Lady Evangelina,

I have no reason to disbelieve you, and friends should trust in one another, yes? I am pleased to agree, I think friends is the right term for our rapport.

Among my siblings, I am the second-born. There’s my older brother Diomedes, the twins Lander and Linos after me, and then my younger sister Thalia. Lander passed away when I was nine. I needn’t trouble you with the details suffice it to say his death was unexpected and caused by an accident. My family has always been close, but grew significantly closer as a result of the tragedy. We look out for one another. Not just my immediate family either. It’s the entire Nikolaos House. So, it seems it is not just your House that does this.

Mistakes are something inevitable, and your brother will learn from whatever mistakes he makes with regard to the court. Terrible influences are all around us, it’s how we handle the consequences of our actions that define our character and help us to rise above the corruption. There are things that your brother will be forced to learn and do on his own, a guiding hand and ample support will help with the rest. It will work out. He sounds young and untested, but I have faith. I will say a few extra prayers to Athena.

You think too much of me, my Lady. My only true ambition is to uphold my family’s honor in as best a way I can. I’m… curious to know if you think I should have greater goals in mind? Would it be too bold to ask you of your own ambitions?

A delight to hear from you as always,

Lord Dysmas