Chapter Seven
After the Council session, I feel both depleted and restless. My advisors had painted a much bleaker picture of the situation than I expected. People are dying while trying to keep the Realm safe. There are invaders at our doorstep and we won't be able to keep them out for much longer. How does my mother cope with this kind of pressure?
Well, maybe I'll get to ask her in a moment. I'm headed towards her chambers, Arc in tow. Storm had to stay to talk to Gwain, making plans for his promotion. Usually, there'd be a big ceremony, but half of the army is stationed away from the Palace just now, and there's not really the mood for a celebration either. Knowing Storm, he'll try to wiggle out of any kind of formal affair.
"How are ye feeling?" Arc asks me.
"Like I either want to
