01-05-YC121

I feel stronger and happier, though Constantin asked some difficult questions about the cuts on my arm.  It is so hard to explain it to him, about how my Darkness drives such a need.  Perhaps one day I will be able to make him understand.  I hope he does not leave me before then.

We spoke of more pleasant things soon enough, of names for our future children, should God bless us with such.  Darling Constantin suggested naming our first born son after Papa, with his own Vindar name as a middle name.  I think that is a wonderful thought.  He seemed less enthusiastic with my wishes for a daughter's name - I so want to honour Alizabeth and Her and name my first daughter after them, and I even suggested giving her Constantin's mother's name as a first name.  He did not seem to like it, and I must confess that leaves me feeling disappointed.  I cannot even choose names properly.

There has been an interesting development with Liana.  It appears that she and her cousin, who acts as her Chamerlain, were the first to take ill, after being served dinner.  I have already instructed the security detail to detain and question all the staff who were in the kitchens that day, and to use whatever interrogation techniques may be necessary to obtain information.

Liana cannot think of who would have a motive to make an attempt against her life, but this must have been done for a reason.  Were she to have died, her family line - for she is, in fact, the daughter of the previous Holder - would have been extinguished.  I must find out, therefore, who would stand to gain from this, and perhaps inherit, or at least have a claim upon, the Holding.

There is much work to do, and, I fear, little time.  The assassin has failed this time, but they will undoubtedly make another attempt.