Chapter 279: The Gathering
Lyria shook her head at Pippa and Debbie, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite the weight of the conversation.
"Securing a-all five allies, and perhaps even m-more, would likely be i-impossible," she said, her voice steady despite the stammer that clung to her words. "If I c-can secure three, then that is e-enough. Three powerful allies can shift the b-balance of power. Five would draw too m-much attention, too much suspicion. Three is m-manageable."
Pippa opened her mouth as though to argue, her brow furrowing with the intensity of someone who had already decided that more was better. But Elara placed a hand on her arm, a silent gesture that stilled her before she could speak. Pippa fell silent, though her expression remained unconvinced.
Elara smiled at the princess's words.
