Separated.

"My dear. I'm gradually working on everything you asked me to do. Return to me soon and unharmed. Forever yours - Valleria." I ran my eyes over her neat handwriting for the sixth time, then hid the tiny note with the previous ones.

I want to have her here with me. But that's impossible. We're besieging the fucking city fortifications at the borders. They've got water and fortunately, they're running low on cattle and supplies.

It could drag on for weeks. And the trip back to the capitol will take at least six days, maybe longer if I decide to save the wounded soldiers.

I snorted grumpily and reached for another letter.

A detailed report from Marco.

I couldn't concentrate on anything. It was so late, I should have been asleep long ago. Tomorrow I'll be groggy.

With another sigh, I reached for a tiny note suitable for sending by raven.

"My dearest." I started and stopped again. I miss you? I want to kiss you? Can't breathe without you? What the hell am I supposed to write to her... She'll think I'm crazy.

"Thank you for your kind words." Yes, that's better. And now what? I scratched my eyebrow and involuntarily started biting my thumbnail.

"My dearest. Thank you for your kind words. I would love to hold you in my arms again, my beloved wife. Wait for me, we'll be done soon. Maximilian."

I wadded the paper into a roll and placed it in a small leather case.