a letter for Oberon, arriving 4/27

[Galeazzo]

To Prince Oberon Sterlyn, from Lord Galeazzo Sanseverino

Greetings.
I will dismiss the customary pleasantries in favor of brevity, a choice I hope you will understand considering the swift changes wracking our realm on the heels of the king’s latest decree. I know that it will have reached you by the time you read this: Alrik’s faith in his royal brother is gone. I cannot, having heard the same tales which have reached the king regarding Auron’s actions, disagree with this. He has named his son once again his heir, but Prince Cedrik is not to be found, though he seems to hold some hope that the queen may be with child. I pray for the strength of Gyllene that it is so .

I know his words came harshly, to so dismiss all the males of the Sterlyn line but I believe it was to better ensure his brother would never come to the throne. There is yet the matter of Alrik’s children. Rumors of suspicion swirl around Auron that he has had some hand in their vanishing and in that of his wife. I find myself on the eve of battle, possibly named regent to a prince who may not return and one who may not be born if their royal father perishes. My own son and heir is in Castell lands, so I can not in good faith name him as successor to that possible post should some misfortune befall our party in this war.

Therefore, I ask you to forgive the lack of ceremony or the entreaty of your permission for the true purpose of this letter:

Should the king and I fall in the course of this campaign, I name my successor as regent for Prince Cedrik or any child of the king’s as you, Prince Oberon. May Amalthia never find it pleasing to make it needful for you to show this letter to the council, but should her dark wheel turn our fates to that pass, I feel you are the best and strongest candidate to lead House Sterlyn during the Crown Prince’s minority, or ding any absence of mine that might follow due to this coming engagement in Stoft.

Signed,
Galeazzo de Sanseverino, Lord of Sodra, Ambassador of Forsilvra