Lady Selene,



I wish you would concern yourself with something other than my health. I have heard of nothing besides concerns for my recovery and well-being, it seems, since the storm hit Midas. I do not wish for my words to sound harsh, for I am appreciative of your concern, but I would far rather hear of your own news and your own well-being. I have little to tell from my end besides a quick recovery that is still slower than I would care for and longer than normal days here in Colchis, now that half of my duties have been annexed by my brother, despite my firm protestations.



I am pleased to hear the new regarding the King and his new wife and approaching family. I confess I was hesitant to leave Taengea when I did those six weeks ago but duties to my own people had be leaving for Athenia before my conscience was content.



I cannot pledge to understand your feeling of loneliness for I have mostly brothers - only one has married so far but as and when they inevitably do, their wives will come to live with us, rather than my siblings living elsewhere. The only ill-informed wisdom I have to offer is that perhaps you could look at it as if your family were growing rather than depleting? I think, despite his obvious faults, I would be proud to call King Stephanos a relative of mine.



For your marriage concerns I can also offer you little in advice. Only that my mother's concerns for my own unmarried state were dimmed for several years after my brother married and produced an heir. Perhaps, you may find that pressure will be removed once your two sisters are official wed and producing children. The responsibility of continuing the Leventi line will not be solely yours and therefore you may have a more relaxed opportunity to choose your partner for yourself.



I feel as if such a request is an imposition at best and simply boorish at worst but I feel, due to our new friendship, that I must request you to send me word of your intended before you agree to any union. My role as crown prince allows me many liberties - information being one of them. I can at least assess on your behalf whether any betrothal would truly be the advantage your family - and yourself - may hope for? This is what friends would do, it is not?



I am sorry that you feel the need to distance yourself from your house, my Lady. Though I confess myself jealous as I have been able to breathe fresh air for longer than a few hours in the Kotas manor gardens these days. I am intent on a long ride sometime soon, when I can be sure such a proposal will not cause my mother undue concern (though I suspect her worries may be becoming more drama than reality these days in the hopes that I will remain at home longer). Disturbances have been reported in the Northern Lands where my father is currently encamped and, should they not be settled within the month, I intend to back with my unit and sailing to aid him immediately. I must be ready for such combat before then...



The stallion is in good health. With my empty days I have found no difficulty in going down the stables each morning and acquainting him further with my presence and scent. He no longer spooks at my touch or my handling of his leading rein (though I cannot say the same for the stable hands). I had intended to save breaking him until I was next to see you, but if I am so due in the North then I may have to do so sooner. I could not deny such a powerful creature as my steed in my future fights. As for a name, I have yet to make it official but have been considering him as Phobos in my mind. I believe such a divine name would be the only on suitable for such a beast and have prayed to Ares that he be gifted with the strength of his own steeds.



I have passed on all of your comments to my family who were pleased to hear them - even my brother who finds great humour in your words. As for myself, I was glad to be at the docks for your departure...



May the Gods protect you and yours,





Vangelis of Kotas