Chapter Text
Letter arrives at Skyhold by courier, 26 Guardian 9:42, sealed in red wax with the crest of House Montilyet.
2 Guardian 9:42
Montilyet Estate, Antiva City
My Darling Josephine,
It has been too long since your natural radiance has graced Antiva City. Your mother misses you. She is asked about you every time she walks the promenade. Yvette tells us you were a force to be reckoned with at The Winter Palace, and I cannot say I am surprised, although it is a pity you were unable to represent the latest fashions like your sister.
But it is of little consequence, for I write to you today with the most exciting news. With our trade routes rightfully restored in Orlais, new opportunities have arisen here in your home, as well. One family in particular has taken note of your accomplishments and has extended an offer of merging our houses, which your mother and I were all too excited to accept.
Your hand has been promised to Lord Adorno Ciel Otranto, the heir apparent to the Otranto estate, the most advantageous match I have made for you yet! In addition to the family's vast holdings, Adorno himself is as smitten with you as he was when you were children.
Your mother is already planning the wedding. She would like to know if you have a preference regarding the season (she is hoping for next Spring).
It will be good to have you finally returned to us, my little flower. While we have managed in your absence, it is never the same without you here.
Your Papa
Yves Montilyet
Letter received in Antiva City by raven, 6 Drakonis 9:42
26 Guardian 9:42
Skyhold Keep
Papa,
Please forgive my brevity. I feel it is advantageous to remain succinct so that it will underscore my feelings on the matter. I do not wish to marry Lord Adorno Ciel Otranto. Please reach out to his family to rescind the offer. If it comes from you, and if it comes swiftly, it will cause the least amount of waves.
Sincerely,
Josephine
Letter received in Antiva City by courier, 11 Drakonis 9:42
27 Guardian 9:42
The Inquisition, Skyhold Keep
My Dear Papa,
I hope that you and Mama are doing well. I know this is her favorite time of year, as the Spring flowers start to bloom. In Skyhold there is an enchantment to the castle grounds that keeps us in perpetual Spring. Aside from that, the winter here is much darker as the days are much shorter. I await the coming light with eagerness.
I sent word by raven immediately upon receiving your last correspondence. I hope that you were able to break off the engagement with Lord Otranto without too much hassle. I thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter. I appreciate that you want me to be happy. I will be, but he is not the right match, and this is not the right time.
I am aware that the Otranto family is invested in the textile industry, and I will reach out to contacts in Val Royeaux to see if I can make some trade connections on their behalf. We can also offer use of our trading ships to the family in an effort to soften the unpleasant news while maintaining an amicable relationship. This need not be a total loss.
Please look after Castillo and make sure he has all he needs for his studies at The City University. I am sending along tuition for his next semester. Yvette’s tuition is already handled. I also have enclosed some corrections to the bookkeeping for the wineries. Is the new steward that Laurien hired working out? He is not a name I am familiar with and I have uncovered little about him in my research. It would be good to follow up on his work while he transitions into managing the vineyards. Especially now that our trade access to Orlais has opened up, we will need to maintain our harvest more diligently than ever.
My work is keeping me busy, but it is also very rewarding. I am happy here, and I am making a difference in the lives of so many, but I have much work left to be done.
Ever yours,
Josephine