There was great rejoice in the Kingdom when everyone had learned that Prince Alfred had finally returned to his place in the palace; celebrations and happiness flowed like a great river, but appearances are not always what they seem.

A wedding had been announced, and Sioni could never remember being more happy in her life.

Whenever she clasped Alfred’s hand, it felt enough to sate her throughout the day. She knew that as long as he was beside her, she’d be alright.

Although the sun was bright, and the grass was a healthy verdant green, foreboding lurked silently in the bushes of the kingdom, waiting to strike, like a provoked asp.

There was still an unfinished bargain to reckon, and loose ends to tie.

The great story was close to ending with a golden bond—two people joined together in holy union.

But there was the slightest, most tiny chance that it might end with something worse.

After all, blood is thicker than water.