Securing a Budget

A fortunate perk about being married to someone who doesn’t care about you is autonomy. There is freedom within indifference, and I can do as I please since Duke Aleos doesn’t expect much of me. When he and Laveda were first married, they at least put on the charade of a united couple. They’d eat meals and frequently have tea together, for appearances. They would take occasional strolls in the gardens, arm in arm, usually in silence. Sometimes they would even read in the same space. But since Laveda publicly professed her affection for the prince, they no longer attempt to feign unison. Instead, they avoid each other like a plague; and that suits me just fine.

However, in order to proceed with any plan, I need funds. Oh, poor, foolish Laveda, she used up her personal wealth in foolish attempts to buy the prince’s affection. It didn’t work, but now I’m broke and have to resort to asking…or begging Duke Aleos. I’ve taken stock of the items Laveda has in her possession, and if I sell any more dresses and jewelry, I’d be no better than a pauper. If I’m going to watch the world burn, I want to at least look fabulous. I’ve even already picked out my destruction-watching outfit; it’s red and spectacular. Apparently, it was the dress Laveda poured her last remaining resources into as a swan-song styled attempt to seduce the prince. Poor, poor Laveda. There was never any room in that man’s heart for you, no matter how extravagant your clothes.

Now I’m off to see the Duke about some funds. I’ve thought long and hard about what I have to offer in return, and to be frank, I have nothing. I’m confident that he won’t kill me yet, as I haven’t betrayed him like Laveda did, so all I can do is ask and hope.

Knock knock, the imposingly large door’s iron knocker echoes into the hall. I take a deep breath when the duke’s deep voice commands.

“Enter.”

His attendant opens the door for me, and I approach his desk, stopping a few feet in front of it. He keeps me waiting as he continues to work, knowing full well I’m standing in front of him. Although tempted, I refrain from clearing my throat. Even though I did nothing wrong, Laveda has caused devastation to his reputation. I simply watch him work, and although his face is obscured, I can tell how striking he is. Sharp features, broad shoulders, and impeccible posture. His eyes glance up at me, no doubt sensing my sight lingering on him, but I don’t look away. Focusing on his piercing hazel eyes peering from between his furrowed brow and dark circles, even veiled by shadow, they penetrate through me. The portraits I saw of him don’t quite capture the depth of those eyes.

“Duchess?”

His chastising tone breaks my thoughts free, and I refocus.

“Your Grace,”

I curtsey as he waits impatiently for me to get to the point. But now that his face is in full focus, I can’t help but notice how worn and gaunt he looks. Perhaps this is the beginning of the sickness that leads to his death in the end…No matter, it’s not like I’m here to save anyone. His eyes narrow as I am lost in a bit of thought, so I quickly oblige.

“I understand if my presence is unwelcome, but I ask you to hear me out until the end.”

I tilt my head as I wait for acknowledgement. He nods and I come out with it.

“I know nothing I could say would bridge the gap between us, so I will not waste your time. You will no longer have to suffer my unbecoming ‘behavior’ towards the prince. Whether or not you believe me, I have seen the error of my ways and regret many of my past actions.”

I stop only to take a breath, but note his menacing glare. He doesn’t seem swayed, however, at the moment I’m more concerned with how convincing I am at speaking like Laveda—or any noble woman for that matter.

“Next, I would like to make a request, but I will state that what I have just said is a separate matter altogether and not conditional on your response. I humbly request additional funds,” he scoffs loudly, but I finish. “To be allotted to me.”

His still-narrowed eyes linger, sizing me up, but I don’t waver my gaze. Finally, he curtly comments, “If you are that desperate for money, why not sell that gaudy ruby-studded gown you commissioned? A frock like that is worth more than my estate in the capital.”

My brow raises unintentionally. Was it worth that much? I didn’t even think to assume all those red gems were real. I see his scowl transform into curiosity as my expression changes; it isn’t until I see my reflection in the window behind him that I realize that I’m smiling quite sinisterly. I bow my face, trying to hide my smirk.

