QV: Yes...one maiden every year. It pained us so to give in, but what else could we do? Every knight who went after it never returned, even when they went forth in great numbers. One life saved hundreds each year... but what we chose still haunts us both. And then our daughter, Rosella, was almost lost to us at the dragon's demands. She's such a brave girl, she always was--even then, she held her head high and went towards her fate with pride. She told us then and afterwards that she knew somehow it would all work out for the best. I never could tell if she said that to make us feel better, or because she truly believed it. It seemed so hopeless, after all, but she's always been one to believe in adventures, fairy tales, and happy endings. Still...the day she was taken from us and brought to the dragon was when I finally came close to breaking. If I had heard word that she was gone, too…I’m not sure how I would’ve survived that.

BW: You’re quite a strong woman to go through all that without giving up. But luckily your brave, handsome son came to everyone’s rescue.

QV: And the darkest day of our lives became the brightest…for a time.

BW: Yes, your husband’s heart attack interrupted the celebration, I understand? I’m surprised, from what I’ve heard, he’s quite spry indeed for an older man. Lucky you, landing a catch like that!

QV: That has a lot to do with how Rosella saved him, but thank you. She traveled to Tamir and found a magical fruit that saved his life and gave him the health and vigor of a man ten years younger at least. Then at last we could finally celebrate properly and welcome home both our son and daughter.

BW: My, my. I don’t envy you your many trials, Queen Valanice, but I am impressed at how you've come through them. 

QV: Thank you, Ms. Widow. There have been hardships, true, but I am happy; I have a family that I love more than anything, and we’ve come through those trying times only to be stronger.

BW: And speaking of family and love, what about those rumors about your daughter and her prince charming tying the knot? QV: (laughs) There've been no big questions asked that I'm aware of, but I do have a good feeling about those two. Rosella has always had a hard time even sitting still, but Edgar is quite patient and adores her so much. However long it takes, I am certain he'll happily wait until she's ready.