Seeing the determination in the girl's eyes, Maxi was at a loss for what to say. This girl who was four years her junior seemed to be a hundred times more confident.
Maxi looked away with a troubled expression. "I-Idsilla… you have no reason to go there."
"And is there a reason for me not to go?" Idsilla shot back sharply. "Because I am of noble birth and a woman? Both were not my choice."
"I-If anything were to… happen to you, Idsilla… y-your family would be devastated."
"That goes for everyone. All who march to war must leave their families behind. We all bear the same pain."
Maxi clenched her mouth shut. Everyone did not bear the same pain. The Duke of Croyso and Rosetta would not care in the slightest if she were to die. Still, Riftan, at least, would mourn for her.
Maxi suddenly felt her throat constricting. She could almost hear Riftan's voice telling her that she was his one and only family.