With the king being overjoyed that particular day, his own birthday, he did not merely give Lior a reason to be happy, but, in the very same breath, also handed him a reason to be sad.
After speaking the words that had briefly brightened Lior's mood, the king continued, "And also, Daemar, you should not be finding it so difficult to obtain what you desire. How about this? I shall give a decree to the House of Ravenhart, instructing that the Lord of the house shall be engaged to you. Later, you may both decide if you wish to dissolve the engagement or allow it to remain."
Lior's eyes widened in disbelief at these words, the suggestion striking him like an unexpected gust of wind. And not only Lior reacted—across the hall, a certain princess abruptly stood to her feet and exclaimed, "No, Father, you cannot do that!"
