17-26 (Patreon)

I think some readers were expecting Ana to be more hang-dog and tormented in her new role, but Cutter wouldn't have chosen her if he hadn't recognised the capacity in her to HATE. It's always been there. It drove her to pursue pymary for the sake of violent enforcement, even if she was only ever mediocre at it. Now she has power to make herself known, and she's screeching her name in one long syllable, like a newborn.Not entirely sane and not entirely present - who could be in this situation - but not anyone's captive, either. We'll have to see how this works out for her.We'll do some politicking next week though. Cresce's elites have just about reached their breaking point. There are too many disasters on too many fronts. The Queen needs to do something reassuring or the nobles are gonna balk.