Part 29

"The King made his move." Rig frowned as he spoke, staring around the shop with a grim expression.

Hallers, Lia, and Marile, who had just arrived to be present for the store's grand opening, looked at each other with dismay. I leaned back in my chair, setting down the financial reports Henry had asked me to glance over and studied Rig closely.

"What happened?" My voice was cold. I clenched my fists in my lap, remembering the King's expression the day of the Queen's birthday.

"Bandits broke into the Duchy's main residence. They ransacked a few rooms, stealing a few paintings and such, but the worst of the damage was in your room." Rig's gaze was filled with anger. "The objects they stole weren't even worth much, they obviously weren't thieves."

"He sent men to kill me." It wasn't a question. I felt a moment of relief. We hadn't announced that I had left for Tilendria yet, instead reporting that I was ill and stuck in bed. It seemed that our deception had worked in my favor.

Rig nodded. "I just received word, but it happened the night I left, likely before word from the Tilendrian court reached him."

"I'm sure he knows where you are now." Marile looked worried, grabbing my hand and holding it tightly. "He's not going to be happy with your presence here."

"He never would have been happy, unless I was under his control." I muttered. Seeing all of their concerned faces, I couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. At least I have the whole team here now." I laughed lightly. "Moving all my staff, people would think I'm moving to Tilendria permanently. How silly is that?"

"..." Everyone in the room stared at me with an odd expression. From upstairs I could hear Erica shouting angrily, as her husband tried to calm her down.

Ignoring that, I went over the intelligence reports with Rig, the issues with our other store branches with Marile and the upcoming schedule and social plans with Hallers and Lia. The meeting was proceeding well, but as we moved the discussion to the Tilendrian nobility, Rig interrupted, looking uncomfortable.

"There's one more thing... A rumor is going around in the Tilenderian court."

I raised an eyebrow. "A rumor? How shocking."

Rig sighed. "They're saying that you're a thief, girl."

"A THIEF?!" Hallers burst out, enraged. "Preposterous!"

I held up a hand, and he stopped speaking. "What are they claiming I stole?" My voice was quiet.

"The dress you wore at the welcoming party." Rig shook his head. "They claimed that you could never afford it, and so you must have stolen it."

"I designed that dress for this girl myself!" Marile looked indignant. "Do they want to start a fight?! Because I'll give it to them!"

Hallers nodded in agreement with a grim smile. To my surprise even the shy and quiet Lia was cracking her knuckles as if waiting to punch someone. Seeing their protective appearance, I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing.

"Leave it for now." I answered once I caught my breath.

Marile looked unhappy. "But...?"

"The truth will be clear in just a few days." Smiling I dismissed everyone except Rig.

"Do you have something else to say?" I asked, having recognized his expression at the end of the meeting.

He sighed. "How do you catch little things like this and remain so dense in others?" Sitting down again, closer, he spoke quietly. "I worry about the origin of the rumors."

"Isn't it just Lady Rose?" I was surprised.

"She was involved, but there's someone else behind the scenes. The rumors had just a bit too much truth in them. About the financial state of the Duchy. About your past actions as a young woman." Rig looked embarrassed.

"You mean when I was a starry eyed idiot who chased the prince."

He flinched at my annoyed words. "Whoever is helping Lady Rose seems to know you well, but doesn't have very current information. They obviously don't know about some of the financial reforms in the duchy, or your thriving business."

"Hmm..." A few suspicions flashed through my mind, but I put them aside. "Thank you for letting me know."

Rig started to move, but I waved him back to his seat. "We need to have a plan for the future. Otherwise we'll die at the King's hand."

He stared at me, obviously shocked by my cold tone. "What's the plan?"

I silently started writing a list for him, and as he read it his face turned pale. "Lenora... this...?"

"I know what I'm asking for, Rig. Can you get it?"

He shook his head slowly, but it wasn't a denial. "If we do this... we can't go back."

"Only use people who are willing. Compensate them well and ensure their safety. This isn't my first choice, either. But if he pushes me too hard... " I sneered. "Then he'll regret it."

