Victoria's ambition and vision were overwhelming, far greater than Andrew had ever considered. He had never thought that far ahead, yet she was already imagining uniting the martial world of North and South, even rising to become one of the supreme figures of the entire Holtrien nation.

He joked, "Victoria, do you know what I sometimes think? If my father had married you back then, maybe he wouldn't be in such a miserable state today."

Victoria gave him a playful glare. "I'm being serious,