Lord Muin,

  I know you had to leave the festivities early, but I do hope that you had a good time with us today. Everyone put a lot of effort into making it just right for Jurek. You know her the best, I believe. Do you think she liked it? Or was she just placating us? If she didn’t, I’ll try to make it better next year.

  I’ve been thinking about our conversation before Jurek arrived. I hope you didn’t take my awkwardness for standoffishness. When I saw you, I realized just how long it had been since we’d last spoken. And I remembered the last time you saw me, covered in paint and looking an absolute mess. (Thank you for not bringing it up, by the way.)

  I meant what I said. While being here is a big change, it’s one I’m willing to take in stride, and you’ve helped out with that a lot. Whether you’re physically in the manor or not, I feel your presence in the things you’ve already set in motion for me. The work I’ve done are the easier ones you’ve handpicked for me to handle since I’m fairly new at this. The room I was given faces east for the morning sun to light up my room. I’ve always liked to paint in the morning. You even cleared out the other room when I needed a place for my art supplies by yourself. I know you told Jurek not to tell me, but she let it slip a few weeks ago.

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  Neither of us wanted this, but we’re both trying to make the most of it. While I’m not sure I’m pulling my weight as a spouse and marquess, I’m giving it my all and I will continue to do so. With how hard you work, it makes want to pick up the pace to keep up with you.

  Lady Hyran

  P.S. I’m always free in the afternoon after two o’clock. Perhaps we can go on a walk together then. At the very least, it’d be nice to see you at the Solstice Festival.