Chapter 1

"My mind keeps returning to memories of my mother, although her face eludes me. Every time I have this dream, a sense of foreboding fills the air. Suddenly, a voice breaks through my thoughts, 'Aria, wake up. Your father is returning from the delegation convoy. You need to get ready.'

'Just give me five more minutes, Lisanna,' I mumbled, groggily. 'Besides, my father is only coming back tomorrow morning, so stop trying to scare me with stories of King Draco's imminent arrival.'

Lisanna moved closer, and I reacted by throwing my pillow at her. 'Give me a break, Lisa. Even if Father is returning today, it will be much later.'

'Aria, my dear, this is not how a future queen should behave,' my father's voice cut through the room. 'If you don't get up, you'll never find out what present I got for you.'

I turned slightly, peeking through my lashes to find my father standing behind Lisanna. He continued, 'Aria Nixanadra Ros, wake up now. Stop pretending to be asleep. You are the crown princess, and your fiancé is coming to meet you. Both of you need to go to the Oracle.'

'Father, I can't shake the feeling that we are rushing this matter of my marriage,' I said, my voice laced with hesitation.

He sighed and turned to Lisanna, instructing her, 'Get her ready. Then, both of you, come to the throne room.'

'Of course, King Draco,' Lisanna replied with a curtsey. 'My lady, Crown Princess Aria, you shall be ready soon.'"