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)
Herbs were still the most common way to treat and heal minor ailments, and such salves and medicines were open to all. The quality varied, of course, and many commoners chose to mix their own. For those who could afford it, potions filled the gap of a lot of more powerful modern-day medicines, even down to contraceptives.
I was still trying to get my head around some of it, but I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth where contraceptives were concerned.
I bet none of these involved getting stabbed in the arm or having something shoved up through your cervix.
“I suppose that’s good, although I pity those who had to clean up the mess.” I sighed and rubbed my temples. “I’m beginning to regret taking this task on.”
“Nonsense, my lady.” Bella reached over and poured me more tea. “Even if you require assistance, your kind heart is what will make this possible.”
Sir Hayes raised his eyebrows. “She’s right, Madam. This will take many weeks, if not months, to be implemented successfully. Even the emergency fund will take us some time because there’s no framework to base it on.”
“Yes, but you’ll be back at the Grand Duke’s side when he returns. Unless you’d like to change your mind and work for me instead.”
He smiled. “I swore my sword to my lord.”
“Yes, yes.” I waved a hand. “Just find me someone suitable to help me with this.”
“Now that His Highness is returning, your aide will be quickly selected.”
The sound of a horn pierced through the air, and I jumped. Bella did the same, almost knocking a candle off the desk as she did so.
“What is that?” Bella gasped, clasping her hand to her chest.
Sir Hayes stood. “The Grand Duke is approaching the city walls. I’m afraid I must leave you, my lady.”
“Very well. Thank you for your help today, Sir Hayes.”
He bowed. “You are most welcome. Are you sure you won’t join us greeting His Highness?”
“I’m sure he’ll be busy now that he’s returned,” I said, dropping my attention back to the reports in front of me. “As am I while I draw up this emergency aid for the displaced villagers.”
As soon as he’d left, Bella picked up one of the reports, rolled it, and bonked me on the shoulder with it.
“Ow! What was that for?” I glared at her, rubbing my shoulder.
I had no idea why I did that.
It was paper.
It didn’t hurt.
“He’s your fiancé. I know better than anyone how you feel about this betrothal, and I will always be on your side, my lady. That said, you must follow basic etiquette if you’re to carry out your escape successfully.”
“I’m aware that he’ll be expecting me to greet him on his return. However, I can’t be bothered.” I took her weapon from her. “So let us compromise. Deliver this to Ark for me.”
I pulled a fresh sheet of paper towards me and dipped my pen into the ink pot, then scribbled out a quick note.
Bella took it from me and frowned. “‘Ark, please tell the Grand Duke that I apologise for not greeting him, but I am trying to draw up the emergency aid plan for the refugees. I am happy to see His Highness’ safe return to the castle and will await our reunion.’” She looked at me. “Is the Grand Duke your fiancé or your butler?”
I shrugged. “Have it delivered to Ark as soon as possible.”
“I shall take it myself, lest anyone else see it and think ill of you.” With a shake of her head, she folded the sheet into four and tucked it into the pocket of her dress. “Please excuse me, my lady.”
I waved my hand for her to carry on and leave me be. Truthfully, I had no intention of greeting Kalon on his return from the expedition, and that would be the case even if I hadn’t taken on this task of coming up with an aid policy. This was merely a convenient excuse.
Quite frankly, I was being petty. He hadn’t greeted me or sought to delay my arrival to Stein so that he could greet me, so I was going to offer him the same treatment.
It wasn’t as if I wanted him to like me.
I didn’t even need him to care about me.
Still…
I got up from my chair and looked out of the window. The city centre was visible from where I was, and I only had to wait a moment before the parade of horses returning could be seen from my vantage point.
It was a large group, and the people on the street were all celebrating their return. They waved their arms—some held brightly coloured stretches of material they swung above their heads, and what looked like flowers were being thrown into the road in front of them.
A peculiar feeling spread across my skin as I leant against the window and traced their journey with my eyes. It was almost as though I could feel the love the people had for their lord as he returned with his honourable knights, and a wave of gratefulness washed over me.