Victoria finds herself alone once again, her meeting with the Colonel complete and Stig and Xamot having left to return to their duties. Picking up the scroll from Empress, she reads it once again.
Her Grace, Grand Duchess Victoria Masterson,
My friend, it was lovely to have seen you again, though I am disappointed the circumstances were less than ideal. I do hope you and the others made it out safely, as I departed directly after the death elixir was served, unable to tolerate the many affronts any longer. As you have spent much time in our city in the past, I am sure I do not have to explain these to you.
However, I wish to address our purported host. I was most distressed to learn from my Senator of the nefarious means which he employed to acquire the residence we attended that evening. If what I have been informed is even partially true, there is more than enough to charge him. I suspect our attendance at the residence was not intended, which would constitute multiple abductions of nobility, even if we were allowed to leave. This alone should be more than enough to have the wholly dishonorable man removed. I trust you to handle the situation appropriately, if indeed my suspicions are correct.
Further to the attempted poisoning of the nobility, I believe we owe a debt to the Sarr whom discovered that someone had tampered with drinks intended for toasting. I believe there is a provision in your laws that states any that attack a noble require punishment. While I did not see whom he attacked, I can only assume it was whom he believed responsible; it was entirely justified and I will be most unhappy if he is to receive any punishment for this. I know not what is implied with “guest right” as I am not familiar with this custom. With the behavior of the self-styled host, I would speculate this concept is entirely invented. However, if this Jaxx (I believe his name was) is to receive punishment, I would insist it be in my service as it was my cup in which the poison was detected, and I could make use of his skills.
I was disappointed to learn that you were not selected as your race’s representative to the Grand Council. It would have been welcome to have an ally in the room. Count Wheatley is pleasant enough dinner company, though I’m not sure he is entirely prepared for what awaits him at council.
Please send a reply with your safe return home. As you know, we sleep during the day when on the surface.
Empress Angerona Naeina Masq’il’yr of Shadowrose
Grabbing a new piece of parchment and picking up her quill, she opens her ink pot and begins to write a quick reply. Noting there is simply too much to discuss in a letter, Victoria requests a meeting at the Empress's earliest convenience. Sealing the scroll, she rings for a messenger to come collect it and get instructions on its delivery after dark.