"…We know we aren't allowed to come," Pauline said, meekly. "We merely wished to see our Lady this far, if you would permit it."
Oliver's gaze softened. "Very well. Lady Blackthorn – are you quite certain you wish to come? I've already explained to you the risks that are expected to be involved. If Skullic is right, then this mission has been set up with my defeat very well in mind. We would be betting against the master strategists of the Capital by fighting nonetheless. Does that not bother you?"
He dared to say all that, in the open corridor. It was early enough that there was no one around but them – yet it was still an alarmingly daring thing to say openly. Treasonous, even. Oliver cared not, though. Whatever corner they backed him into could be no worse than where he currently stood.
