When the Celebration Is Over, War Starts
"Our scouts inform us Vellore troops have set out for the eastern edge of our kingdom."
Gasps echoed throughout the chamber.
"They will arrive in our lands in five days. According to current projections, their forces outnumber our deployed eastern division. In addition, the lay of the land in that border works in their favor—open plains and tall ridges render our defensive positions less secure."
The nobles shifted uncomfortably in their seats, the weight of the implications only just sinking in.
Natasha went on, unflinching.
"Our reinforcements—currently stationed farther west and south—take at least seven days to be fully mobilized and brought to the eastern front. If our deployment does not start at once, the Vellore army will capture key ground ahead of our men."
Having finished, she let the scroll down slowly and took a step back without saying anything.
