General Halrik cleared his throat.
"Your Majesty… before we move forward, I need your ruling on the border villages. Do we pull our soldiers back to protect the capital… or send them out to reclaim the villages the rogues have taken?"
Thornak was about to give General Halrik his answer, but he stopped when Kael's horse rushed inside. He knew Kael too well — the smallest change in his brother's face spoke louder than words. And the look Kael wore now told him something was wrong.
"Lady Lara. General Halrik," Kael said with a quick nod as he jumped off his horse in one easy motion. Then he turned to Thornak.
"Your Majesty… may we speak?"
Thornak nodded. He glanced at Halrik, who was still waiting for direction.
"Let Lara decide what to do," he said.
Lara blinked in surprise. She knew nothing about politics or leading commanders, but she lifted her chin and gave Halrik a polite smile anyway.
"Tell me the options again," she said. "Slowly."
