As expected, Queen Ava looks less than thrilled when we approach the training grounds as one, big unit—not to mention that we’re coming from the opposite direction of the castle.
“I must have missed you all at breakfast,” she says, eyebrows narrowing. “Morning stroll to warm up for practice, I take it?”
“Your Majesty,” says Lana, “we’ve looked into Austen City.” I can’t help but admire her no-bullshit response to Ava’s bullshit question. “They’re heading south—an army of thousands. They’ll hit the border in five days’ time. We have to evacuate.”
Ava’s eyebrows narrow farther, and she turns her glare upon Kenton. “Is this true?”
He nods. “Yes, Your Majesty—I’m afraid it is. We all feel that if you evacuate everyone north of Hyatha, it will buy us enough time to prepare and land in Hyath
