My happiness did not last long. The Duke looked at me with sad eyes and said:
"You must leave the Kristala, right now."
"What? pardon me, my Lord?"
"You heard me, Anne. It's not safe for you to stay. You and my son may be in danger."
"I am very sorry, Lord Duke, but I am confused… I need you to explain me better."
The Duke took a deep breath as if it was difficult for him to say what he was about to say.
"I guess there's no point in hiding anymore… Anne… the North is going to be invaded by troops from the south. Right now the Al-Thule house and the Huescar house are on their way with approximately twelve thousand men."
… What? ... I who had just heard?...
"My lord… are you sure?"
"Unfortunately, it's the truth, Anne. Twelve thousand men are arriving to siege the Kristala. That's why you cannot stay. You and my son are in danger!"
I felt dazed. I needed time to assimilate what the Duke had just revealed to me.
