#Chapter 83: Tensions at the Border

Nicholas I wanted to talk to my father about the state of the people that I had seen when I had taken Piper shopping, but the King was too busy to see me for several days. When I was finally allowed audience inside of his chambers, he had his war map stretched out over the dining table. My mother was seated in one of the cushioned chairs, with Terry in the one beside hers. My father was standing, peering down at the map with his chin in his hand. Nathan allowed me into the room, then followed me back to the table, where he stood quietly behind the King. “Nicholas,” my father said. My mother nodded. Terry stared at me blankly. “Father, I’ve come to talk to you about a most pressing issue,” I said. My father sighed. “Everything is a pressing issue, it seemed. What is it that is troubling you?” “The welfare of our people. Father, they are starving and living in destitute conditions. They need more assistance than we are…” I trailed off as my father raised his hand. “We have eno