Chapter 3Mercy in Disguise

Another three years passed, and we moved again, this time from Stonehaven to Kingsport, the capital itself. Two years prior, Alistair had astonished everyone by placing first in the provincial Imperial Exams, earning the title of Top Scholar of the Province. With a letter of recommendation from Master Davies, he was accepted into the Royal Collegiate. Naturally, we followed him to the capital.

Upon our arrival in Kingsport, Aunt Eleanor publicly introduced me as her distant niece, whose husband was fighting in the Northern wars, and who had come with her young son to seek refuge with her.

Alistair dedicated himself to preparing for the next round of Imperial Exams. Owen and I took on the responsibility of supporting the family. Aunt Eleanor, in turn, became Silas's primary caretaker.

Owen and I opened a small eatery together. He was the head chef, and I managed the front of the house. Business boomed. We were busy from dawn till dusk, even hiring several assistants. We earned roughly fifty silver coins a month – enough to purchase ten girls like my former self.

One day, I overheard some patrons discussing the latest news.

"I hear a grand victory has been won in the Northern Reaches," one said. "The Grand Army is due to return to the capital any day now."

"Don't just listen to rumors," another scoffed. "My son sent word. They'll be back in two days!"

I listened intently. A victory in the North? Ethan had gone North. I wondered if he was even still alive.

At another table, a group of young men, clearly of noble birth, were also speaking.

"Is Duke Consort Maxwell returning as well?" one asked.

"Indeed," another replied. "Word is he married some common general's daughter."

"Not just married," a third interjected, "I hear she's already borne him a child!"

"Someone actually dared to marry that harridan, Lady Isolde?"

A wave of laughter erupted from the table. "Oh, come now, do you think everyone is as discerning as we noble gentlemen? Those common soldiers, if a powerful hand reaches out, they'll cling to it like a drowning man!"

Lady Isolde, the woman they spoke of, was a renowned warrior, a lady general whose prowess rivaled any man's. I wondered who had been fortunate enough to catch her eye.