"Bring the messenger."
Ethan's tone was calm, yet there was a heaviness under his voice. Oliver bowed and left the room. Soon after, a pale-faced man stepped inside. He looked exhausted and shaken, as though he had ridden without rest.
He bowed deeply. "My Lord."
Ethan nodded and asked, "What is the Duchess command?"
The messenger gulped and straightened his back slightly, trying to maintain composure. "The Duchess has asked for reinforcement and your very presence. The Duchess plans to gather the full force at the City of Vancouver to resist the invasion of the Heretic group."
Lia's hands tightened against her dress. Diana looked tense, her jaw clenched.
Ethan narrowed his eyes and spoke, steady and low, "What is the situation? Give me a brief report."
