WITH ALDEERN AND THE ASSISTANCE of the Lieutenants, Elena was able to get a semblance of order back to the courtyard. The Cavalry had entered with much pomp and ceremony only to be ordered around, clearing bodies out into the space between the inner and outer gates. A quick fix till the morning.

Elena clarified that a proper receiving ceremony for all those involved in the battles would occur. Just not right now. Right now, she needed to present their monarchs, squashing any ...