Episode 18

Raven was still puzzled by that dream. If it had been a nightmare, she might have forgotten it, but this dream she remembers vividly, which concerns her, because she is a witch, and she has heard that sometimes witches have prophetic dreams. If what she dreamed is indeed a premonition, then she must be cautious of Aiden.

Aiden arrives at the Brooke Mansion looking for her, and the Duchess welcomes him joyfully, inviting him into the parlor as a servant goes to inform Raven. While Raven makes her way there, he takes the opportunity to question the prince.

"As you know, Your Highness, I promised to look after Raven as if she were my own daughter. I do hope all of this is serious and that you're not here to toy with the girl," she says.

"Don't worry, Duchess, my intentions are sincere, not even those foul rumors will make me doubt my decision."

"People do say a lot when they are envious. Take good care of Raven; she's a good girl."

"I know, which is why I chose her. I can't imagine anyone else as my empress."

Although Aiden maintains a broad smile in front of the woman, what troubles him is the idea that Raven will make a good empress for the duration of their agreement, but what really worries him is that if things continue as they are, with the only difference being their engagement, soon there will be war. It will be inevitable to fight once more. He remembers all the hardships they faced during the last war, all the people they lost, those who fought for the country. To live through that again would be excruciatingly painful. Lost in his thoughts, he's brought back to reality when he hears Raven's voice as she stands in the doorway; the Duchess excuses herself to give them privacy.

Raven takes a seat, but she is a bit more serious than usual, due to the dream she had.

"I wasn't expecting your visit, Your Highness."

"People must believe I enjoy visiting you, and it gives me a chance to speak with the Dukes."

"I see. The Duke must be in his study; it seems there have been some serious matters in the country of late."

"Yes, in fact, there's quite a serious conflict brewing with Ammos. I hope it doesn't escalate."

Although he knows it will; there's no stopping the emperor from his ambitions.

"Vivian is very scared. I genuinely hope we can keep the peace. If not, I will do my utmost to fight. I want to protect this family."

She is indeed the same Raven he knew in their future: determined to do everything to protect the family that raised her. Aiden moves to sit beside her, holding her hand in his.

"You don't have to fight; we have an army to protect this country, and I will fight too."

"Still, I can't just wait and do nothing. I might not make a huge difference, but I'm willing to join the army."

"Raven, stop thinking about that. Everything will be fine."

If only he could ensure she wouldn't have to fight, or better yet, if only he could prevent the war altogether. Now that he thinks about it, yes, there might be a way—if the emperor of Ammos were to die, someone else would take the throne. It's just a matter of figuring out how to kill him without it being traced back to anyone. No, no, what is he thinking? It's obvious that if the emperor dies, his successor will seek revenge upon learning who the assassin was. All it would do is delay the inevitable war.

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