Chapter 12

Ronan's POV

Mara returned with the dispatch folded so tightly that the paper had split along one edge. Tamsin went straight to the desk to spread out the Ironwood route map. Mara stopped beside my bed.

"Orsik," she said. "Gideon is executing him at dawn."

Maeve looked up from the fresh bandage. I reached for the dispatch, and Mara handed it over. Orsik had refused to arrest three councilors who supported her sanctuary claim. Gideon called that treason.

"How long to Ironwood?" I asked Tamsin.

"Six hours on a clear road. Tonight, nearer eight. The teams are preparing now."

"Use the treaty escort. Cross can bring his riders."

Tamsin went to the door to give the order. Maeve followed to call for travel dressings, leaving us