31
Jian
There was little sleep in the palace as they waited for their scouts to return, for them to bring the news most already knew.
Soon, a battle would come to Dasha.
Throughout the night, citizens from the farming settlements surrounding the city arrived, and Bo forced his advisors to open the barracks to them. Some took advantage of the hospitality. Others stayed in shops and homes opened to them by the Dasha citizens.
The trickle of people entering the gates had slowed by the time Hua and Luca’s parents arrived at the palace. Once again, Bo defied his advisors by letting them enter.
Jian approached the Minglans and bowed, shame racing through him. He’d been unable to keep his promise to them, unable to protect Hua. Gen Minglan stared at him for a long moment before pulling him
