As war loomed, Aaliyah volunteered for a political marriage for peace. Though she and Crown Prince Josiah had been inseparable companions since childhood, she now resolved to leave him behind. Josiah's choice to marry Kinsley, despite the rumors about her, left Aaliyah bitterly disappointed. The emperor conferred upon her the title of princess and set her departure for seven days later. Yet Josiah, who still believed she would never leave, knew nothing of it.
