[ It's a sight that makes Bastien's heart swell—literally, he's pretty sure. He can feel it. And they were good tears, relieved tears, so there's no sorrow in the swelling. Just love for his face, the precious contrast of aristocratic features and open sweetness, and purring satisfaction at being allowed to see him so clearly. ]

I was going to write to her.

[ A kiss to Byerly's pink nose, and Bastien lets his feet flatten. ]

Once to let her know you'd written and it might have been lost along the way, and if that didn't work, a second time to tell her we'd both written and they both might have been lost, and then—three letters being lost would not be a coincidence. It would be the Venatori interfering. Trying to break our beloved Ambassador's spirit. So then I would go to Gwaren in person and deliver one myself.