It was the second day of the envoy's visit. That evening, the palace hosted a grand dinner. Just as everyone had settled into their seats, an unexpected guest arrived.
"Greetings to the moon of the empire," the man said politely, bowing first to the king and then to the queen.
He wasn't just anyone. He was Archduke Edward, the king's only brother. His title was one of the highest in the land, just below the royal family and above all other nobles. He ruled over a large territory at the far end of the kingdom, and because of the distance, he rarely visited the capital.
"Edward," the king said warmly, standing up to greet him. It had been a long time since the two brothers had seen each other.
Then the king noticed the young woman standing beside the Archduke. She was beautiful, graceful and calm and she looked so much like their late mother that it made the king pause.
"Princess Ravena," he said softly.
