“Do you think I am unaware of this? I have seen countless mortals perish during my lifetime,” Elly stated flatly, adjusting her hat.
“And that is precisely why you conceal yourself behind this callous shield now. I saw that spark of passion you deny yourself, the reality hidden beneath the shield forged from too many years of loss and remorse. The soldiers who will take up arms will not do so because it is their duty.” Bray stepped before her, reaching forward to smarten her hair slightly. “They will do it because the Lady of Knightsbridge, daughter of Lord Blackwood, asks it of them, and she must be the person she has always been to them, their protector, not their callous executioner. You oversaw Blackwood's domain in his stead and ensured they had food in times of famine, and water in
