“It’s essential this is kept completely secret, Fern,” Cassius reminded her. “The new proclamations haven’t yet been made. We can’t begin to know how they’ll be accepted. It might not be they’re needed.”

“They will be needed, my prince,” Fern said in a dire tone. “Word has spread wide about the weddings, the identity of your intended and the preparations at the citadel for your own nuptials. There is unrest.”

This was not news to him. Nero had reported much the same in the birds he’d sent.

It still did not fail to annoy him.

Fern took in his expression and went on, “Though, there is also much hope.”

“We’re making maneuvers to quell any unrest,” he told her. “Otho is heading to you. After Nero delivers Aelia to The Enchantments, he, too, will return to Sky Bay. Soldiers loyal to me have been dispatched in squads to keep inconspicuous but close eye on the gentry. And your spies will be helpful.”

She dipped her chin, ever humble.

But it could be that history would repeat itself and the arrogance of the ruling male elite would be their downfall.

Many of them didn’t think twice about talking openly in front of a scullery maid, a mistress or a wife. The confidence they felt in their superiority meant they completely missed, in many cases, they were living with the enemy.

And in what was sure to come in Airen, that enemy was Cassius’s ally.

He just hoped it wasn’t so fucking bloody this time around.

“Mars has dispatched four regiments to the northeastern border of Firenze,” he reminded her. “They will remain in their own land, but two thousand men will more than likely not be missed by Airenzian scouts. If any in Airenzian should act on this unrest, they will be sent the order to move in and keep peace, with five more regiments to follow. Not to mention, Aramus’s fleet will be at the ready to blockade all ports if they’re called. And I will ride with my men, and True’s, entering Airen from the western borders. If any make moves, before you put your women in jeopardy, let us see if these alliances make the statement we wish them to make so arms are laid down before too many, if any, are lost.”

“Please do not be mistaken, Prince Cassius. The women are ready to fight,” Fern told him.

“I am not mistaken, Mistress Fern,” he replied. “However, they are not trained.”

“They were not trained the Night of the Fallen Masters, and they still successfully executed a revolution,” Fern replied.

She was not wrong about that.

Therefore, to that, he dipped his chin to her.

“Thank you for casting your protections over Aelia and Nero,” he said.

She nodded and replied, “Be safe on your journey to The Enchantments.”