Dearest Sasha,

I hope this letter finds you well. Words cannot describe the anticipation I feel about your visit. I am counting down the days.

As fate would have it, your holidays coincide with Fin's biannual Glacier Tournament; the martial arts event that attracts fighters from all over the land. Masters from Espi, Pandon, Loen, Brianne and of course Fin and Aeryoine come and scout fighters for their schools. Quite a few Suters have come to hone their skills over the years so I am sure you know of it.

Will you participate? Being a Suter, you are guaranteed to attract some strong opponents. I fear that few will fight me earnestly given my standing with the royal family, but perhaps I will be able to live vicariously through you. I hope we will also have time to continue your training in moving meditation. You have been practicing, haven't you? I will know if you have not, and you will regret it in the training room!

With all my heart,

Mortimer

Mortimer handed his glass to the nearest attendant. The room was spinning. He needed to sit down.

The strength of her perfume stung his nostrils. She took his hand and led him away from the crowd, and he followed blindly for he suddenly had an overwhelming urge to be elsewhere. They passed a set of doors which she closed. The click of the lock sounded final.

"Sasha?" Mortimer whispered to the dark room.

"Shhhh." She pushed him back against a soft surface – a couch perhaps.

His mind was racing, but unable to grasp a single thought.

"Sasha," he struggled to sit up. "Sasha, wait. Please, just give me a moment. Give me a moment to think about this."

Her hands wandered adroitly over his body, sending through him a series of tingles that were simultaneously revolting and rapturous.

"Just relax and let me do the work," she purred into his ear.

His eyelids fluttered shut and his body surrendered.