Rhaegar cast a glance around him. He could not force his way through in full view of so many. To do so would be nothing less than open defiance of the Empress—and should word reach the Emperor, the matter would take on far graver weight.
Tilting his head slightly, he spoke in a voice scarcely above a whisper.
"Sylric."
"At your command, my lord."
"Take a handful of men. Circle by the lesser paths. Go now."
Sylric hesitated. "My lord…"
"They have stationed men here to delay me. There will be others at Drias Family Hollow—but not many," Rhaegar said calmly. "Save as many as you can."
Sylric looked at him, conflicted. "But you—"
"I shall not die," Rhaegar cut him off, his tone quiet yet absolute. "Go."
Sylric clenched his jaw, then gave a firm nod.
With careful subtlety, he withdrew step by step, gathering a few men before slipping into the crowd and vanishing from sight.
Rhaegar turned back.