Rig smiled. "Remind me never to get on your bad side." He paused. "Speaking of... are you still mad at the young prince?"

I flinched, feeling embarrassed. "I'm not mad at Nate."

"Really? It sounds like you've been trying to avoid him since the party?" His voice was skeptical and I looked around, not wanting to meet his gaze.

"It's nothing." My voice had no strength behind it.

The truth was, since the party, I had felt very confused. The sight of Nate, a bright smile on his face that was still stained with tears as he kissed my hand was burned into my brain. My chest hurt every time I thought of it, a familiar yet foreign emotion plaguing me day and night.

I need to stay away from him. I felt terrified, down to my very core. Something deep inside me screamed that if I spent too much more time around him, I would untangle the confusion surrounding my heart at these thoughts, and know clearly what was going on.

I didn't want to know the truth.

It had taken much more effort than I expected to avoid him. The morning after the party he had tried to visit me, but I left before he could arrive. Instead, Hallers caught him. I heard rumors that the butler had lectured the prince for several hours before letting him go. I would have thought that would diminish his determination to see me, but if anything he looked for me more, causing me to spend more and more time out of the palace these past few days.

Even though my plans had been so far successful, though, I didn't feel any sense of victory or accomplishment. I felt worse than ever, the pain in my chest worse. I didn't think about him less even when I was away. Instead, he was in my thoughts more than ever before.

I didn't know what to do.

Some of my desperation must have shown on my face, because Rig's face relaxed, and he patted me on the shoulder.

"Figure these things out at your own pace, girl. But try not to be too hard on the boy, he's a good kid who's trying his best."

I nodded silently, unsure of what to say.

________________________

The days before the store's grand opening passed quickly. The rumors intensified around the nobility, growing more and more outrageous. Some said that I stole money from the royal family and that was why my previous engagement was canceled. That I had bullied my servants, casting out my personal maid because I couldn't afford her. Or that I had embezzled funds from the Duchy to fund my private affairs.

Even some of the palace maids were giving me uncomfortable looks as I walked down the hallway, with the exception of the two I scolded after having caught them talking about Nate my first night here. For some reason they staunchly supported me, claiming all the rumors were definitely nonsense.

Confused, I asked them why they were so confident, one of them simply replied with a smile and a curtsey "Milady is much too terrifying to perform a simple crime as stealing!

The other maid nodded, "Exactly! All the mistress would have to do is smile, and many would simply had out money out of fear! As for sending away servants, why would that happen? Obviously they were too faint hearted to stand at your side!"

Both of them smiled with guile, obviously happy to explain.

"..." I felt as though they were trying to compliment me, but it was simply too bizarre. I smiled uncomfortably and thanked them for their efforts.

________________________

A few days before the grand opening of Prosperity, I received a message from Erica that I was urgently needed at the store.

I took Hallers along, my mind racing as I thought about what could have possibly gone wrong. There was no answer when I knocked at the door, so I simply opened it. However, just as I was about to enter the shop, Erica rushed out and pushed me in alone, locking the door behind me.

Shocked, I looked through the small window pane in the door.

"What is going on?!" I tried to open the door, but it was blocked.

Erica grinned. "You're not coming out until you two talk!"

Two? Looking around, I saw Nate sitting in the shop.

I pounded on the door. "Hallers! Let me out!"

Hallers stepped closer, but Erica jumped him, tackling the butler to the ground. "DON'T YOU DARE WASTE ALL OUR CAREFUL PLANNING!"

Looking up from where she had placed poor Hallers in a headlock, she laughed. "You have no choice, Lenora! You have to talk about emotions!" Her laugh sounded slightly deranged.

Sighing, I stepped away from the door, sitting down at the table across from Nate.

"Did you arrange this?" My voice was neutral, but inside my heart was pounding with anxiety.

Nate shook his head slowly. "I've been stopping by every day, trying to make sure you were doing alright with all these rumors going about, but Hallers and Rig won't let me see you without you agreeing." He sighed. "Even Lia is fiercely protective of you! But today they kidnapped me, and brought me here without explanation."

