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)
I was not ready.
I was overwhelmed.
My father had been right when he’d told my stepmother that I’d applied myself to my studies as a child, but I wasn’t quite prepared for the level of responsibility that I would assume as a grand duchess.
Not that I had any intention of taking that title, of course, but the point remained that I had to play along and learn it all anyway.
Honestly, I should have just become the future Empress with everything I would be expected to do in Stein.
But as I sat in the carriage on the way to the magic circle with Bella and Annie, having bade farewell to my family and the only home I’d ever known, it hit me.
All this fussing over future responsibilities was a chance.
A chance to buy the time I desperately needed to end this engagement before things went too far.
In the end, Kalon would fall in love with Lillia at first sight at the autumn ball this year. All I had to do was hold off the marriage until then, a little over six months’ time. Then, I would have no divorce to my name, and Kalon would be the one responsible for breaking off the engagement, not me.
I would be able to claim some compensation from him for it, and more importantly, I wouldn’t have to die.
For that to happen, I needed two things. I needed Kalon to believe that I wanted to delay our marriage for six-ish months until I had sufficiently learnt my role, and I needed to not attend the autumn ball.
After all, if I never crossed paths with Lillia de Armand, I could never be accused of poisoning her, and my life would be safe.
Getting out of attending the ball would be difficult, but perhaps I could fake illness.
Fortunately, that was a problem for future Allie.
Future Allie was going to hate past Allie for that.
“My lady, we’re approaching the magic circle,” Bella said, peeking out of the window. “Would you like to rest before we proceed?”
I shook my head. “We’ll have some time while the mages work, won’t we?”
“Yes. I believe one of the mages will be coming to greet you.”
“Then that’s fine.” I clasped my hands in my lap, turning my attention to the vibrant green forest outside. “Will they tell us how close to the castle we’ll be when we travel through the circle?”
“I believe so, but the arrival destination has been kept secret for your safety, my lady.”
I sighed. “Are you both sure about this? Bella, I know you have a cousin in Stein, but that’s not the case for you, Annie.” I looked at my young maid. “Your family are in the capital, aren’t they? This may be your last chance to turn back.”
Annie shook her head vehemently, and a strand of her deep red hair fell loose from her bun. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than follow you to Stein, my lady.”
“Are you sure?”
“If I may speak frankly, my lady,” she said quietly. “My father is a drunk who takes my earnings for his gambling debts and has ever since he forced me into work at the age of twelve. If I’m in Stein, at least, he can no longer steal my hard-earned money from me. Moving there with you is a chance for me to break free of him and start again.”
My heart squeezed.
I had to protect this sweet girl at all costs.
“Very well,” I said, looking over at her. “When we reach Stein, I will ensure he can never exploit you again.”
“I cannot—”
“It looks as though we’ve arrived at the circle site.” I shuffled across the seat and peered out of the window. “Annie, please go and seek information from the mages travelling with us. Ensure that they’ve eaten before activating the circle.”
Her spine straightened. “Yes, my lady. Of course.”
She scuttled out of the carriage, pausing only to shut the door behind her.
I smiled.
Bella raised her hand and coughed behind her sleeve. “You’re quite soft on her.”
“Am I?” I couldn’t stop the curving of my lips. “She’s a sweet girl, but she’s new to her position. I don’t know what the situation will be when we arrive at Stein Castle, and I don’t want her to face any hardships because of that. You’ve been my maid for years so your position will be secure, but Annie doesn’t have that sort of security.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, my lady.”
“If I’m to establish any authority, I must make it clear that my maids are not to be looked down upon.” I met her warm gaze. “The two of you are leaving your homes to come with me. The least I can do is make sure your transition will be as easy as possible.”
“My lady!” Annie’s face appeared in the window of the carriage door. “This is so cool! You must come and see this!”