The Princess Royal’s Desire

It was not Merlin's first time at the Princess Royal's palace. Although he could not be said to be familiar, he could find his way without any guidance. 

The two guards did not speak along the way but judging from their expressions, they held great respect for Merlin. 

Soon after they walked through layers of corridors, they arrived at the Princess Royal's palace. This Princess Royal had immense authority and swore to remain unmarried. Nevertheless, she was ambitious and yearned to get her hands on the throne. This was a risky undertaking because after all, no woman in the history of the Holy Dragon Empire had been crowned King. 

Nonetheless, it was not entirely impossible. Both the Princess Royal and the second prince were the two most influential competitors for the throne. Both factions were sufficiently powerful to make the King tread cautiously.