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jezebelinhellThe letter she wrote had no introduction. It was not addressed to Marc, nor Aidan (and if she wished to live, never again would she scribe his name in her delicate cursive on any of her communications), nor any of her business acquaintances. It was written as if in a hurry. It was written with a hand that was not as steady as it usually was. While each line grew more and more unbelievable, the reader was left with a feeling that Catherine was doing what she did best—planning. Surviving in chaos.
However, certain passages more than alluded to trouble in her unwavering faith in her abilities to weave her troubles into a tapestry that she could proudly hang in the vestibule of her soul. She might not have had control over the threads of fate, but she created the picture that she desired to see. This time the picture was unclear.
"Despite my current predicament, I still hold some magic in my fingertips for you are about to see me vanish. If I have ever assisted you in any way, or aided you in your own misfortunes, then I ask, please, do not come looking for me. Do not alert anyone to the tone of this letter or the words that are left unwritten. However, I must ask you to assist me with some mundane matters that will speak volumes of the danger that I am trying to avoid. Please understand, everything must appear to be business-as-usual. My businesses in New York are well established and the help that I employ can successfully manage those aspects of my affairs.
It is Paris that is my constant worry. I will continue to focus on Paris remotely with some considerable assistance from within as it is the focus of an endless war, as you well know. I cannot let even one battle against the "Rose Clan" slip. To do so would draw the eyes of Vienna and that it precisely what I am trying to avoid. However, it pains me to say that I cannot be in Paris to personally wage the battles. While the Parisian Chantry, including the new Regent, is whole-heartedly vested in this endeavor, I need you to ensure that the plan--our plan--continues to push forward without any delays. It needs not be said that Marc would have my head otherwise despite my use to him. I have told the Coterie and the Prince of Paris that I am taking my leave on business directed by Vienna and that my hours would be highly irregular. You must understand how deadly a lie that was since neither have sanctioned my so-called mission. However, it is my hope that I will have solved my maladies by the time that they communicate with one another and realize my necessary deception.
I have sent Sydney, my most trusted Ghoul, along with this letter and just by gazing upon his much changed visage, you will have many questions and, certainly, a few concerns. Please, Sydney has been one of my most trusted servants. Take him as your own. Treat him as you will, but try to ensure that he survives. That is the only kindness that I can afford him now.
I apologize for everything that this letter leaves out. Trust that I know what is best for both of us on this occasion. Should I return to you, I will ensure that you are compensated for the trouble that I have endowed upon you. I trust no one else with this; my life.
With respect,
CdV
P.S. I am certain that I do not need to remind you to commit this letter to fire. You will forgive me for doing so, since it brings me a measure of comfort to retain the fragile hold on the little control I currently have over my own interests.
However, certain passages more than alluded to trouble in her unwavering faith in her abilities to weave her troubles into a tapestry that she could proudly hang in the vestibule of her soul. She might not have had control over the threads of fate, but she created the picture that she desired to see. This time the picture was unclear.
"Despite my current predicament, I still hold some magic in my fingertips for you are about to see me vanish. If I have ever assisted you in any way, or aided you in your own misfortunes, then I ask, please, do not come looking for me. Do not alert anyone to the tone of this letter or the words that are left unwritten. However, I must ask you to assist me with some mundane matters that will speak volumes of the danger that I am trying to avoid. Please understand, everything must appear to be business-as-usual. My businesses in New York are well established and the help that I employ can successfully manage those aspects of my affairs.
It is Paris that is my constant worry. I will continue to focus on Paris remotely with some considerable assistance from within as it is the focus of an endless war, as you well know. I cannot let even one battle against the "Rose Clan" slip. To do so would draw the eyes of Vienna and that it precisely what I am trying to avoid. However, it pains me to say that I cannot be in Paris to personally wage the battles. While the Parisian Chantry, including the new Regent, is whole-heartedly vested in this endeavor, I need you to ensure that the plan--our plan--continues to push forward without any delays. It needs not be said that Marc would have my head otherwise despite my use to him. I have told the Coterie and the Prince of Paris that I am taking my leave on business directed by Vienna and that my hours would be highly irregular. You must understand how deadly a lie that was since neither have sanctioned my so-called mission. However, it is my hope that I will have solved my maladies by the time that they communicate with one another and realize my necessary deception.
I have sent Sydney, my most trusted Ghoul, along with this letter and just by gazing upon his much changed visage, you will have many questions and, certainly, a few concerns. Please, Sydney has been one of my most trusted servants. Take him as your own. Treat him as you will, but try to ensure that he survives. That is the only kindness that I can afford him now.
I apologize for everything that this letter leaves out. Trust that I know what is best for both of us on this occasion. Should I return to you, I will ensure that you are compensated for the trouble that I have endowed upon you. I trust no one else with this; my life.
With respect,
CdV
P.S. I am certain that I do not need to remind you to commit this letter to fire. You will forgive me for doing so, since it brings me a measure of comfort to retain the fragile hold on the little control I currently have over my own interests.
