The reason for the silence became obvious half an hour later, when a runner from the walls arrived with a message.
"Your Highness, this arrived for you by arrow." He explained.
In fact, the scroll was still wrapped around the arrow, and sealed with wax, marking the origin as a member of the Dagos Royal Family.
[Your Highness Princess Alexis,
In consideration of your presence within the city of Burton, we have held off on firebombing the city for one day. Should you surrender the city and present yourself, unarmed and unaccompanied, within the next twenty-four hours, there will be no need for civilian casualties.
For their crimes against Dagos, the lives of Dominic Wavemates and the family of Marquis Burton are to be considered forfeit.
I am looking forward to your positive response.
Duke Albroles]