YVONNE
Lady Morella, the senior among them, spoke first, voice honeyed. "Your Majesty, we wished to discuss increasing charitable donations to the Sisters of Saint Eulalia. The convent cares for orphans and the sick. A larger contribution from the crown would be most generous."
I nodded slowly, tapping a finger on the table. "Generous, yes. But tell me what exactly do they need? Gold for prayers, or grain for empty bellies? Medicine? Warm blankets for winter?"
The women exchanged glances. Lady Morella smiled tightly. "All of the above, of course."
"Gold is easy," I said. "But if we give them land, a small plot near the river for growing their own food, they become self-sufficient. Less burden on the crown, more dignity for the sisters. Wouldn't that be better?"
A younger baroness blinked. "Land… for nuns? That is… unconventional, Your Majesty."
I smiled. "Unconventional keeps people alive but stagnation does not."
