Quote:
Casimir,
This is not an easy letter to write. While it is here and I am not, know that I very much would have liked it to be the reverse. Certain truths are hard to bear, and one of those truths is that you deserve so much better than me. You're a good man. I'm not a good woman. The life I lead comes with dangers, and I have enemies in Scara Brae. They are relentless as hunting hounds and pervasive as rats, and they are enemies you don't need to have. You haven't been seen with me by anyone tied to them, and so you should be safe. If they knew you were somehow connected to me, they would do their best to kill you. I can't have that.
Someday, you'll find a good woman, and she will love you because you are Casimir Taryndor, not because you remind her a lot of the love that she lost. When you find her, I wish the both of you all happiness.
Until then, may the Stars light your footsteps, and may sunlight keep you safe.
I folded the note carefully, trying not to smudge the delicately-written words, and tucked it into his hand. Standing, I gathered my belongings and turned to the forest. Scara City was about two hours east; I could be there before dawn. Just before I could slip away, though, I hesitated. I was the first woman who'd ever had him willingly. The first one who mattered.