Generous

Liandra had generous ideas of how she would spend the dragon´s horde gold to help improve the life of her subjects; she would feed the poor, protect the helpless, heal the sick... perhaps even offer global insurance, why not? Ophelia remained a frail companion at her side, but she was slowly healing with their continued intimacy.

Princess Liandra was hailed a heroine when she returned home and told her tale, people started calling her the Dragon Princess. Her friends were publicly honored for their bravery, Rodrik was even granted the title of knight.

"And on this adventure I acquired a great dragon horde, a wealth that will be used for you, Luxius! We shall feed the hungry and heal the sick... we shall all prosper, together, as one people!" the princess sent ripples of murmurs across the crowd, and she did as promised. She stockpiled grains to give bread to the hungry; she imported grains when she found out her country didn't have enough for what she wanted. The infirm came to the capital to receive free medicare, and the fame of Luxius charity spread like wildfire. Princess Liandra happiness lasted for almost two months.

Complains of rising grain prices became an almost daily occurrence. Peasants abandoned the fields to tend their elders as these received medicare in the capital, but even if they had something to eat, there weren't enough jobs for everyone. Nobles complained the farmers left the land, and that this ruined them, they didn't have enough money to pay their taxes. And there were people coming from other kingdoms to also receive free treatment, this made unemployment worse and foreign diplomats threatened war if Luxius didn't revert their policies soon. The King struggled not to make the tyrannical laws that could at least give some short term relief, all the auguries from the Gods pointed against them. The princess was miserable, but wouldn't just groan quietly. She still had a huge treasure horde.

Crime was rampant, so Liandra hired several new city guards, hoping to honor Rodrik. She loaned the coin to nobles so they could pay their taxes. She hired ships to go abroad and bring the necessary food to feed the population. She sent lavish gifts to the countries that complained. Courtiers and advisors were telling her the problems were just getting worse, but at least no one was complaining.

It was in the middle of this nightmare that Liandra received word Prince Mortimer was coming.