Disclaimer: everything here is devoted to the genius and talent of Sherwood Smith =)

Prologue

The king was a kind man. He'd grown up away from Court, untainted by its false pleasantries and hidden meanings. It was a refreshing difference from the Old King that the courtiers thoroughly enjoyed.

Nothing was spoken of marriage. Like his ascension to the throne, it seemed the king was fully prepared to making his wedding, if such an event ever happened, an odd happening as well. He wouldn't marry just anyone, which was proved by his courteous respite of flirtations thrown his way.

Marriage for love was unheard of during this time period. It would be a great scandal once the king chose his lady.

The king's sister did not come to Court. Her single experience there had been enough to last her for the rest of her life, or so it seemed. Thoroughly pleased with the way the rebellion ended, she retreated to the life she loved, away from Athanarel. It was a lonely life, but she got by on her own. If the king did not secure an heir, she would be next in line for the throne, a topic much discussed by gossipy courtiers. The thought did not worry her, at least not yet. The king was the type to fall in love, she liked to think. He would not remain a bachelor for long. She could hold onto her future.

You might be wondering how I know so much about the king and his sister and all that was happening in this strange land. The obvious answer, to some of you at least, is I am the king's sister. I am Meliara Astiar, the Countess of Tlanth. And this is the second edition of my story, the first volume can be found, I'm guessing, in the nearest noble's library. I've heard nobles like to collect journals. I wouldn't know, I've only just begun to restore our own library.

I started writing all of this down for the benefit of my descendants, but as I start this second volume I realize that anyone could be reading this story of mine. So, whoever you are, stay with me. And learn from me.

I begin this volume one year to the day after the rebellion was ended.