"An outsider? Who is it?" Percival asked urgently. "Could it be that assistant general who came in at noon?"

Warrick frowned. "I've looked into that man. No background, no connections—just an old hand in the military. Been around forever, knows the ropes, but has no real pull."

"It's not him—it's someone connected to him." Huxley lowered his voice. "Remember what Sir Austin said at noon? When he summoned that assistant general, he specifically mentioned the Ballard family."

"The Ballard family?" Percival looked surprised. "You mean the Ballards from Oakvale? Are you saying they've already beaten us to it and met with the prince?"

"The prince hasn't met with them, but according to my intel, this man, Jovian Ballard, spent two hours chatting with Sir Austin today. They talked and laughed like old acquaintances. Sir Austin even invited him to stay for dinner at the castle." Huxley's face darkened.

He continued, "Look, the Ballards sent someone at a time like this. They're obviously