Northern kept thinking that he had heard the man's name before, but it didn't take long to remember. Sundered Waves. One of the men who had come to Lithia's aid, though at the time he'd really been there to fetch his sister.
All of them gathered in the palace. The warm atmosphere spread even to Sael, who sat behind Northern, watching.
"Ah, Lord Northern, please feel free, say anything you need to say… this is the safest place to be in this kingdom and you're in the hands of the most trustworthy people."
Northern glanced at each of them first. The three princes were smiling, the Queen was smiling, and Roma was smiling too, although for some reason she wouldn't meet his gaze.
'Is she okay?'
Northern nodded and then spoke.
"I think we may need to ambush the Empire's army."
Northern's words ambushed the King instead. He froze mid-lean, mouth slightly open. The princes went still. The Queen's smile didn't waver, but something behind her eyes sharpened.
No one spoke.
