Dear Circe:

I am advised that you have formed the view that I believe a Freehold Oath takes the place of mutual friendship and loyalty.

If this is your belief, and I do believe it is based on your widespread commentary, that is of concern to me. I am sorry that you were ill-treated in your prior Freehold. Truly, that such things were possible strikes me as a failure of both Pledgecrafting and decency. There is much to mourn in that, and now as a Sovereign, you have the power to ensure that any Oath is effectively written.

However, I was rather clear in my words at the Coronation, and my words were not what you seem to have taken them to be. I shall correct this misunderstanding.

Having an Oath in place and having bonds of friendship and loyalty are not mutually exclusive. Of course both a Pledge and loyalty of a more natural sort should be present. I have not said anything to the opposite effect.

I trust there is no further reason for my name to flow from your tongue further with respect to this.

In service to the High Monarch,

Maxwell J. Pierce

CC: Sasha, Queen of Winter