sense into those poorly-educated blue-bloods. The latter being the most tempting, I will duly keep you updated if there is some strong-handed discipline to be served for dinner sometime. I am most worried about our female side of the army. Our women cooks have already complained twice about one of our lieutenants bossing them over, some loose hands I hope to catch in the act, and the female knights may experience some rough nights that I have only been made aware of by some hear-say. Although I do have a strong feeling our mutual friend Lady De Nova will certainly apply the discipline needed with utmost pleasure if needed so....I shall not refuse her that pleasure.

One thing that will keep me restless once I lie in bed later is the idea that my beloved wife is as alone as I am. I know the battle I'm on my way to face is no lesser than the one I've left you with at home. Remember dogs bite harder than wolves. Never show your weakness, your back to them, and instead, stand proud as you've always been. I have faith in my Queen, my Princess will stand against any giant she can encounter, and I pray your loved ones who stayed behind will make a shield to protect you.

I am holding on to this token of love you've sent me off with, and I hope yours is safely kept with you as well.

To all our nights together, my Dear Milena, and the promise of our reunion.

Be safe my Queen,

Your Prince.