This scene from a bonus story at the end of The Last Vhalgenn, shows a dilemma facing King Orix.

My father lamented ever turning me into a soldier, but I'd seen enough war, growing up. I preferred to read about battles, not engage in them. The Qarthian army engaged the army of the Kellindahrii at every opportunity. Our first chance for peace came with my wedding to the daughter of a Kellindahrii nobleman. I agreed wholeheartedly.

Mother took sick at our marriage feast, but thankfully, my new wife had knowledge of herbs and healing potions. I was delighted that Dahr took such interest in tending to her. Despite fine care, Mother never recovered. Not long after, my father suffered with his heart. If it hadn't been for my wife, Father might have died sooner. How lucky I thought myself, having a bride with such skill. Father's death left me on the throne. I hoped his training would serve me in good stead.

North, outside our borders, a fledgling army threatened our positions and strongholds. Qarthian and Kellindahrii soldiers fought together, keeping our lands free of foreign rule. But it was a dear fight. The enemy grew stronger with every skirmish, increased in size after every battle.

During the months following our wedding, my wife made it clear she had no tolerance for our custom of the Vhalgenn. When Dahr became pregnant, I hoped she'd change her mind, but she refused. Raik could not cross Dahr's path without angering her. No matter how much Raik conceded, nothing was good enough. Dahr miscarried, and she blamed it on our cursed customs and insisted I send Raik away.

Banish Raik? The joy of my heart? Raik was the true love of my life and my finest advocate and advisor. I might have to marry to gain peace, but how could I send away my own source of peace?

In The Last Vhalgenn, it's imperative that Raik carries the newborn prince beneath the Gates of Life. But it must happen prior to being seen by his father, or, according to the superstitious queen, it will "offend the faery." She fears that the king seeing the baby might cause the death of the child. On her deathbed, the queen begs Raik to complete the ritual with the child.

The sun was straight overhead and despite the cool air of the foothills, my head felt baked. Time and again, I had to remove my hat and wipe my brow. When we reached an overlook, I fanned myself with the brim. Rising in the stirrups to look down, I followed the river's path.

A groan escaped before I could stop it.

"What's wrong?" Estria craned her neck to see.

"They made better time than I expected."

She squinted toward the river, a hand shielding her eyes. "From back 'ere, I can't see a bloody thing."

The small figures on horses, far below, followed the river. The horseman in front carried an emerald banner with streamers. The cream-colored horse in the center of the procession sported gold-trimmed black leather and bright emerald ribbons woven into its pale mane. Orix was never one for hiding who and what he was.

"Raik!" Estria backhanded my arm to gain attention. "If you don't tell me 'oo it is down there, I'll..."

"The king. He's come to stop us."