Reinforcement

Selma Payne's POV:

"When the water is clear, there will be no fish. We can pretend we don't see things that don't matter, but we must have a sense of propriety in everything. Tens of thousands of people are looking forward to a new home. As the leader they trust, we must not disappoint them.

"From my selfish point of view, I don't want my hard work destroyed by parasites that reap without sowing. This is the first major task I've handled since I was crowned. Its success or failure will directly affect my trust and prestige among the people. If anyone dares to challenge my authority, I won't let him live the rest of his life in peace. Do you understand?"

I was rarely so strict with the girls, and they were terrified and helpless.