Prologue

A sound awakened Mare from her slumber. Maven walked in and sat down on her bed. "Listen..." He started. Mare interrupted him. "I know what I'm doing. The Scarlet Guard... well, it just wasn't the right choice." They thought back to the night before, when Mare and Maven had walked out on Farley. "Good." Maven sighed. "I need to tell you something." "What?" Mare asked, her curiosity piqued. Maven looked down. "Promise not to tell..." Mare sighed. "Look, if I'm going to be your wife, then we have to keep each others secrets!" Maven smiled. "Okay. Here goes. Well... you know I want change in the land?" Mare nodded silently. "Me and my mother... we have a plan. We... we are going to overthrow..." His voice trailed off. Mare put he hand on his. "As your future wife, I will support you. I will stay by your side." Maven bowed, then put on his best pompous voice. "Thank you, Lady Titanos." Mare smiled. "You know that's not my name."