Episode 5

Raven could hardly believe what the boy was asking of her; she barely knew him and here he was, putting forth such a preposterous proposition.

"Your Highness, why ask me to carry out such a pretense?"

"Because I wish to avoid all the nobles lining up to offer their daughters."

"Then simply choose any one of them to wed and you won't be pestered anymore."

"It's not that simple. None of them interest me, and it's clear their fathers only wish to use them to elevate their status. But I'm certain it wouldn't be the case with you."

"How can you be so sure? I'll say it again, you don't know me."

"You are the only one who has shown no interest in me. If I chose another, she might expect more than a mere agreement."

"And what if I eventually want more from you? Perhaps not now, but later on..."

"No, you won't seek anything more. All you desire is to live a peaceful life, and being empress won't grant you that."

Raven was taken aback by his words; it was as though the boy knew her. She leaned on the balcony railing, peering into the sky—his offer wasn't bad, but it would surely lead to complications, and most importantly, she didn't want to upset her friend, aware that she was in love with the prince and had attended the party intending to get closer to him.

"Let me think about it, I can't give you an answer so hastily."

"Very well, I promise you will receive a generous reward, Miss Raven."

With nothing more to discuss, she opened the window to return to the festivities; her friend Vivian must be waiting for her, eager to hear about her conversation with the prince. She found Vivian munching away at a table at the back of the room, so she joined her and took a seat.

"I apologize for leaving you alone."

"Don't worry about it. But I didn't know you knew the prince; you should have told me."

"I had no idea he was the prince when I saw him in the garden."

"And what did you talk about? Don't tell me, he fell for you at first sight or because you showed contempt."

"It's not that, but he has asked me to become his betrothed."

"What?!!!"

Vivian's shriek was one of utter amazement, incredulous at how her friend had achieved something so many others coveted.

"You accepted, right? Marrying the heir to the throne is the best thing that could happen to you."

"Of course, I told him I would think it over. Vivian, I can't marry the man my friend likes."

"No, no, don't worry about that. If he proposed to you, you should accept. It's high time you thought about starting your own family."

"Vivian..."

Her friend was selfless, and if anyone deserved true contentment, it was her.

"Do it, Raven. You deserve to start a family."

"I'll think about it..."

She nibbled on some of her friend's food while Vivian rambled on about how stunning Raven would look in a bridal gown, how she'd be the envy of all, and, as her friend, could visit the palace—though, of course, what she desired most was for her friend to find happiness, for Raven had suffered so much and had been alone since she was just a child.

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