"They're here. And they brought an army."
Captain Ryver stood in the throne room, his armor dusty from hard riding. King Zarek sat on his throne, Elaria and Draven standing to his right, the court assembled around them.
"How many?" Zarek asked.
"Five hundred soldiers. Twenty nobles. And King Tavian himself." Ryver's expression was grim. "They'll reach the palace by nightfall."
A murmur ran through the court. Draven's expression went carefully blank, but through the bond, Elaria felt his dread and anger.
"Your father is coming," she said quietly.
"Unfortunately." Draven's jaw tightened. "I was hoping he'd send a representative. Him being here makes everything more complicated."
King Zarek raised his hand, silencing the court. "Prince Draven, I assume your father doesn't know about th
