Fourteen-year-old Wren Rhonwen was on her way out to the orchard at her brother’s command. King Landis had just paid them a visit. The queen was pregnant with her third child and had recently been craving the sweet red apples the Rhonwen family grew. Owain was speaking with the king and Lord Nicholas Risteska, who was to marry the king’s sister, Princess Breeya within the year.
King Landis was not the only one to have trouble and heartbreak. The Rhonwens had their fair share of grief as well. King Fergus’s faithful servant, Leal Rhonwen, died at the age of 80. His wife, Mairi, and Leal’s 4 children saw him buried near the apple orchards he had tended so lovingly since he had left the castle.
Leal’s family had no time to grieve however. The farm was busy and Aris had her own husband to care for now.
“No! Why? Why? How could he! He promised me! He promised!” Saraid Aile ran sobbing through the castle of Tyrone Gynfor, the younger son of King Fergus. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. She couldn’t bear what she had just seen.
The kingdom was abuzz with excitement. Crown Prince Landis was soon to be wed to Princess Mihai. The entire kingdom was, of course, invited.
Life had been good for the Rhonwens since they moved out of the castle. Mairi had born a pair of twins, whom they named Vaughn and Wren.
Adair Flannen was busy. His father’s tavern had become very popular within the last year and Charlie Flannen needed both of his boys to help run the place.
King Fergus and Queen Azhar Gynfor sat in their throne room, listening to the messenger read the latest letter from their son. Landis Gynfor, the prince and heir to the throne, was many miles away, studying at a university.
The Kingdom of Silvetia 