Dimitris shattered dreams occurred when all the major heirs to the throne fell down in consecutive succession along with the plague.

Many of the Chrichton natives fell ill, meeting the hands of death far too suddenly. The cause of their death was unknown and after much investigation, it was revealed their waterways had been infected. There was no current known methods to cure the infection, thus, shortly after, the royal family members fell one after another, their deaths far too quick.

Fortunately, after the long struggle from the epidemic, the king did not die but on the other hand, he was the only living male royal. The Crown Prince was dead and the other living male royal members were unable to function normally.

The king could only look to the sons of his concubines or a line of descent far from the throne like Dimitri.

After much pondering, it was agreed that the heir to the throne and the next king would be Dimitri. The sons of the concubines had no right to the throne and thus they rebelled believing it unfair for a distant relative to take the throne and not them, the kings closest blood.

Not long after, a massacre occurred and ended until Dimitri ascended the throne. The opposing side had attempted to assassinate Dimitri, but fortunately, he managed to escape from the brink of death. Dimitri became a man far too quickly and buried himself in the blood of his relatives to protect his life and his family.

His life was a tragedy

Knowing this truth, Rihannan wanted to let him know; she wanted him to leave the country else he face a bloody future.

But she was afraid, afraid of changing the future from her words alone. Already much of the future had changed from her choosing her own path and journeying to Chrichton rather than staying in Arundell.

She was afraid.

Perhaps shed face a terrible consequences, perhaps Dimitri would lose his life if he left Chrichton to avoid a bloody future.

She was afraid

So Rihannan kept her mouth shut. Shed never forgive herself if anything happened to Dimitri, the boy and man who treated her kindly with earnest heart.

Whats wrong, Rihannan? Are you not feeling well? Dimitri asked, his voice somewhat anxious.

Rihannans pale complexion worried him.

Its nothing. Rihannan shook her head and smiled lightly. Could you please get me medicine?

In her youth, she often took medicine because of her fragile health and inability to sleep at night.

Seconds later, there was a sudden knock outside and before the Marquis could answer, the door swung open and a man in royal uniform walked in and bowed.

I beg your pardon and apologize for the sudden intrusion but I come with an urgent message. The king wants you to come to the palace immediately.

The Marquis rose from his seat. It was already late in the evening. The king calling him at this time of hour was certainly unusual.

Whats going on? the Marquis asked.

The messenger looked at the Marquis with a wistful look.

We lost to Arundell, sir.

*

The Crichton Palace was turned upside down. The royal members and nobles were shocked from the news of their unexpected defeat from the distant sea.

And what happened next was even more frustrating, to say the least.

Right after Chrichtons defeat, they fortunately did not experience great damage, but the Arundell seas rough currents left them helpless. Thereafter, Arundells ships arrived and ransacked them and left Chrichton to the point of extinction in the sea.

Seeing the situation of the war growing increasingly unfavorable in their side, the veteran commander made a quick, hasty decision. The lack of knowledge of Arundells sea led to the decision of stepping back to reorganize else they face a greater blow.

They retreated and headed back home.

Much to their dismay, most of their ships sunk on on the way back to Chrichton.

And then they faced another pressing situation. As they neared the coast, Arundell created an element of surprise a sneak attack. They had set up camp earlier and waited in hiding patiently.

The Marquis and Dimitri, who had been called to the palace for this very matter, did not return. Not only them, the other nobles faced the very same occurrence.

Rihannan was left alone in the mansion; she stayed up all night with eyes wide open.

The future was changing fast.

She could not regret now for no matter how much she repents, she never would have guessed the significant change the future would make from her decision alone.

And a year from now she would commit suicide from the use of poison.

Rihannan was afraid.

Something far more dreadful was coming and she was not prepared.