"You did not inquire as to Queen Asabel's purpose," Oliver said. "Now I have stated it. She means to come west, with the might of General Blackwell's army as an initial escort. Now that we find our freedom, I plan to go on ahead to meet her, and you, of course, being the honourable Prince that you are, would not begrudge the privilege of escorting Queen Asabel to the lands of your father? It's the sensible thing, is it not? It is recklessness on her part to come forth, even with Blackwell as her protector. We are to carry out a most obvious duty, in removing her from the path of danger, and allowing her to continue west."
"She means to speak to my father?" Prince Hendrick said. "To what purpose? Does she not know that a letter would be far quicker."
