Chapter 5: Trouble In The Western Provinces
Smiling, I made way towards my seat beside Reagan. I could feel eyes on me the entire time. I didn't appreciate unnecessary attention on me but as at this time, it was worth it because I was making a statement. I wouldn't be living under anyone's rule. I've been doing that for the past twenty years of my life and it was time I forged my own path.
Marina eyed me with disdain as I lowered myself to my seat beside Reagan. I offered a small smile in return which seemed to grate on her nerves but she couldn't do anything about it because of the assembly going on, I do have a feeling we were going to be having a discussion about it later.
"What are you doing?"
I turned only to find Reagan gazing down at me with narrowed eyes. "Attending the morning assembly my lord."
"I'm not_" Reagan hissed out before he noticed his voice getting louder, "I'm not asking what you are doing here, I'm asking what you plan on doing?"
I stared back up at him with a look of mock innocence. "I have no idea what you mean my lord."
Reagan looked like he was about to say more but he didn't get the chance because one of the people we were going to be attending to immediately entered. Reagan gave me a look that says this wasn't over but I just smiled at him sweetly before I turned in my seat just as a nobleman, Lord Cromwell rose up to speak.
"As stated earlier," Lord Cromwell started, "We have begun a new month and things still haven't been improving in the western provinces. The farmers are struggling, trade routes remain unsafe and the people are going restless. It doesn't help taxes are being increased every months despite their hardships. If we don't intervene, I fear the unrest will escalate into rebellion." His voice was steady but carried a thread of frustration. He looked at Reagan with an expectant look in his eyes but it was Marina who spoke.
"The rebellion isn't anything new." She drawled, inspecting her nails as if she was bored with the matter. "Besides, there isn't much that can be done about the tax issue or the growing unrest in the provinces. They like to complain about something all the time. It's what peasants do, they complain, they rebel and then they fall in line again once we remind them who holds the power."