One of the men who had been part of the original theft stepped forward, head bowed against the falling snow.
"We were desperate. The children hadn't eaten properly in days. We didn't know what else to do."
Hedda met his eyes steadily. "Desperation doesn't excuse theft, but the queen understands it. Work the fields in spring. Prove you can be trusted again. That's how we move forward together."
The man swallowed hard and nodded. The villagers began carrying supplies inside, their movements lighter now. Children laughed as they helped drag smaller bundles, the sound carrying through the wind.
Harald approached Hedda quietly. "This will save us. Tell the queen thank you."
The distribution took time. Hedda stayed to make sure everything was divided fairly, speaking with several families about their needs for spring planting.
