The guards are reluctant to allow Acera to enter Joan’s quarters, where Sutaura is being held, but they have no choice once oos provides the permission slip from the Commander herself. The door opens on a sparse room; a bed bolted to the floor, a slab next to the bed which houses a few books on military tactics, a clothing rail and drawers, a screen on the wall, and a small fridge in the corner. The door shuts immediately behind oos and Acera stands silently waiting to see if Sutaura will say anything. She sits on the bed, her elbows resting on her knees and her face stained with tears.
“You want to talk about it?” Acera asks encouragingly.
Sutaura darts her eyes up and goes back to staring at the wall ahead of her. She takes a frustrated breath and speaks; embarrassed by the words, “The
