January 18th, 1626

Your majesty, I have arrived at the fort as you commanded. This old castle is in need of some desperate repairs if it is to defend, and the men are lazy. You know I am loyal to you, my Queen, but I do wonder why you have me sent all this way. No matter the cause, I shall do all that is within my power to prepare this fort for siege. Only King Frederich knows if he truly intends to attack, but I intend to protect your realm to my dying breath. 

-Yours, Lady Elizabeth.

February 1st, 1626

I am overjoyed to hear from you again my dear Elizabeth, and now I know I can expect you to receive this letter in about a fortnight. In truth, it was never my wish to send my knight to such lengths. But as you said, the fort is decrepit, the men are lazy, and you are the only one loyal enough to earn my full, unfiltered trust. You will get the job done, and get it done well. I shall try to calm my heart with that knowledge, though I do already miss you so. Stay safe. 

-Her Majesty, Queen Mary.

February 15th, 1626

I received your letter in good spirits this morn, and all work was halted as I rushed to my chambers to read it. I daresay the envelope still smells of the castle. I am overjoyed to hear of your confidence in me, and that you were as loath to part as I. My heart aches to return to the castle, but I shall take pride in knowing that I am your most trusted knight. You bring me great honour with these words your majesty, I shall keep them at my bedside to inspire me. And I will return with all the fairest flowers of the countryside for your paintings.

-Yours, Lady Elizabeth.

February 29th, 1626

To hear of your joy at my words brings the same joy upon my breast, and our hearts are warmed as one. Court and castle proceedings have been exceptionally boring without my beloved companion to keep me sane. I worry incessantly, please come home soon. 

-Yours, Queen Mary.

March 14th, 1626 

King Frederich approaches. Your raven was nearly killed delivering this message. The men are preparing. I have little time, but much to say. Your majesty, as I face my demise I find myself no longer willing to live a life untrue. I love you. Since the very day that you knighted me, I have felt a connection to you such as I have felt with no man. Your faith in me nourishes me as a full meal. If I survive, I would only that you tend to my wounds and caress me in your arms. Now my truth is revealed, and I may finally die having lived a true life. 

-Yours, E.

March 30th, 1626

O my dear Elizabeth, I am full of sorrow. I too, love you, though never had I allowed myself to utter those heavenly words. My dearest knight, if you yet live, please, come home to me. I desire naught but to hold you in my arms, and forevermore keep you close at hand. Your place is at my side. 

-Your lover, Mary

March 22nd, 1626

My life has been spared, and thus it is yours. I return now to be with you once more. I have yet to receive your correspondence, thus I ride with worry upon my breast. I hope you will have me, for I am yours.  

-Your beloved knight, Elizabeth