#Chapter 134: Father's Letter

Ember The letter arrives three days after Robert leaves, plain envelope, no seal, my name written in a hand I have not seen in years: my father's. When I finally open it and unfold the single page inside, I read his words slowly, twice through, forcing myself to absorb each sentence rather than skim past the discomfort. Ember, I heard about the Spring Festival, about you standing with the royal family and about Clara. I should have written sooner, but I was a coward. Your mother's death broke something in me, and I blamed you for years when you were a child who needed someone to hold you close. I know now that I failed you. I don't expect forgiveness, but I wanted you to know that I see the woman you've become: strong, honorable, brave. Your mother would be proud. If you ever want to talk, I'm willing to listen, and if you don't, I understand. Your father. I set the letter down and wait for grief, fury, anything sharp enough to prove he still has a blade in me, but nothing come