Chapter 111. Village Campaign

ARDEN

The sun was high, casting golden light across the roofs of a northern village nestled at the base of the mountains.

We had been moving from village to village for days now, and today was no different. With a bundle of flyers clutched in one hand and a scarf pulled tightly around my neck, I stood beside Cade in the central square, handing out pamphlets that bore his name and platform.

Some took them without a word. Others glanced once at the names and shoved them into their coat pockets without so much as a nod. A few gave cold stares—suspicion painted across their faces.

Most of them were guarded and wary.

And I couldn’t blame them.

The people on the borders of the North had been overlooked for too long. Promises made by candidates never came to fruition. Hands were shaken only when votes were needed. And so, naturally, when Cade stepped forward and offered his hand, they didn’t reach back.

Still, Cade stood calmly before them. He met