"Of course," Serelith said softly.
Cerys's voice was calm.
"And?"
Elowen's eyes didn't soften.
"He says capture is part of the timetable," Elowen said. "He says they plan for our responses."
Mikhailis almost laughed.
Not because it was funny.
Because it was too perfect.
Capture is part of the timetable. That's basically the motto of every disaster I've ever met.
Elowen looked down again.
"Kael also admits he fed the fire thinking it was a fence," she added.
Rhaen's jaw clenched.
Cerys's gaze went distant for a heartbeat.
Then back.
Serelith's voice was light, but her eyes were not.
"How noble," she said. "He realized it was a mistake only after it reached our house."
Elowen's tone stayed even.
"He is warning us," she said. "We will use that."
A few officers near the tent edge shifted, angry.
"Your majesty—" one began.
Elowen raised one hand.
"Later," she said. "People first."
The officer shut up.
Mikhailis watched Elowen.
