*Vanessa POV*
I was packing what little belongings I had, it was clear there was no reason for me to stay, when the horns were blown. That signal was only given when Erik called an emergency meeting.
I told myself that I should not go, that he would not want me there. But in the end, my curiosity won.
I arrived in the main hall amongst a crowd of people. In a meeting like this, it was not only Erik’s war council but also the elite of his generals and soldiers, weapon crafters, spies, and scouts.
And then there was me, classified as ‘invested nobility’, even though my lands were no longer inhabited and I had no wealth to speak of.
I felt judging eyes of suspicion and contempt on me when I entered the room. I reminded myself that I would be gone soon, then none of this would matter.
I focused my attention on Erik who had risen from his seat to speak.
