This being after he divested her of that fetching gown.

But this would clearly not be happening.

“I’ll order dinner sent to your stu—” Ellie started to say.

She did not finish, for a soldier entered the room.

His rank was high, a marshal, and if Cass remembered his name correctly, it was Angus.

“Sire,” he said on a smart bow. “A communication from the Nadirii squadron.”

He lifted his hand and in it was a message from a raven.

“Shite,” Cass muttered, pushing up.

He and the man met in between, Cassius walking with Elena close to his side.

The message was passed off, the marshal bowed, turned smartly and left the room.

Cassius unwound the missive and instantly made the decision any communications from anyone would be delivered to him in private.

For the message said,

Night Heights. Southeast Range. Bring Elena immediately. The queen is dying.

“No,” Elena whispered.

He shoved the ribbon of parchment to the person nearest, this being Rus, and turned to take her in his arms before he took her from the room.

But she moved first, taking a step away.

“My darling,” he said gently. “Come with me.”

He heard a gasp, he knew not from who, but he knew it meant the news was traveling the chamber.

“Ellie, please, come with me.”

“No,” she whispered again.

“Ellie—”

“No!” she shrieked, the pain in that one word clawing at his heart.

And with that, Cassius went to her.

Cassius met his men in the Great Hall next to the table now sporting spikes of deep purple and shocking blue gladiolus.

“Report,” he ordered when he stopped at their huddle.

“Scouts sent,” Mac told him. “Those to find the location of the Nadirii squadron, those to assess our path is clear in getting to her.” He paused and then said, “Cass, after the siege was defeated, we know they’re holding back, waiting for any excuse to start the war. But you’ve just sentenced their king to twenty-five years in prison. And with your attention divided, this would be the perfect excuse.”

“Yes, it would,” Cassius replied. “And until this news from the Nadirii, I would relish it starting so it could be over. But we need to hold off their hostility for the now as my priority is to get my woman to her mother.”

Mac nodded.

“Birds and riders sent,” Ian entered the conversation. “To True so he knows and can tell Serena. To Mars and Aramus, not to the Go’Doan.”

Cassius inclined his head.

“A battalion is readying,” Tone put in. “As are the Nadirii who traveled with Elena. We will be ready to ride out in no more than half an hour.”

Cassius tipped his head to Antonius and looked back to Ian. “I will need you to stay. The proclamation must be made, and the Bay kept secure. Also, send reinforcements to the Bailey. King Gallienus does not breathe a free breath until he serves his twenty-five years.”