Raul returned to his office, his expression cold as he addressed the strategists who had followed him.

“Update me immediately on Fenris. And arrange a meeting with Amelia. Tell her we’ll provide the necessary support to regroup the northern lords.”

The strategists exchanged hesitant glances before one voiced their concerns.

“Amelia is an untested woman. Until recently, she was nothing more than a lady sipping tea in elegant halls.”

“The northern lords won’t acknowledge her authority.”

“Shouldn’t we select someone else? She hasn’t even subdued Baron Balua’s rebellion yet.”

“Even if she won the Northern Coalition War, those opponents were …