[Hecate's POV]
[A day before Archer's arrival]
Hecate sat in her room, engrossed in reading a spellbook, when a knock echoed on her door. "Come in," she called out.
Her maid, Eione, entered the room and bowed before speaking. "Princess, the Emperor has decided to wed the First Princess Acantha to the dragon upon his arrival in the city."
She gazed at the moon elf who had been by her side for years before responding, "He will not choose Acantha. He is not as they think. He will take what he desires."
Eione sighed at Hecate's words, nodding in acknowledgment. She then proceeded to pour some tea for Hecate while reading.
The following day, amid her meal, a guard rushed into the hall, delivering the news that the dragon had arrived and was en route to the palace.