"When the Verdant Line falters, and the blood of kin stains the sacred soil—
A Guardian shall awaken, not by crown nor decree, but by the hand of the Oathbound."
"Two hearts entwined yet unspoken would be tested by The World."
"One who bears the Verdant Blood, and one who bears the burden of the Broken Oath."
"Together, they shall awaken the Verdant Throne."
"Together, they shall summon the Guardian of Verdance, who slumbers beyond Time."
"But heed this—"
"Should their bond shatter, the Verdant Throne shall wither, and with it, the last hope of Ul-Khazir."
Alex and Latifa had re-read this prophecy at least three times to commit it to memory.
There was no denying that the Princess was the one who bore the Verdant Blood, but they were unsure about the one who bore the burden of the Broken Oath.
Fortunately, the candidate was obvious.
Latifa looked at Alex, and Alex looked at her.
