Ashlynn watched the people in the room grappling with what Ignatious had just told them.
She and Nyrielle had argued about whether or not they should reveal what Ignatious had just shared. Nyrielle felt that it was unnecessary. They didn't require understanding from the lesser lords of the realm, only obedience, and shaking the foundations of a person's understanding of the world could have unpredictable results.
But Ashlynn wanted more than obedience. She wanted loyalty from her vassals. There were times when a ruler needed to hold secrets back, relying on the trust they'd cultivated with their vassals over the years to carry them through when they couldn't explain their reasons… But the foundation of their empire couldn't rest on secrets. Hidden histories, distorted narratives and manipulated faith were all tools of the Kingdom and the Church, and she'd seen all too clearly what those tools produced.
Their empire would be different.
It had to be.
