You can talk about bonds and destiny and the inescapable pull of the universe all you want, but the fact remains: You are trying to take away my consent.
And those, my autonomy and my consent, are the two most important things to me.
I do not want to be courted. I do not want to be wooed. I see the universe just fine from this observatory. And if I ever see you anywhere near me, I will shoot first and ask questions later.
Make no mistake—I am watching the mailbox. If I see you, mine will be the last face you ever see.
I took Krav Maga at my gym, and I remember plenty of those drills. It’s not some fancy pose-and-punch martial art—it’s the kind where you learn how to gouge eyes, break noses, and get out of chokeholds using whatever’s handy. So if you show up at my door uninvited, just know I’ve got fast reflexes and zero hesitation.
Consider this your only warning.
~Dani
His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Orion of Frosthelm
The Crystal Keep, Celestial Terrace 1
Capital Province, Frosthelm Prime
Frosthelm Galaxy – Quadrant 7, Sector V
Danika,
You have no idea what joy it brings me to see your words directed at me, even if they are filled with threats and defiance. I expected nothing less. Fate would never have gifted me with a mate who was meek, who would require softness and gentle coaxing. No, she gave me you. A warrior in your own right, armed and ready to fight.
And you are armed, aren’t you?
Good girl.
I find I very much want to see these Krav Maga skills of yours in action. Eye gouging, nose breaking, improvised weaponry? Intriguing. If your preferred method of greeting your mate is to throw him to the floor and straddle him in victory, I will surrender gladly. Just be warned, once we’re down there, I may not let you get back up.
I also will not leave you alone. We are fated. That bond, which grows stronger with each sunrise, is what allowed me to find you. It’s the spark that has turned your mailbox into a portal allowing us to communicate with one another. That is why no postman delivers them, why you do not see anyone approaching your mailbox. Your world and mine are connected through our bond.
I could direct the Astravants, the gatekeepers of my world, to punch a wormhole straight from my world to yours. It has been done before. But it nearly destroyed the energy grid that powers the outer cities of my kingdom. Understand, I have not taken that option off the table if you continue to try my patience.
There is a better way to bring the two of us together. A more efficient way that will cause no undue strain on any of my people. The bond between us is a magic that is strong enough to bridge the gap between us right now. If only you would heed my instructions and say those magic words that would bring you to me and end both of our suffering.
You say I am trying to take your consent from you. That is not true.
You must give it to me. You must accept me. That is the only way for us to be together. The only way for me to reach across the divide and bring you into my arms where you belong.
I understand that this might be overwhelming for you. You have spent your life believing that fate is nothing but chance, that the universe does not choose. But it does. It chose us.
If you still doubt me, then prove me false.
Send me another letter after you read this. I will stay by the portal. It will take only three shards. I’m told that is fifteen of your minutes. Once I have your letter, I’ll write back instantly, and you will see the letter appear in the mailbox. Then you will believe.
I await your response. And, Danika—keep the weapon handy. I do not want anyone touching what is mine. And when we meet, I want to see you armed.
Your eager sparring partner,
Orion Thalos
Crown Prince of Frosthelm
Your Fated Mate
Orion,
