There was no way of knowing whether Bolton’s pledge was true or not, but he decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. It had been the Sistermen who had begun the issue by attacking White Harbor’s merchant’s, after all.

“As you should,” Harlon said. He had considered holding an audience between the northerners and the Valemen so that terms could be drafted and peace could be had at last, but that Sunderland girl had made matters worse by humiliating his vassal. And, despite whispers of Bolton’s cruelty, the man was within his right to seek reparations from his losses. “Be assured that you shall have the Crown’s leave to handle this issue as you see fit.”