Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
That was what my work depended on right now.
I was putty in the hands of Marquess Talwick, Marquess Druvsa, Countess Townwood, Count Barman, and Viscountess Evsea. They were the five major noble houses who’d assisted the empire and had suffered great losses under the rule of the previous duke, and thus the ones I was relying on to support me.
Kalon had kept his promise. They’d all attended today and listened dutifully as I’d presented my policy, but that didn’t mean it would be a walk in the park.
There was no guarantee they’d accept my work.
All five were talented, intelligent people who would undoubtedly scrutinise every last bit of my plan. Even those who had no idea about the societal structure here would know they’re the leading nobles in Stein merely based on how they carried themselves. They each held an indisputable air of honour, from the suave gentlemen that were Marquess Talwick and Druvsa to the elegant poise of the elderly Countess Townwood. Count Barman and Viscountess Evsea were closer in age to Kalon, but that didn’t mean they were any less intimidating.
If she didn’t scare me a little, I thought it might be nice to be friends with the viscountess.
After all, I was alone here.
“I need some fresh air,” I said, getting up. “I’m just going to fret if I stay here. Bella, let’s go to the garden.”
“Of course, my lady.”
We left Annie and Lydia behind to clean my room and headed out of the East Wing. The ground floor here had direct access to the central garden that was sheltered from the cool wind that was sweeping down from the mountains. Although the sun was shining daily and most of the snow on the ground had melted, it was still colder than in the capital.
I didn’t mind.
I hated hot weather.
The gentle warmth of the sun tickled over my skin, and I let out a weighty sigh. I’d been terrified of standing up in front of the council and explaining it to them, and I couldn’t imagine doing it without my experience as a lawyer in my past life.
I was used to presenting things to judgemental people.
But this really was nerve-wracking. After all, it was my first-time meeting with the heads of Stein’s noble houses. It was imperative I made a good impression on them—even if I wasn’t going to marry Kalon, I didn’t want anyone to think he couldn’t pick a suitable wife.
So, I would be a capable fiancée until he met Lillia and my future became clearer, whichever form it would take.
“You did well.”
I screamed and grabbed onto Bella, almost tripping over her feet as I did so.
“Sir Hayes!” Bella gasped, gripping onto me just as tightly as I was her. “What are you doing?”
I flattened my hand to my chest. My heart thundered against my ribs, and it took me a solid minute to register his face as my adrenaline subsided.
“You cannot pop out of nowhere!” I said, glaring at him. “Where did you come from?”
“The meeting room. I’m sorry for startling you both.” He fought back a smile. “I thought you’d heard my footsteps, my lady.”
I released Bella’s arm and brushed off my skirt. “Well, you thought wrong. I almost died again there.”
“Died again?”
Bugger it.
What a slip of the tongue.
“I almost died once not long ago, so this is my second brush with death. They say the third time’s a charm, but I’d rather not put that theory to the test, if you don’t mind. Please announce yourself next time if you’re going to go creeping about the gardens.” I cleared my throat. “Aren’t you supposed to be with the Grand Duke?”
“His Highness is speaking with the other nobles and sent me away. I’m to go and rescue him in ten minutes.” He smiled brightly.
Ah.
That was smart.
“That’s a nifty little trick he has there,” I replied.
“Hayes, are you bothering Her Ladyship?”
Sir Hayes looked over my shoulder and suppressed a groan. “Hello, Father. What brings you out here?”
I turned to look at the older man with a short silver beard—Marquess Talwick, Hayes’ father. Also known as my number one hope for my policy.
Also also known as a hot older gentleman.
Although I wasn’t going to voice the latter part out loud.
“I wished to speak with our land’s future Grand Duchess.” He turned his blue eyes to me and smiled warmly, bowing his head. “Lady Alicia, forgive me for disturbing you on your walk.”
“Marquess Talwick.” I returned his smile. “Your presence isn’t a disturbance in the slightest. Would you like to join me?”
“Very much so, thank you.” He fell into step beside me, and Sir Hayes and Bella kept one pace behind us. “I was very impressed by your presentation of the relief fund policy today. It’s something that Stein has desperately needed for a great many years, and for you to champion it so soon after arriving is impressive.”