Letters Between Claire and Teagan

[Claire Beauchard]

Dearest Teagan Bruce,

I hope this letter finds you well, and not missing us too terribly. I miss you so much! Your bright smile and sunny disposition is very missed here in Tresteria. If it wasn't for your seasickness, I would think would think we would switch places my dear friend. The sea was kind to my weak body, but however soon after we dropped into port I was caught with a bad fever that forced me to leave the funeral early. 

Oh Teagan! I wish you were here. I've made a ripe ole booger of things, and I'm so so so embarrassed. I don't think I can put into words the type of embarrassment I've suffered through with Guard Gifford. He's so sweet Teagan, and really is a gentleman. So much so he pointed out a BOOGER I had hanging from my nose. I nearly died, and then walked right into a door, and then couldn't get it open, and oh goodness!

The Chase. 

Teagan, the Tresterians are mad. I say. You mustn't repeat this to King Aric, but they have this aweful horrible game where the ladies are forced to chase the men. They call it the hounds and the hares, and the ladies have to try and find their desired hares in order to claim their prize of KISS. A KISS TEAGAN! I merely wanted to catch Stefan for helping me after the funeral. I ended up fainting, I'm okay, and he helped take care of me. I just wanted to thank him for that, so I could get some uninterrupted time, but-

I broke! I B R O K E. I managed to "catch" him but really I didn't, because I didn't run. and goodness sweet peas, Teagan... he asked if he could kiss me! Me! I didn't know know what do to, he broke me! I tried to climb into a bush to get away Teagan! I just- I was so happy I wanted to die, but also I was a blubbering mess because I didn't want my first kiss to be because of game. I wanted him to kiss me because he wanted too, and I just made a whole mess of things. The kiss didn't happen, and I think were both left feeling something aweful. I screwed yet another thing up, and I'm never going to be able to look Stefan in the eye again... I have the feeling Cassie is going to talk to you about me when we get home. But so far, Tresteria isn't as fun as I thought it would be. It's because you're not here my dear friend. Tell me about home! How are you doing? Surviving in our absence I hope. 

There's to be a Ball, and I'm terrified of making a mess of things more. My hope is to just be a wall flower and watch over our beloved queen from a safe distance. She seems happy, but I'm worried because I think she's worried about things, and that the Tresterians will hate her. From what I've seen though, they seem to be happy. I won't speak ill of the dead, but...Maybe better things are to come to Tresteria with the Kings passing. I will write you after the ball, and will tell you all about it! I hope you are well my precious friend. I miss you so much, and I'm counting down the days until we return safely to you.

All my Love, 

Claire B. 

[Teagan Bruce]

Sweet Claire, 

I wish I were there too! But not quite for the reasons you're thinking. First of all--that game sounds fantastic! What a chance for ladies to finally make a decision for themselves about who to kiss! It's not every day you get an opportunity like that. And secondly--I would have liked to take you and SHAKE YOU, CLAIRE. You silly girl, why did you shut him down? He was taking his chance too! I think that he had every right to act like he wasn't interested, and the fact he offered at all is a sign that he's willing. But, worst case scenario, you just have to wait until you're back home with me and the three of us ladies will work together to make things work out. Stefan is far too kind to decide to never speak to you again over something as silly as this. So try to stay positive. I wish I could remember that little rhyme you always say. 

As for myself.........I'm bored out of my mind, Claire. I thought I would be alright to amuse myself for a little while while you all were gone to avoid the misery of tossing up my guts every day of the voyage, but apparently this is nearly as bad. I've cleaned my own room, ridden and walked every path in the orchard, and I even attended a meeting for farmers. A MEETING FOR FARM WORKERS, CLAIRE. I WAS DESPERATE. 

The meeting was actually a bit interesting, I confess. They're arranging some kind of cooperative system so that all the farms and things get the care that they need even with less people. I've even volunteered to help where I can. I may be a noblewoman, but that doesn't mean I don't also have a duty to make sure our country grows and survives.  And, it may have been an excellent opportunity to annoy a certain farm boy. I'm sure you know the smug rake I'm thinking of, don't you? He was surprisingly non-useless during the meeting; perhaps he hit his head and accidentally knocked some sense into it! I can only hope that continues long enough for some actual work to get done, and not just talk. We'll see. 

I may not be attending any glamorous balls, but I might have a way to keep myself busy until you return. Stay safe, little Claire. I'm trusting you to be the gentle and kind spirit that our Queen needs to survive a bunch of prissy Tresterians.  

With love,

Your Distant Sister (or close enough)
Teagan Bruce