Vespera's face went white. "What? Why — that will create a civil war. The Corwins have allies. If we push into their territory—"
"This is an order from the royal family," the mother said. Her voice was strained. "The other armies are joining. They're trying to expand the territory. We need to protect our county too."
"No," Vespera said. Her voice was sharp. Firm. The headmistress voice. "I will write a letter to the king. We have to stop it. This is against the rules — the territorial expansion act prohibits unilateral military action without—"
