A public missive is posted in the Avalain square, and sent by courier to Morsgrad.
To the Duke Godric,
Let there be no doubt, you are my enemy. I care nothing for the honeyed words of men in gilded halls, or kept warm in roaring hearthfires. I care not for the reasons of this war, or the half-truths or honest lies that flow as easily as water from men's mouths. I will know you as the man who has taken the greatest of us, and murdered her in cold blood. My cousin, who had stood strong and was an example to all, lies dead at your order.
And yet, even amongst enemies there can be respect.
I thank you for the return of the body of my cousin, that she may be honored and burned in the proper way, as is our custom. I thank you for the respect you have shown me, in regards to the rulership of Curon. And yet, I am not so young that I forget the scorn I received from your people in my youth, before this war, when Morsgrad forbid any of my people to tread upon it's lands over the foolishness and weakness of a man I only ever read about.
My predecessors had made many mistakes. Men of weak will breaking faith, breaking their word. Tarnishing their Honor. For that, I suffer the consequences of their Folly, and must restore my family’s name. I will not be found wanting. My Grandfather and namesake swore an oath to the Empire, and to the People of Curon. I will not dishonor his memory, or my people's sacrifices, or indeed, my own families sacrifices. I will not be swayed by honeyed words, or offers given by those who would look down upon us.
We need not waste each others time in meeting, Godric. I tell you this, also as a sign of respect. You have made an enemy of the Empire with this war through your aggressions. You have made an enemy of Curon by slaying one of it's greatest rulers. And you have made an enemy of me by taking a dear cousin before her time. Words no longer need be spoken.
IN NOMINE DEI
His Highness, Wilhelm II Devereaux, Governor-General of the Kingdom of Curonia
Prince of Evreux, Duke of Curon and Umbra, Count of Albion, Arbor, Avalain, Blackreach & Cyrilsburg
Baron of Alsace, Arisan, Frosthold, Rivia & Vasile, Lord of Bear Mountain and Blackden