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Both Sabien and Dagmara ducked the incoming blade, but it was aimed too far over their heads to have even made contact. The soldier was faster than Dagmara had ever seen before. He kicked Sabien in the back of the knee, knocking him off balance, before he grabbed Dagmara’s wrist and yanked her toward his chest. Within the blink of an eye, Dagmara had her back pressed against the soldier’s chest with his blade against her throat.

“Drop the dagger,” he said in Ilusaurian, his accent hard to understand. He sounded so familiar, but Dagmara couldn’t see him. When his curved sword pressed higher on her chin she obeyed, letting her dagger fall.

Sabien had his own weapon drawn, glaring at the intruder but keeping his distance. His jaw ticked in disgust. “Reon.”

Reon Ogawa. The spearhead of the Celesta militia that had held the private meeting with Sabien and Claude the night of the engagement ball.

“I want to speak with Claude,” Reon said.

“Release Princess Magdalena,” Sabien ordered.

“I mean the princess no harm.”

“Then release her.”

“And let you kill me?” Reon asked. “Not until I speak with the king.”

“You will do as the captain says!”

The voice boomed through the clearing. Dagmara recognized it immediately. She couldn’t turn her head to see him approach, but could sense Claude rounding the corner. He came into sight, proceeding to stand beside Sabien. His sword was withdrawn, and his clothing was soaked in blood. His face was covered with dirt and debris, and his free hand clutched his abdomen. Behind him, Pierre had his bow ready and aimed at Reon.

Claude’s expression was full of malice. “Let her go,” he said, enunciating every word, “and I will consider letting you live.”

“Was it you? Did you kill Guardian Sora?” Reon asked, not moving the blade from Dagmara’s throat. But it wasn’t until that moment that Dagmara noticed he held the flat part to her chin. His grip on her arm was light enough that she could break free. He didn’t mean to harm her.

“Of course it wasn’t me!” Claude retorted. “I warned you about this, Reon.”

“I know,” Reon said, his voice soft. Then he lowered the blade.

Dagmara didn’t even stumble out of his grasp for he gracefully released her. She distanced herself, turning to face Reon, and felt Claude’s hand at her lower back. Touching her neck, she checked for blood, but there was none.

Claude gripped her hip. “You alright?”

“Yes.” Dagmara nodded.

The king then removed his hand and limped toward the Celesta militia leader. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded.

Reon sheathed his sword in attempts to prove he wasn’t a threat. “I didn’t order this attack,” he stated. “It was a reactionary attack to the news of Guardian Sora’s death.”

“Killing my governor is a declaration of war. What proof do they have that I’m to blame?” Claude asked.

“Everything,” Reon replied. “You and Sora chose to keep your agreement a secret, despite my constant disapproval, so the council believes you invaded our lands without permission. They believe you sent assassins.”

“Then tell the council the truth,” Claude said. “We kept it a secret because Guardian Sora wanted to. I respected her wishes. Now you must tell them the truth.”

“The council won’t listen to me,” said Reon. “Rumor has spread that Ilusaurian assassins executed the Azuremi royals.”

“That is not true.”

Reon shook his head, exhaling. “It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not.”

“So that’s it then?” Claude’s voice broadened with anger. “Celestaire and Ilusauri are at war?”

Reon’s brief silence was enough of an answer.

“Aren’t you the spearhead of the militia?”

“Yes, but I can’t influence the council,” Reon replied. “They will simply have me replaced. As your friend I came to warn you. You must know this is not what I wanted.”