"Hmm...sometimes, I am unable to tell as to whether Annette and Felix are courting one another or antagonizing each other. Things were simpler when I was a youth, methinks. I remember the first time I invited my wife on a romantic outing..."

“Mhm! Let’s go. It’s freezing out here,” Annette laughed, her breath floating in the cold air. “There’s a lot for us to talk about. So, perhaps after I get settled in, you can give me a tour of the castle and estate? I’m rather curious to see how luxurious the Fraldarius library is. I’m sure-

-it's grand." After bidding her mother, uncle and mother-in-law farewell, she followed after him, with her own servants trailing behind.

Annette couldn't help the way her tears escaped her eyes, and the way her father's letter became decorated with little wet droplets, drying and staining the paper. Bleeding the ink. A response. Finally, a response. There was so much to say, so much to argue about and so much to reminisce about-

-but...she paused. That could wait. She wouldn't send another letter detailing her feelings and whatnot. Annette would wait until she saw him again in person. Her heart was full, all of the people she adored most in the world were joining together to support her on her wedding day. Until -

-she shoved the letter into her belongings and made her way to Fraldaius territory. Annette would send him a letter with the wedding date as soon as she knew the date herself. They'd finally talk in person again, as father and daughter.

//Two dead men, a tired widow and mother, and a grumpy sarcastic cat with a sword.

//You joke but if you made a Rodrique of any form we’d have all the family— Even if Enn and I don’t interact between Glenn and Felix.

@fraldariuscrested.bsky.social (Should I make a Rodrigue's Ghost account that's just his terrible moustache on a bedsheet that follows Felix around? 'Oooooh, chivalry" /Joking

—the world to me. Your loving daughter, Annette Fantine Dominic.’

—I am currently in castle Fraldarius, I am getting married to Felix. I would love it if you were here. I won’t ask you to walk me down the aisle, as I know you will probably have strong feelings about your worth as a father to do so but, father. Please, please attend my wedding. It would mean—

—within Fraldarius territory, she writes a letter to her father, wherever he is station. Asking him to attend her wedding. ‘I do not wish to beg but,’ it starts. ‘Father, I am unsure of what you have heard but regardless of whether you know or not—I want you to hear this information from me. —

"I remember my own wedding... It was a private, small affair. It was one of the happiest days of my life... Second only to the day Annette was born. What a happy child she was. ... Godess...forgive me for all I have done..."

+telling her who passed it to me to gift. That is the least I can do for a knight who so loyally served with my beloved. Sincerely, Dowager Duchess Fraldarius. — The letter bears her personal stamp and seal, not the official seal of Fraldarius.

+Rest assured, I shall endeavour to ensure your daughter has the perfect wedding day. Barring any unfortunate situations, it will be her only wedding, and therefore must be a fond memory. However, I will grant you a favour. Should you wish to pass her on a wedding gift, I shall do so without +

+duchess with some training, as a duchy is far different from a barony. As the war has taught us that life is short, I have no intention to drag out an engagement period, and plan to grant them a quick wedding. I am sure you already know, but I doubt I shall be able to extend you an invitation. +

+life moves on, and I have gathered my strength to see the things he couldn’t, like the sight I hope to soon see after the union of our children—a grandchild to spoil. My son seems enamoured with your daughter, and I have not the heart to discourage them. I am sure she shall make a wonderful +

Though it takes several attempts before Mariya can read it in full, she manages. Her handwriting when she replies is neat, evidence of the amount of letters she must write a day. — Sire Dominic, I thank you for your sentiments about my husband. His loss is a hole carved from my heart, but +

Can she multitask well enough to run the household, maintain guests, and arrange the ceremony? Yes. Is she making Felix do a “woman’s job” as punishment? Absolutely.

She also closed her door to her office in a manner where it’s audible. Nowhere near a slam, but for a lady such as Mariya, it’s as if she did slam it. Many letters to write, spinning the tale as a couple who fell in love during a war and could not wait to be wed so they may enjoy life together.

@mamafraldarius.bsky.social (Gilbert has terrible, clumsy handwriting. It's barely legible despite his noble upbringing. He finds it difficult to hold a quill due to how scarred and calloused his hands are.

( Gilbert does, indeed, believe Felix to be a good man. Initially, he balked at how rudely he spoke of Prince Dimitri...but he, in contrast, saw how kindly he treated Annette. Additionally, he came to realize that it is Felix's willingness to challenge the future King, to draw attention to the

- A Letter to @mamafraldarius.bsky.social "Dearest Duchess Fraldarius, Good day. Firstly, you must excuse me if this correspondence reads as inarticulate or poorly structured. As you well know, my elder brother is the far more well-spoken and read of the two of us. Before anything else, however

((Gustave thought he had his work cut out for him with the whole "sunk cost fallacy of failing my duty" thing, but now he'll have to be Sothis's bravest soldier))

“This—this isn’t just some small mistake. I need you to understand this.” Despite how similar their problems were with their own respective fathers, the way they dealt with those feelings were nearly completely polar opposite… how could she describe any of this. Just like that, Annette left.

—would want this, or ask for any of this! Why would you do this to me?”

“How…how could you do that! You had no right! Did you think I wouldn’t find out about this!?” Annette marched towards the greenhouse entrance, now pinching the bridge of her nose. “I cannot believe you! You really have no restraint! First, you attack a comrade and now my father!? You KNOW I —

“What.” Her face quickly snapped to his. “You did what! Felix! Why would you do that! What’s wrong with you!?” That sad expression from before was quickly taken over with a face of anger. “Are you serious!?”

Annette was silent for a moment, staring down at the mini version of herself bundled in her arms. “…it doesn’t matter what I want. It’s not mine to own. This isn’t my property.” She sighed quietly. “I’m sorry for what I said.”

“That’s not for /you/ to decide! Just because you don’t want your father in your life doesn’t mean I want the same thing!” She pulled the doll close to her heart. “Don’t make decisions for me!”

She tutted. This was ridiculous, it just didn’t to be done. The longer she looked at the doll the more her heart broke. It looked just like her too… “Felix—for Sothis’s sake. Just give me it. You said it yourself, it’ll ruin /your/ mood.” She swiped the wooden doll from him.

Annette huffed too and rose to her feet once more. “Fine. I’ll do it myself then.” She stretched her hand out, “Give me it.”