I felt a sting of guilt. "I'm sorry, they were rude."

"Don't be." He smiled at me, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight. "I'm glad you're well protected, even if it's from me."

"..." I didn't know what to say. I still hadn't untangled my feelings from the party, and the longer I was near him, the more uncomfortable I felt.

"I'm sorry, Lenora." His quiet apology broke me from my thoughts.

I looked up at him, surprised that he seemed so downcast. "What do you have to apologize for?"

"I offended you the night of the party right?" He groaned, covering his face with his hands. "I don't remember all the details, but I must have been rude or inappropriate or..."

"No!" I reached out and touched his arm reassuringly, only to draw it back as touching him made me feel even more awkward. "It was nothing you did! You were a perfect gentleman, even drunk!"

I laughed, trying to reassure him, but if anything he looked even more depressed. "But then why are you avoiding me?" He thought for a few moments, and then looked up to meet my eyes. I flinched at the pain I saw there, my chest hurting. "I remember you said you didn't hate me... even after..." Nate paused, running a hand through his hair. "Did you change your mind?"

"You think I'm avoiding you because of what happened to your brother?" Panicked I shook my head back and forth. "NO! I promise that's not it!"

"Then why?" I expected him to raise his voice, but instead, the question was a broken whisper. The sound made me want to cry.

"I... I don't know." I reached out and grabbed his hand, ignoring the furious beating of my heart. "I'm sorry. It was not your fault. I'm just confused."

He tilted his head. "Confused?"

"I..." I hesitated, but continued, feeling I owed him the truth. "I've not been myself around you, I felt strange and I'm not sure why. It made me uncomfortable, so I avoided you."

I hung my head, thinking that my words would upset him.

"Really?" To my shock, his voice sounded really upbeat. I looked up, only to see his beaming expression.

"Yes?" My answer came out as a question, but he simply looked up at the ceiling, laughing for a few moments. I watched him, concerned. "Nate?"

He waved his free hand, the other still tightly clutching my own. "I'm fine. I'm just so very relieved."

He reached out, tucking a free strand of hair behind my ear. "You've been feeling anxious about this, right? Well, for now, don't worry about it too much, Lenora. Figure things out at your own pace. I'll be waiting."

With that, he stood up, knocking on the door. "We're finished talking, Erica."

"NO YOU'RE NOT!" Her shout came through the door, frustrated.

He laughed, the happy and relaxed expression on his face catching my attention, causing me to be dazed for a few moments. "Nothing good happens quickly or easily."

"FINE!" Erica unlocked the door, her glaring expression causing me to laugh. "Keep laughing, oh mighty dense master! We'll see who's laughing in the end!"

I looked at her, shaking my head slightly. "Aren't I your boss?"

She rolled her eyes. "Trust me, you need all the help you can get."

________________________

The day of the grand opening arrived.

I stood off to the side, admiring the large crowd that gathered outside the store. The street was packed with people, all chatting excitedly. Some children ran up and were peeking in the windows. Women of all ages dominated the crowd, each with a eager expression as they stared up at the closed door. Streamers waved in the wind, making the sight particular festive.

This should be a success. I smiled as I watched, feeling satisfied.

"Good crowd." Someone spoke in my ear, startling me. Looking over my shoulder, I saw it was Nate, a happy grin on his face as he stood just behind me.

I felt myself blush, and frustrated, I turned back towards the store. "Could always be better."

He laughed at my disgruntled tone. "You still have a little while before the opening, don't worry. More people will arrive."

I just nodded in response and we stood together in silence. Ever since our forced talk, we had been spending time together again. I still felt uneasy at my own complicated reactions to him, but if anything he seemed even more enthused. He held my hand constantly, bringing me around the town. He was always standing near me, saying silly things to make me smile. Every night he would bring me to the kitchens and cook a new meal, asking for my opinion. When I told him I could simply order my food from the kitchen staff, and he didn't need to bother, he frowned, pouting.

