Esme – POV
Last night, I learned a heartbreaking truth: the two villages we visited near the shrine are not Eastbrone locals but immigrants from the Southern Land. These two villages are under Lady Margaret's care because she signed a treaty to look after her people. Liam cannot use imperial funds to help them—it would violate the agreement the Southern Land's king signed, allowing his people to stay in our territory in exchange for payment. All of that money is managed solely by Lady Margaret, as the king trusts her completely.
Liam had tried to intervene before, but Lady Margaret made matters worse. She convinced the Southern Land's king to issue a warning: if Liam interfered, the alliance treaty would be broken.
I had promised that boy, Skyler, that I would help him. But how can I help in such a tangled political situation?
