Confused expressions line the faces of Carex and his dozen guards as they stare at the manor when we arrive, though they jump when they notice me.

“What’s going on?” I demand, walking up to Carex. His gray eyes scan up and down my body in shock, and he takes a step back when I reach him. Beside me, Thorne makes a low noise in his throat. Carex bows, but keeps his narrowed eyes locked on Thorne.

“Your Majesty,” Carex says tightly. “You should step away from the Prince.” Now Thorne’s low noise turns into a full out hiss.

“Tell me what’s going on. Now,” I command. Carex swallows and adjusts his grip on his sword.

“The manor is abandoned, Your Majesty. There is no one inside. There are also no signs that anyone has been here recently. No furniture, no paperwork, no signs of life at all. The information that this was a rebellion headquarters appears incorrect.” Carex settles his hardened gaze onto Thorne, and I can see the mistrust bubbling in Carex again. The two males stare one another down, tension buzzing between them so thick I can almost see it. I step in before they come to blows.

“Did you check every room?”

“We did, Your Majesty. They either knew we were coming and cleared out very quickly…” He says the words mockingly, implying it’s an impossibility. “Or—were never here in the first place.”

“Say what you mean, Captain,” Thorne growls with princely haughtiness, eyes narrowed. I turn on him.

“You’re not helping,” I hiss. “Go take a walk.” He does, finding a group of three guards to converse with. The moment he’s gone, Carex relaxes his tense shoulders and steps closer to me.

“Laurel, there were no signs of any activity in that manor. You must know what this means,” Carex murmurs. I ignore his implication.

“Burn it down,” is all I say before walking away from Carex. I won’t entertain his prejudice toward the Velmarans. He tries to protest, but I hold up my hand to silence him and don’t say a word. Blanching, Carex gathers several guards, and together they throw flaming torches into the windows of the manor. Air channelers provide encouragement for the flames, and soon the entire estate is blazing.

“What’s going on here?” a human woman asks behind me. She’s come from the village, and four others stand grouped behind her, likely sent to investigate the glowing flames that appeared in the sky. Her face lights up in fear when I turn toward her, and she takes several steps back. I realize I look like a nightmare, covered in blood and clothing ripped. Thorne returns to my side, placing a hand on my lower back in silent support. “Your… Your Majesty,” she says, bowing quickly. The others around her drop into deep bows.