"Don't you like my food better?"

I did, and felt I couldn't argue further. Even as I worked through my own confusion, though, I felt more relaxed being near him than I ever did avoiding him. I smiled to myself and continued watching the crowd, my eyes slipping up to the nearby platform where the king and queen sat.

"Nice of your parents to show up to an event like this."

"They wanted to support you." He chuckled. "They like you."

"That's nice, royalty typically don't." I joked back, but he simply sighed loudly.

"What are you talking about? Queen Amerande loves you like a daughter."

"Yeah but..."

"And I..." He paused, his face turning bright red."I..."

"Prince Nathaniel! You shouldn't stand so close to a thief! She might pick your pockets!" A mocking voice interrupted him, and we both turned to see Lady Rose, who stood nearby with an arrogant expression.

From nearby I heard Erica's strangled scream of outrage from nearby. "HOW DARE SHE RUIN THE MOMENT?!"

I glanced over to see her hiding behind a pillar we had been standing near with a furious expression, Robert pulling her back as she cursed loudly, glaring at the noblewoman.

Nate frowned at Rose, "You shouldn't accuse people randomly."

She stepped back, her eyes filling with fake tears. "Your Highness, don't be fooled by that lying girl! She is really an embarrassment to the nobility!"

Her voice was loud and theatrical, and I smiled as I watched, curious as to the extent of her acting skills.

"Don't be foolish!" Nate snapped, his anger surprising me. "She's not an embarrassment to anyone! If anything she's an example of what you should strive to be!"

"You've been deceived!" Rose shook her head, "I've learned all about her! Her family squandered all their money, gathering huge debts!"

I smiled. "They've long since been paid off."

"She chased relentlessly after a man, trying to gain his affection!" Rose pointed at me dramatically, as if expecting a large reaction. I couldn't help it, I laughed.

"Are you accusing me of spending time with someone who was my fiancé?

"Well, you..." She hesitated, then continued with a confident expression after a moment of thought. "You were so terrible that even he broke the engagement."

"He was of loose moral character, the Queen declared her completely innocent in this matter." Nate interrupted, looking frustrated. "Now, if you don't mind..."

"Well what about her dresses?!" She pointed at my gown, frantically. "With all her debt there's no way she could afford it! She must have stolen something, or done something immoral!"

I stared at her, my amusement slowly turning to boredom. Rig was right, she's only someone else's pawn. Lady Rose might be a vicious girl, who wanted to be queen, but she was the type to attack head on, with very little thought behind it. She couldn't even be compared to Edith, who attacked from behind while wearing a perfect smile.

Thinking of Edith, I shuddered slightly, glad I had left her far behind. Hopefully now that she had gotten what she wanted, her and my path could never intersect again.

Lady Rose saw the movement, and her eyes lit up. "Look, Your Highness... She looks so guilty!"

Nate rubbed his head. "I've tried to be polite, but I've reached the end of my rope." He sighed. "You're an idiot, Lady Rose. "

Her eyes widened in shock. "What...?"

"Please refrain from speaking to me in the future." He looked away from her, as if ignoring her presence.

Stunned, Rose turned towards me, her face enraged. "THIS IS YOUR FAULT! YOU THIEF!" She launched herself at me, but I stepped to the right, avoiding her, and she fell onto the ground between us. The crowd that had gathered around our argument laughed, and her face turned bright red.

In a way, I felt slightly sorry for her. She was a terrible person, but someone else had obviously fed her lies and sent her off to do their dirty work. Not that I was inclined to help her too much. She opened her mouth again, but before she could say anything else, someone else spoke up.

"EVERYONE, it's time for the grand opening of Prosperity!" Erica stood up on the temporary stage outside the building with a smile. "We thank you for coming out to see our shop!!"

There was an excited buzz from the crowd, and Erica clapped her hands. "But before we officially open, I would like to invite the owner of the Prosperity business to come and say a few words."

