Chapter Four: Two Orders, One Expendable Prince

Cassian looked at his minister of war, who was already sweating. Ysolde stared at the wax. She did not trust Lain, but she trusted someone else’s script even less. The message was false. Serena had copied the wax and Lain had invented the words. Yet an order steering the Red Legion had to exist, or the system would not have foreseen both armies at White Ridge. Unable to see it, Lain had created a mirror alarming enough to force both factions to inspect themselves. “I propose both armies withdraw ten miles,” Lain said, “then exchange military envoys to verify the original orders under council supervision. Whoever refuses admits he desires war.”