The letter arrived folded inside a shipment of grain, smuggled rather than sent, and Elira understood the significance of that detail before she'd even broken the seal.
It came from Sera, a former lady-in-waiting who had served alongside Elira at court for nearly four years before circumstances, and the dowager's particular displeasure with anyone too fond of the exiled princess, had seen her quietly reassigned to lesser duties. They had not spoken since Elira's departure. The risk Sera had taken simply to send word at all told Elira the contents were worth whatever danger the woman had accepted in doing so.
My lady, the letter began, in Sera's careful, familiar hand, I hope this finds you well, and I apologize for the strange manner of its delivery. I did not trust the usual channels.