The noise from the crowd grew even louder. It was common knowledge that there was a noble owner of Prosperity that had never appeared publicly. Their identity was a source of great speculation among the nobility. Part of the reason the crowd was so large for the event today was in fact because I had asked Rig to spread rumors that the owner would appear for the first time at this event.

Smiling at their excitement, I stepped forward towards the stage. I stopped, however, as someone grabbed my arm, her fingers digging into my skin.

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING, LENORA?!" Lady Rose shrieked. "I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET!"

I laughed. "Sorry, Rosey! They called for me."

Shaking off her hand, I stepped onto the stage next to Erica, and the crowd slowly silenced, shocked.

I gave a formal curtsey. "As the owner, I thank you all for coming today, and hope you enjoy our wonderful gowns and jewelry."

"..." The crowd stared, soft whispers breaking out throughout.

Suddenly the silence was broken by the Queen's laugh. "Very good, girl! How funny those rumors are! They called you a thief for wearing a nice gown?" She chuckled. "You could buy every dress in this kingdom and still have money leftover!"

I curtsied again, my silence all the affirmation needed.

"IT CAN'T BE!" Rose's belligerent scream was ignored, and I had Erica open the doors and start to serve the customers.

The rest of the event was performed without issue, Lady Rose, shocked into silence, had been brought home by her servants, and the rest of the nobility were apologetic for any distress I might have suffered.

________________________

As things were winding down, Nate and I were approached by the King and Queen who smiled brightly at me.

"Good work!" Nate's father shook my hand enthusiastically. "You have some wonderful business sense!"

I smiled back. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"I must arrange to have you talk with our advisory team, your understanding of the current economic situation would be greatly appreciated!"

His words struck me as slightly odd, and I glanced over at Nate who was wearing a polite smile. "Well, if you want someone to advise on that, you have an expert standing right next to me."

Nate's eyes widened for a moment, and he looked at me, his smile turning genuine. "Don't flatter me, I couldn't match up to you."

"Who helped me in the beginning stages of the business?" I shook my head. "I'm not saying I'm not talented." I grinned. "Because I am. But Nate is a fantastic resource."

The King frowned, obviously not expecting the conversation to turn in this direction.

The Queen spoke up. "Well I thought you did a wonderful job. Especially the way you handled Lady Rose." She sighed. "I once thought she was a nice girl, who knew she could be so underhanded. I can't believe we actually were going to let George marry her!"

At the word "George" Nate flinched slightly, his smile disappearing. I felt my chest start to hurt, anger building at his obvious discomfort.

"Honestly, I wish you two could have met... you would be perfect..."

I couldn't take it anymore, I grabbed both of the monarchs hands and pulled them away.

"WE NEED TO TALK!"

The guards stepped forward at my actions, but fortunately the Queen waved them away, allowing me to drag them to a more isolated spot away from Nate.

________________________

"What's going on?"The Queen asked

"You need to stop hurting Nate." My tone was stern as I stared them both down.

The King's frown deepened. "How dare you insinuate that we would hurt our son?"

"Really?" I laughed, a cold sound. "Have you looked at him lately? If you had maybe you would see his heart breaking at being ignored by his parents, treated as if you wished that he was the one who died instead of his brother!"

"What...?" He tried to speak up again, but I ignored him, too furious to let him speak.

"Do you know that he blames himself for George's death? That even though he has done everything you've ever asked of him and more that he thinks he's not worthy of your affection?" I stomped my feet, shoving a finger in the king's face. "Your son is a genius when it comes to political theory and economics, but refuses to show off because he doesn't think he's good enough! He's kind, generous, gives everything he has for his people, and refuses to blame you too no matter how OBTUSE and HURTFUL your words are!"

I paused, trying to catch my breath, surprised to feel tears gathering in my eyes. "He's a little too serious sometimes, and has a tendency to blame himself, but he's a good man. One of the best. And you two are so wrapped up in the son that you lost, that you don't even realizing that you're slowly killing the one you have left!!!!"

"..." The couple was silent as I finished. The only sound was my own ragged breaths as I tried to get my emotions under control.

