"You need not fear, Lasha, all will be well," Oliver told her. "We march with your father."
She dug her fingers into his back for that. "Don't say… stupid things. You can't risk everything, just because I'm sad."
She pulled away from him, and wiped the tears from her face, controlling herself in an instant. "And I'm fine now, thank you."
A display that was far too fragile for Oliver to point out the lie in it. "It's already been done," he said instead. "Before I came here, the orders were given, and plans have been set in motion. It is out of my hands now. The Emersons will be here in a matter of days."
"What?" Lasha frowned. "How? You believe they move? No – better yet, why? Why was I not consulted? Why do you risk it all? My father is being a fool – you can't risk our entire cause for him. Or are you simply pitying me? Explain yourself, Oliver!"
