"Of course not," she said with a smile. "Risk is part of war. But that does not mean you should not set yourself up in the best way you can. How you handle your information and the spread of knowledge and plans will be a crucial part of any attack. Before you form a plan, this is the thing you need to think about." Katherine felt she was repeating herself. Maybe the pain had clouded his mind. But if the pain was doing so, he was in no state to form a decent plan.
"She is not wrong, you know," her father's deep voice drawled. He had appeared out of nothing and even now his presence was nothing but physical. She could see him, standing a few feet away in his black suit, with his pale skin, too pale to be alive. But she could not feel him. The man was battling pain of his own. He did not groan, he did not flinch. But he stood more upright than usual, a mask settled on his face, hiding his usual amusement and judgement. "Surprise is a powerful ally. Do not sacrifice it without a fight."