Mirta's mind reeled at Ralph's words—my family.
The raw pain in his voice confirmed her suspicions about Dawnless' mission.
She had guessed it before; however, hearing it was a different experience. She nodded, asking no further questions, respecting the weight of his revelation.
After a heavy silence, Vitka leaned forward. "Tell us about the duchies."
"The Redflame Duchess is the queen," Mirta said.
The executives' faces fell, a mix of shock and disgust. 'What's wrong with that kingdom?' They couldn't help but think that.
Mirta nodded, understanding their reaction. "Incest is common there, though it's hidden from the public."
"Just to produce someone who can wield purple flames?" Donto muttered, incredulous.
Mirta confirmed,
"It's also hidden; the king and a few officials can mix the two, but only briefly."
The executives marveled at Mirta's intelligence-gathering in just two months. The fact that she knew about the king meant they had deep intel on the kingdom.
