A letter from Lord Rafail of Marikas. 

Nana certainly hadn't expected such a request. 

Though the two bordered on scandalous behavior only a few months prior, everything that had happened since her visit to Colchis seemed years ago. Her communication with Rafail had continued after his voyage home, but they quickly trickled off - perhaps he had found another woman to chase. 

Nana had been content with such things, intent on finding herself a Kotas instead, yet, a Kotas she did not nab. She had instead found the baron of a vassal house, who was now currently on the front in Egypt. She'd yet to receive another letter, and in her impatience, had opened the entire stack he'd provided for her. 

The doubts she had been feeling after learning of his lineage had only grown in the silence. He was a baron, but would she find happiness in Colchis? Would it ever compare to the shores of Taengea? Her uncertainty left her restless. 

And, now, a letter from Lord Rafail of Marikas. 

It was clear enough to see what the gods wanted for her. 

Thus, Nana made herself up. She donned a shift of Leventi purple for her trip to the Naós, clutching a small bundle wrapped tightly in red silk. 

As her carriage approached the looming figure of the temple, Nana felt a tightness in her throat. Regardless of whether or not this was a sign, Nana exited as the door opened and walked with sure feet into the structure. 

It was a short walk to the altar. Dropping to her knees to sit before Aphrodite's statue, Nana closed her eyes, lips moving as she spoke a silent prayer. 

Please, let this be the right choice. Let me love without regret. 

With that, she tossed the bundle into the fire, watching unblinking as the flames ate up the silk and mercilessly incinerated the weathered paper that laid wrapped inside. 

She did not fight the tears when they fell from her cheeks.