The princes have lied. The queen controls everything, including the dragons. At first I just wanted to save my people in the mud quarter, but I can't do it alone. I'm not running away; I'm regrouping so I can return to finally free everyone from the dragon's curse.

In order to defeat evil, I'm going to have to embrace the darkness, and journey into the abandoned mines on the outskirts of the kingdom, meeting the demons themselves. And the princes? If they have truly chosen me, then we will see in time just how much weight a dragon's promise holds.

I won't end up like the king, discarded and forgotten.

No one will forget the name of Marigold Mudthrice; Queen of Bones & Ashes.