Chapter 7
Grain Ships at Anchor
Liora appeared to arrest Elara, then ordered the guards to escort both sisters to the treaty balcony. Cael's ships were already turning in the harbor.
In front of diplomats, Liora announced that the crown had chosen Elara and therefore her own marriage treaty was invalid. Venn expected Cael to demand a replacement bride.
Cael demanded six civilian witnesses to any new oath.
The crowd below heard him. So did the sailors. For the first time, foreign leverage protected abolition instead of a marriage.
Venn retaliated by freezing grain distribution inside the city. Before sunset, hungry districts would blame whichever sister the palace named.
Mara arrived with news: the granary keys were held by Rowan's former deputy, who had just sworn to Venn.