Oriana's expression turned serious as she pulled away and gestured toward the shattered courtyard.
"Some nobles arrived two days ago when I reached the manor.," she said after inhaling a deep breath, "They claimed you had committed treason. That you had allied yourself with witches. They demanded the manor be seized."
Rhistel's jaw clenched. "Which one?"
"There were all four vassal families except the clondoires. I was surprised and requested them to wait for your return. But they did not listen to me. And I had no choice but to command the knights in your absence. If you blame anyone.." she turned to look at him with a guilty look in her eyes. " I did not have a choice but to stand my ground. I told them this manor would not be taken. That if they wanted it, they'd have to go through us."
"You led the defense?" he inhaled a breath, shaking.
