I am begging you.
Please help me.
I do not know what help looks like anymore.
Advice, protection, intervention—anything.
You are the only person he listens to, the only name that still holds power over him. I know it is cruel of me to burden you with this.
I know I am asking for something dangerous.
But I am desperate, and I am afraid.
If I stay here like this, I will be destroyed.
Please… do not ignore this letter.
Lady Syris.
Syris folded the letter slowly, smoothing the creases with hands that still trembled. For a long moment she simply stared at it, as if committing its weight to memory.
Then she slid it beneath the false bottom of her jewelry box, pressing until it clicked back into place.
Only after she was sure it was hidden did she allow herself a shaky breath.
Radomir had forbidden her from sending letters, forbidden leaving the castle.
He had even forbidden her from speaking too freely to servants.
