A quiet calm had finally wrapped around the empire after so many hard years, giving the family space to breathe and grow stronger together. Nora looked out over the busy courtyard one bright morning and felt hope rise. "This peace lets us build real," she said. "Lily, your leadership grows every day. Show me how you handle the trade agreements."
Lily sat at the table with papers spread out. "Agreements favor fair shares, Mom. Mentoring with you builds my confidence. The children take responsibilities serious now. Max learns combat from Blake and Drew. It fits his strengths."
Max walked in from the fields, wiping sweat from his brow. "Strengths build daily. Mom, Nora mentors Lily perfect in leadership. Blake, what combat drill today? Drew, strategy talk after?"
Blake entered with a confi
