Anna Suarez was furious. Her son had been condemned, and she could not accept it. Years ago, she had sold him into Troy's household, believing he would have a better life than what she alone could provide. Instead, he had been beaten, exploited, and discarded.
Now, her son's life was far from better. Troy took advantage of her son's naivety.
She had difficulty obtaining an appointment with Lady Arriane, the Crown's appointed auditor. In her desperation, she tried to book a salon appointment inside the sprawling estate of the Virelanths. Seeing how determined she was, Lady Arriane gave her a chance to state her case. She made her plea with a trembling voice but with firm conviction.
"Take me instead," Anna said. "I will serve his years. I am the one who failed him. Let me carry the burden in his place."