"We didn't... I don't... we couldn't..." The king sputtered out a few times, and then fell silent, his expression thoughtful.

The Queen let out a long sigh. "We've hurt him."

"Yes." I nodded, wiping my eyes.

She sighed again. "We've been grieving for what we lost so long. " Looking over at the King she added. "We've lost sight of what we still have."

Nate's father stared silently, before reluctantly nodding his head. "Perhaps you're right."

She turned to me. "I was wrong. You and George wouldn't have been perfect together." She smiled. "Nate is fortunate to have such a wonderful person who loves him so much."

Loves.

I stepped back, feeling the blood drain from my face. "No. I- I don't..."

The Queen's expression was confused. "You don't? You seem to care about him very much, though. Why would you go so far out of your way for his happiness?"

I shook my head, taking a few more steps back. "Ex-excuse me." Turning, I walked away, my mind racing.

No. No NO. NO. The word repeated in my head over and over. I didn't, I couldn't love him! Love was hopeless. Love would betray you.

________________________

"I love him so much!" I smiled, looking over at Edith who was watching me with a serious expression. "I'm going to marry him and be the best bride ever! I've worked so hard to learn how to be a good Queen, I'll make him happy every day!"

Edith's face didn't change throughout my speech. "You really love him?"

"REALLY REALLY LOVE HIM!" I laughed, spinning around. I was a young girl, filled with hope, seeing only a bright future ahead of me.

Edith smiled slowly. "Good. That's good."

________________________

Had I suffered through the previous life for nothing? I had thought I loved Ronan more than anyone, tried my best to make him happy, and was abandoned by him immediately for someone else. My life spun out of control, my family abandoned me, and I died, starving on the streets.

Had I gone though all that just to fall in love with a different prince?!

I had thought i was safe. Even though Nate and I were close, I had even refused to call him my friend. It wasn't the first time someone had suggested that I had feelings for him, but I had always denied even the possibility. But given everything that had happened in the past few weeks, could I still say that confidently?

I thought of all the time we had spent together. When had this started? How could I have been so careless?

Maybe this is different. I felt desperate, grasping at straws. He is so kind, he treats me so well. It was different from Ronan's indifference, right? I was a different person, and so was he...

You thought the Queen cared for you too. The insidious thought wormed it's way in. Thought she would always love you. But she abandoned you.

I shook my head. This life was different. She still cared. She hadn't abandoned me!

But this time.... I'm rich, I'm more powerful. Maybe I'm just useful?

What if one day Nate turned against me? I thought of his smiling face, imagining the look of disgust Ronan had shown me that day on his face.

________________________

"BUT I LOVE YOU!"

Ronan laughed at my tears. "Does that mean I have to love you back?"

He turned away, leaving me to cry alone. "I have to return to the party and find my true fiancé. I suggest you leave quietly."

________________________

I was crying now, feeling despair. It was even worse than my pain in the last life. Back then I was shocked, I had naively thought love was a simple thing. That if I tried my best, and loved him enough, he would love me back.

But now I knew. I was never meant to be loved. A different life, a different future, but still I had idiotically followed the same path, as if nothing had changed.

I was a fool.

Should I run away?

Before I could examine that too closely, I had returned to the main street in front of the store. Nate was standing there, his eyes concerned as he looked around the surrounding area, but his posture seemed... frustrated.

His eyes fell on me, and he smiled, although the expression was strained. "LENORA! I'm glad you're safe! I was looking for you!"

He stepped closer, and I backed away unconsciously, unsure of how to face him.

"Are you okay...?" He started to ask, his hand reaching out towards me, but his arm was stopped by a slender, feminine grasp.

"Lenora." The soft voice made me shudder, as I looked up as saw the last person I wanted to see right now. I felt my chest tighten, my heart freezing in my chest as I coldly studied the girl who was grabbing Nate. Her smile was kind, but it only made me feel more trapped. "I'm so glad to see you again!"

I stared at her, wishing I was somewhere else. Anywhere else but here.

"Hello, Edith."