Inside the main hall, the man seated at the head of the table frowned.
Gian Whitestrake—Fiona's cousin—oversaw most of the family's operations outside the kingdom, and even beyond the empire's borders. He was a man unafraid to commit high treason if it meant more wealth.
"Report from the eastern shipment?" he asked irritably.
"No issues, my lord," someone replied. "Although there were rumors of interference in the Cold Iron District."
"The Cold Iron District? Isn't Fiona in charge of that area?" Gian asked, idly swirling the wine in his glass.
"I'm not surprised she's having issues," another noble said. This was Carisle Whitestrake, who worked directly in the king's ministry to help conceal the family's corruption. "She was never fit to be a Whitestrake."
"That child doesn't even take her studies seriously."
