Across the plaza, a richly dressed lord was bragging to a cluster of onlookers near the public donation chest.
“Ah,” Sylva said. “Thank you.”
The child beamed and scampered away.
Lucy leaned in. “Go get him.”
Sylva’s lips curved into a dangerous, pleased line. “With pleasure.”
Esther watched him stride across the plaza like a polite storm.
Beside her, the Baroness approached, holding a ledger.
“Report?” Esther asked.
“Most houses contributed generously,” the Baroness said. “A few tried to fudge their numbers.”
“And?”
“I let Sylva talk to them,” she said, “and reminded them their names would be inscribed—accurately—on the public donors’ wall outside the palace.”
Esther smiled. “And the refugees?”
“Several have already received job offers,” the Baroness said. “Some from nobles who once claimed refugees were bad for business.” Her eyes sparkled. “Turns out compassion is good for reputationandprofit. Who knew?”
Esther exhaled slowly.
The plaza glowed in late-afternoon light. Lanterns were being checked and lit. Children sat on the steps, sharing sticky pastries. A group of orphans danced in a circle around Vorrik, who pretended to be slain by a particularly fierce six-year-old with a wooden sword.
This was what she wanted. Not perfection. Not instant miracles.A start.
Someone tugged at her sleeve.
She turned to find an older woman, clothes patched but clean. A little girl peeked from behind her skirts.
“Your Highness,” the woman said, voice trembling. “I just wanted to say… thank you. My boys ate until they were full. I don’t remember the last time that happened.”
Esther’s throat closed.
“I should have done it sooner,” she said honestly.
The woman shook her head. “You’re doing it now. That’s more than most.”
The little girl stepped forward, clutching something in her fist. “This is for you,” she said.
She opened her hand.
In her palm sat a tiny woven bracelet made of bright thread and a single, imperfect bead.
Esther’s vision blurred.
She knelt, bringing herself eye level with the girl. “May I wear it?” she asked.
The child nodded fiercely. “Then everyone will know you’re our princess too.”
Esther tied the bracelet around her wrist with shaking fingers.
“I already was,” she whispered. “But now I’ll make sure they see it.”
