“Take seat.”

“Mother, why have I been summoned?”

“To discuss matters of your impending marriage to Princess Serah.”

“Mother I————–.”

“Dana, I know you are not in favor of such choice but in due time love will foster.”

“Love! Love! The world, and our beloved city are forced into position of survival and thoughts fill your head only with a marriage arranged for personal gain!”

“Dana you dare speak to me in such a——-.”

“You use me as a pawn to gain position with a queen whose sole purpose is to————–.”

“Still your tongue!”

“How can I with me being used as a pawn!? My life was not born to have it controlled by another it is I who is control of my own destiny!”

Standing to her feet, “You’ve never spoke to me in such a tone I suggest you choose further words wisely!” Her mother was right, before now Dana had never risen her voice or shown her mother any disrespect the behavior she displayed was expected from Daiya who lashed out frequently but not her. Hearing her mother speak of marrying another when the woman that captured her heart denied both her touch and presence made her defensive. She wanted to marry based upon her choice and not anothers. Lara was the perfect suitor for her because she was of no royal blood she knew her mother would not approve of such union. As smart as Dana was hearing the tone in her mothers voice she knew speaking any further required choice words.

“My apologies mother I meant no disrespect or to cause you any grievance I speak without thinking.”

“You speak in a way to which other matters weigh heavily upon you if so break open head and share.”

“I rather not may I be excused, “she says standing to her feet a signal to her mother she was not interested in discussing her prearranged marriage any further.

“Yes you may, “she turns away heading towards the door, “Dana?”

“Mother, “she says turning back around to face her trying her best to reduce the agitation in her voice.

“This discussion is far from over.” Dana walking away from her mother for the first time worried with fear about her unforeseen future. As soon as Dana left her mothers chambers one of her lieutenants entered.