The northern border of the Whitney Realm was under urgent threat, and Charlotte Whitney voluntarily petitioned the Emperor for a marriage alliance with Northreach. Charlotte had grown up with Cedric Faulkner, and for ten years, whenever Cedric was in Havenport, the two were inseparable. Now, Charlotte was about to leave Cedric behind and journey to Northreach alone for the marriage alliance. The Emperor was perplexed by her resolve. But Charlotte had grown disheartened when Cedric, heedless of the gossip surrounding her, insisted on marrying Evelyn Hartwell, the sister of his personal guard. Her heart had grown cold, and she asked for nothing more. The Emperor issued a decree, bestowing upon Charlotte the title of Princess Protector Charlotte, and she was to be wed in seven days. Meanwhile, Cedric—who still believed his childhood companion would never leave him—remained completely unaware.
