23.3

Alone in his study, Dirk stared at the blank piece of parchment in front of him. He knew that Zyrdicia would not be interested in seeing him now, but he hoped she might at least accept a letter from him. He struggled to find words to make her see that it had all been a monumental misunderstanding.

He had re-read her interview about him until he had nearly memorized it. He wanted simply to erase the unfortunate episode, to convince her to pretend like it had never happened. The whole thing was absolutely senseless.

He picked up the quill and wrote: "Dearest," He paused then, unable to think of anything sufficiently charming. A full hour passed before he put another word on the page. Finally the quill began to move.

He grimaced at the effort required to swallow his pride. Apologizing for anything always felt unnatural to him, but the level of contrition required this time was unimaginable.

He frowned uncomfortably as he read what he had written:

"Until you entered my life, I never regretted any harm I ever caused anyone. But it torments me to know that the words I said to we last parted may have caused injury to the possession I most treasure. I hope you know that I meant none of it.

"I want you to return to Castle Blackpool. Your place is, and will always be, here at my side. I cannot bear to be without you.

"Love, Dirk"

He re-read it, wondering if it was enough. He had never written anything remotely resembling a love letter. He felt terribly foolish for writing even this much. It seemed ridiculous to be doing it now. Under other circumstances, he would have mocked the effort. He felt more than a little ashamed to have to stoop to this to woo his own wife back. But the alternative was unacceptable.

He pursed his lips together for a moment, then added:

"P.S. I have never been more honest than I was with you in the East Tower."

Satisfied, he folded it carefully, tucked it in an envelope and sealed it with wax. He stamped the wax with his signet ring. Now all that remained was arranging its delivery.

He did not dare to send it using one of Zyrdicia's own servants. They all treated her personal affairs as their own. They would not hesitate to read the letter before delivering it. He feared that it would end up printed for all the world to see in tomorrow's edition of the Lyrian Liar. He shuddered at the thought of his shame if this letter were ever to become public.