For some time, conflict and war had raged between the kingdoms of Veloria and Drakorya; farms were burned, livestock and fish stocks were stolen, and forests were devastated. Finally, the two kingdoms decided to negotiate for peace. Agnes was anxious, yet happy that the war was drawing to a close—unaware, however, that the world envied their love and kept her in the dark about the fact that the negotiations centered on her marriage to the Prince of Drakorya.

It was nearly eight o'clock in the evening... outside the grand palace, everything was proceeding smoothly—business as usual. King Cedric was engaged in talks and negotiations with the Dragon King in the borderlands... far from the palace... all was well.