Kelsey POV

Two days passed after the guards dragged Dylan down into the cellars.

The common villagers came up to the courtyard every morning to drop off small gifts for me.

Some brought fresh eggs from their farms, others brought sweet berries from the wood line, and one old weaver made me a soft woolen scarf to keep my neck warm against the cold wind.

Elder Vane came to see me in the main study every afternoon. He brought the daily reports, stood by the wooden desk, and bowed his head respectfully before speaking.

Whenever I used Theodore’s gold ring to sign off on the food supplies, no one questioned...