Building an institution turned out to be harder than governing territories.
I returned to the estate after two months in Blackwood to find it had become something I barely recognized. What had been a family home was now a bustling headquarters with staff I'd never met, offices in every available room, and a constant stream of visitors seeking guidance, support, or just my attention.
"When did this happen?" I asked Maya, staring at the organized chaos.
"Gradually, then all at once." She gestured to the transformation. "Territories implementing reform needed support. People started showing up asking questions. Catherine started coordinating responses. Then Morgan formalized it. Now we have... this."
"This" was apparently thirty-two full-time staff members, twelve departments, and a waiti
