The Redwynes have come to visit. Lord Redwyne is so full of falseness and pretense, yet our smallfolk still love him so. Can they not see what manner of man he is, and how hard we’ve been trying to better their lives?

The twins are, simply put, horrible spoiled children with little hope to grow up as anything other than horrible, spoiled adults. I assume their father is to blame. Even Simon’s bravery at the vineyards hasn’t softened their tempers.

But the worst of all is Lady Redwyne. A snake in silk, she wields her courtesy like an assassin’s knife, bending people to her will. If I hadn’t been on my guard that first day in the solarium, I might have been betrothed to one of those horrible twins faster than blinking. I fear I will not be so clever next time.

Thank the Seven for Elyana. If she had not sent in the cook when she had, I fear for what my weakness might have meant for Shell Island.

Now is not the time to show weakness. With all that has happened, House Tuttle must show itself strong in the face of these dangers. Not only the rebels Dylan and Ser Gareth have been fighting, but the quiet polite war that has sent my brothers away, and now sends mother and father off to visit the Redwynes in the name of courtesy… and of survival.