“I already have plans for that dress, Your Grace.”

I can hear the exasperation in his sigh, “How much do you require?”

Taking a deep breath, I answer, “One hundred thousand goze.”

His eyes slowly close and then open with a newfound ferocity, but he refrains from reacting. Half expecting him to ask what I will use it on, I think of my practiced replies, but he doesn’t inquire. Instead, he continues to size me up. “And what would I receive in return for this generous sum?”

“What do you want?” I ask plainly.

“What I want, Duchess, is for you to meet the minimal requirements of your status. While I never expected you to excel in the rank of Duchess, I had assumptions of you being able to manage something befitting the position.”

It was clear from his flared temper that this had been festering for a while. To be honest, I wasn’t confident in my ability to properly manage all the responsibilities required of a Duchess…but would it even matter in the end? I mean to “watch their world burn down” and disappear in the confusion, but by the time I’m done, this story might be in total chaos. Does it even have the capability of change or growth? I don’t know how it’s going to pan out…so why should I bother learning how to be a proper duchess? But I suppose I should seem like I’m making an attempt.

“You are right, Your Grace. While it may sound audacious, I ask that you grant some leniency while I learn how to take responsibility. I will work to the best of my ability. Is that all you want from me?”

The gears and cogs in his head whirl about as he stares at me quietly standing before him. After a loud, frustrated sigh, he pulls out his promissory note pad and begins writing on it. Tearing it free, he practically throws it in my direction as his attention falls back into his work.

“No, that will suffice.”

Quickly, I take the note, bow, and leave. That went better than I thought, and the duke seemed mostly sane, for now. I wasn’t really sure how this was going to pan out, seeing as he should be progressively succumbing to a growing madness. I’m glad that I caught him either on a good day, or before he falls into an even deeper madness. Now that I’ve secured what I need, I will have to make sure we don’t meet again. If Laveda’s presence alone is enough to fuel that much anger, it will be a hundred times worse in the future.

One hundred thousand goze is quite the sum, but for the finale I desire I’ll need so much more. My mind is going a mile a minute as I hurry back to my quarters. After sending away my attendants, I pull my journal from its hidden spot; this I call “Untitled Script”. Why such a lame title? I didn’t want it to sound appealing to anyone who might stumble upon it. All the events that happen in Seren’s and Eligius’s favor are recorded in as much detail as I can recall. Along with each of their “accomplishments”, I’ve added notes on how I can attempt to undermine them. Some are small schemes easily changed by simple misdirection, but there are those that require resources and time. Luckily for me, there are several re-directable plot points that will be substantial sources of income.

With my eyes closed, I flip to a random page and read it. Ahh yes, I remember this. When the leads discover a valuable resource after Eligius saves Seren from a band of brigands. The resource is a rare metal mine that helps solidify his place as the crown prince and makes the royal family that much wealthier. Lady Seren’s kidnapping is basically a plot device for them finding the vein, and Eligius uses that find to help his bid for the role of succession. But what if they don’t discover it at all—instead, should I not secretly claim the choice finds for myself? With the mine in my grasp, I would have ongoing financial security, but more satisfyingly, it’d be one less thing that makes Eligius stand out, thus delaying his appointment as crown prince. Yes, this is how I will invest the funds Duke Aleos has just provided.

Most everything in my journal is possible with the profits I’ll receive from the mine, but I can’t be associated with any of these schemes; not, at least, until after it is all done. So before I shake things up, I need a few proxies so I can work in the shadows. They will shine as the faces of future accomplishments and success. I would like at least two, so there’s no growing suspicion how a single person can happen upon so much “luck”. These agents must already be established in society, have a good reputation, some wealth, and must be of common origin. Then I also need less reputable envoys to work behind the scenes; people whose faces will never be known to the public eye. They will do the dirty work, and will most likely be unsavory characters themselves; however, they will be properly compensated thanks to Aleos’s generous donation. Thankfully, I have the perfect candidates in mind; they just don’t know it yet.