"Sara, open the door for Collin, if you would." Raven spoke to her lady, her sharp gaze not leaving the prince. Sara nodded briefly, motioning slightly to Collin for him to follow her. Collin stared at Raven in bewilderment, furrowing his brows.

"If that's how it is to be. I shall take the liberty of informing father." He turned abruptly, brushing past Sara.

"Princess, your uncle is here," Clarissa knocked on the open doors. Raven turned from the balcony, flashing a small smile at Sara.

"Am I requested?" Clarissa nodded, shuffling her feet. Raven straightened.

"Lead the way." Raven followed Clarissa, Sara at her heels.

"Ah, my favorite neice!" Raven suppressed the immediate grin.

"Uncle, I'm your only neice," her uncle waved her off.

"No longer! Amelia is with child." Raven looked to her mother for confirmation.

"Since when?" Her father cried. This was the first any had heard of the news.

"Oh? I must have forgotten to tell you," Her mother feigned innocence. Raven gave Sara a knowing look. Clarissa looked down, hiding her anguish. Raven saw this and cleared her throat.

"Why have you come, Uncle?" Her uncle sighed.

"Maya has backed out of her engagement." Her mother gasped. "She insists on marrying Prince Luka of Cegan." Her father sympathetically pat his shoulder.

"You no longer have to worry over any ties with Rhade. Honestly, this is a good thing."

Her uncle turned to Raven. "For I, yes, but for you..." Raven glanced at Sara, who shrugged.

"They can't possibly...that was almost 16 years ago!" Her father protested.

"I know, Liam. If I could somehow comfort you, I would. But there's more." Raven was completely lost. Clarissa shot her an understanding look.

"Oh Joseph, please," Her mother whispered, pain etched on her face.

"I am sorry, Queen Lydia." Lydia bowed her head in defeat. "King Tyler of Rhade is sending his son to propose to Raven." Joseph continued, eyes trained on Raven.

"If I refuse?" Understanding dawned on Liam.

"They will declare war." Liam finished. Raven's eyes hardened.

"Then I must accept, no?" Clarissa took a step back.

"Princess, no!" She cried. Her mother was on the brink of years. Raven turned to her father.

"We are already close to war with Rhade. One more displeasure and the imagined will become reality." Liam shook his head.

"I forbid it." His voice was soft yet firm and unmoving. Raven frowned.

"This kingdom cannot afford a war while at its most vunerable. We would not only be putting our people at risk, but also the people of Laraussi. Do you forget, Uncle's kingdom separated us from the Dark Sea? They have only now recovered from the war with Galawassi. Do you believe they could survive the destruction that follows Rhade?" Joseph's eyes widened in shock. Raven had never raised her voice, yet alone argued with her father.

"Raven-" Raven whirled.

"No, mother. I apologize, but I will not be the cause of a mass slaughter! There is a reason Rhade is an isolated kingdom, and with much land under its hold." Lydia wiped away the stray tear.

"I will not allow it!" Liam boomed. Raven opened her mouth to say something, but thought the better of it. Her face was expressionless.

"Then do as you please, Father." She turned to Joseph. "It was a pleasure, Uncle, but I must be off. I will return shortly before supper." No one argued as the only princess of Fervia left the hall. Sara and Clarissa exited the room, their presence no longer necessary. Joseph sighed, turning to Liam.

"She is much like you, little brother." His gaze moved to Lydia. "With the composure and features of her mother." Liam sighed.

"My only wish is that she will forgive me." Lydia placed a hand on his arm.

"Whether or not she admits it, your daughter is grateful, Liam. She does not want to marry Prince Moris." Liam nodded absentmindedly. He turned to Joseph.

"We must set plans for war. No more delay."