We continued walking, catching up to Farris, who licked my hand.
“It’s not your fault,” I added. “Trust in our court is fragile, and with good reason. Fairness isn't something these lords associate with Evergorne, at least not until this generation.” And Lore’s kindness. “I’m sure their grievances stem from generations of unchecked imbalance.” Such as his mother’s way of ruling this court.
Lore tilted his head, the quirk of one eyebrow showing his curiosity. “What’s your solution, Wildfire? How do we prevent their trust from fracturing while keeping Evergorne’s economy afloat?”
We stopped at the door to our suite, and our guards spread out to cover both directions.
“Let’s make the rotating tax system broader,” I said. “Tie it not only to temporary aid during the recovery but to long-term projects. You’ve already started allocating land to lessers, Lore, giving our people what they need to work and thrive without depending as heavily on the court’s generosity. Build on that. Start a framework where the high lords and ladies benefit directly from this success. For example, grant them incentives, like lower tariffs or trade privileges for investing in the lessers’ lands. Encourage them to fund infrastructure, provide better tools, or lend aid to manage harvests. When those lessers succeed, and I bet anything they will, everyone will profit. It turns goodwill into a shared interest.”
Briscalar’s eyes widened, his fingers twitching as though he was already asking his magical pen and paper to write the details down. “Such an intriguing proposition, my queen. Delightful, in fact. I don't know why I didn't think of it myself. It would ensure the lessers feel supported while tying the lords’ and ladies’ gain to the kingdom’s growth. But the question iswhether the nobility will view such arrangements as worthy of their effort.”
“They will if they see results,” I said. Lore was grinning, his eyes sharp with pride I wasn't sure I deserved but I basked in anyway. “Their wealth grows alongside the stability of Evergorne itself, and stability is a currency they’ll want. They might not see it that way now, but when they’re faced with losing access to those incentives, they’ll leap over themselves to be a part of our plan.”
Lore crossed his arms, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe outside our suite. “It’s bold, but I can see the value. If they refuse to cooperate, they shut themselves out of future gains. But timing is critical. How do we ensure this plan doesn’t fall apart before it can take root?”
I tapped the toe of my boot on the floor, thinking. “Start small. Choose one or two high lords or ladies you suspect would be more excited about the idea, ones with ties to regions where the lessers’ work has already shown a return. Offer them very limited trial incentives, enough to make them curious but not so much that the others feel slighted. Once they discover the benefits and their peers see the results, the rest will follow. Greed can be as persuasive as loyalty when handled correctly.”
Briscalar nodded, his face glowing with enthusiasm. “A delightful prospect, indeed. My king, my queen, it could reshape the balance of power without creating outright rebellion. If we lead by example, show them it’s prosperity and not control we seek… Yes, I believe this will work quite well.”
We stepped inside the suite, and Faelith came rushing over. Farris hopped around her, his tail a whir. When she was able to latch onto him, she secured his leash to his collar. “I’ll take this fine fellow out for a stroll and then a nice warm bath, shall I?”
“Thank you,” I said.
She bobbed in a curtsy. “I’ll see to that in your old suite when we return.”
Moira and Calista waited nearby, and I’d have direction for them soon as well, once Lord Briscalar had left.
Faelith stepped out into the hall with Farris, and the door shut behind her.
Lore brushed his fingertips down my arm. “You have a knack for spinning sense out of impossible threads, love. Such an amazing idea.” His voice carried a fondness so deep it warmed me all the way to my bones.
“This is what you married me for, isn’t it?” I tilted my head toward him, giving him a smirk.
“Among other things.” His tone dropped, and his eyes lingered on mine.
I flushed under the heat of his smoldering gaze.
“And the people?” I asked Lord Briscalar, wanting to be alone with Lore but needing to make sure everyone else was settled first. “The villagers, those who were displaced, those mourning? How are they handling things?”
“Many remain with host families, Queen Reyla. None lack shelter, not while I have breath to see it done.” His shoulders loosened. “We’ve also expanded the kitchens, setting up cooking stations in some of the lesser-used dining rooms. Between those efforts and smaller houses banding together, no one has gone hungry. The funeral pyres have finished smoldering. We lost less than we thought, thankfully, due to those who drove the borgons past our city walls and the heroic efforts of our healers. Please consider sending them something to thank them.”
“Suggestions?” I asked.
Briscalar’s lips twitched, his gaze shifting upward as he thought. “A royal decree acknowledging their selfless service would be a start. Recognition from the crown carries weight,especially with healers who rarely receive such praise. Beyond that, perhaps additional supplies for their infirmaries. A shipment of rare herbs, fresh linens, or even funds to expand their facilities. It’s practical and honors their work. And for the guards? Perhaps increase their stipend.”
I nodded. “Make it happen. Send word to the guilds overseeing the trade routes. We’ll prioritize the healers’ needs. Our coffers can handle the increase for the guards?”
“Easily.”
“Then let’s do it.”
“I’ll see to it immediately, my queen,” he said.
“And the borgons?” Lore asked. “Have we discovered where they disappeared to?”
Briscalar hesitated, his face tightening. “Not so far. Per your order, patrols have been increased along the outer borders, but the scouts report nothing unusual. It’s as if they were magicked away.”
“I suspect Prager’s influence isn’t limited to Evergorne’s walls,” Lore said with a growl.
