Introductions are in order

Let me tell you how this conversation will go. We will sit here, just the two of us, in this tiny room at this tiny table that is just big enough for our two cups. The wind will howl outside, trying desperately to get inside. The stone walls will send a chill through the air, one that will try and seep into our bones, deep within. These wooden chairs will provide the minimum of support, creaking with every move. And you, my dear messenger, will give me a letter; one that I have received before.

No, don't reach for it. I have more small talk. Yes, I am trying to delay. Would you do me a small kindness, and wait for me to finish? I thank you. More wine? I shall partake of more myself, so filling yours is no burden. There we go. Aaaahhhhh a good vintage.

I can see in your eyes a question. You want to know why I do not want this letter. You see, this letter will ask me to do something. However, I am loath to do this thing again, especially when it is fairly easy for me to figure out the other participant. Although that is a misleading word, participant. It gives the impression that you are willing. And I have heard from a very good source that you are very unwilling.

Oh you want to know how I know that? You must think that I am a country pumpkin; I grant you, we are meeting out in the middle of nowhere in this old tower. Must have taken you a week to get here from the palace. I heard it from your own lips, dear messenger.

Hahahaha! I managed to surprise a messenger of the palace! You must be new, not used to the intrigue; to show a smiling face while you scream inside. My, my - what questions your eyes still show. If you are going to remain at the palace, you must work on that. Everything else is well done, but your eyes give you away. I'll answer this latest question of yours..... I am the bastard brother of our illustrious King, and was therefore raised as his personal assassin. I assure you, I am quite good at it. A man must take pride in his work, after all.

Which brings me back to the letter. You are the latest in a long line of people to bring me letters. I'm sure by now you have an idea of what is in this letter. No no, calm down. The door is locked now, and I have the only key. Take a sip of wine to calm your nerves, dear messenger. Here, I'll even sip from mine so you may feel safer. See? No poison.

You wouldn't happen to know who your father is, would you? I see. So no one ever told you. I guess I hid the truth well. Too well, for something like this to happen.

Let me tell you of how a baby was left with a servant. A very loyal servant. The only thing left with this baby was a blue blanket and a locket with a torn half of a picture with a woman on it. Now where did I put it….ah here it is! Do the edges of this match up with yours? Can you see the resemblance? It has been 15 years, but I don't think I have aged too badly. Yes, this means that the King is your uncle. A fact which, if he had known, would change everything.

You would not be returning the gifts of a man old enough to be your father. Or uncle, in this case. You must forgive me my inappropriate sense of humor in this situation.

There must have been quite a scene the last time. Otherwise you would not be sitting here, with your long lost father, about to give him a letter. Why don't you open it for me, hmm? I am too busy pouring more wine into our cups.

Calm. Calm. Sit back down. Drink some wine. Be calm. Obviously this shall not happen. I could never kill my own child. I just have one question for you.

How would you like me to kill your uncle, the King?