[Darya Safavi's POV]
Darya was having dinner with her family when an advisor entered and bowed toward her father, who had only just paid attention to the man. ''What is it, Amir? Can you not see we're eating?'' he said annoyedly.
She noticed Amir gulping but nodding as he spoke, ''My great emperor. A rider just arrived at Babylon reporting an Al-Munfiyah attack on Port Zalliyah in the Redwood Forest.''
The man avoided eye contact with her father. Darya turned to him and saw the anger in his yellow eyes while he ran a hand through his brown hair, ''Aridonia? Haven't the generals got the rebels under control?''
Darya watched the advisor shake his head, ''No, my emperor. The rebels raided the bank, escaped on the Red Serpent River, and used Blue Shards to destroy countless buildings throughout the city. The guards tried to contain the fires, but we believe they were distracting.''
