Ravena’s POV
“I… I…” I started to respond, but I stopped as he raised his hand.
“Bastian!” Evander suddenly shouted. “State the code. Is there any rule that forbids women from being on the front line?”
Bastian stepped forward. “None, Your Highness. Trials are the same for all recruits.”
Evander’s gaze did not leave me. “You heard him.”
“I did,” I replied, my voice steady now.
He then turned his head a bit and called out, “Captain Gregor, come here.”
Gregor limped into the circle, his jaw covered in dust and his pride wounded. He kept his eyes down. “Your Highness.”
“Tell me,” Evander asked, “what exactly happened?”
Gregor admitted, “I refused them, sire. I was wrong. She put me down three times. Her fast hands and clean footwork are actually impressive. She reads her opponent's m
