So I'm giving you two today, one's really short and the other is longer.
PS. Went to see Three Musketeers...
it was okay, don't expect anything thought provoking. It was pretty much just entertaining. I did like some of the fight scenes they seemed fairly realistic. But mostly it was just crazy.
Yup... It was okay. Now my story, I really hope you like it. I really need to plot it out real fast before I give you too much more, I've kind of reached the point where I have a general idea of what I need to do next but not really... It's a work in progress. I think I'll map it out better tonight for ya.
Anyway, Enjoy.
Princess Rivalee (Parts 11 and 12)
The treasury accounts were a mess and nearly impossible to sort through. Riva spent hours pouring over them, making calculation after calculation in her head. Nothing added up! The accounts would say one thing, when the actual hard cash would say another. Riva was determined to beat this. She had given her life to studies and she wasn’t about to let simple accounts get the better of her.
One thing was for sure, the Palace had borrowed from several merchants to continue manufacturing weapons and they wanted payment soon. They had made that clear enough to her.
Riva enlisted Ergil’s help for the spy matter. If there was someone in the Palace that was acting suspiciously she wanted to know. Everything he heard, she heard. He encouraged several of servants to listen in on conversations and “clean” rooms regularly. It took time because rumors were generally just that, rumors.
As time went by, she got some absolutely tickling information: affairs, hoarding food, smuggling, several different kinds of stealing, breaking contracts and promises, dirty judges, lots of bribes etc... etc... But no spies.
She could still use the information though, but she would need hard evidence. No one would believe the word of a servant against the word of a member of the Council.
Riva sat back contemplating the best procedure to take. It would differ with each case, she knew the members well enough now to know how they would react. She’d been watching them very closely and while that was useful, it wouldn’t be enough. She needed allies and she would get them with whatever means necessary.
*****
Riva was able to establish a routine. Her morning began with conditioning and basic exercises, she did what she could within her study. She’d decided keep sleeping in her study; it was secure and private. Any documents she didn’t want others getting their hands on, she kept in here. Her progress in magic was also kept a secret, done in the seclusion of the spelled walls.
After getting into a good sweat, Riva would bathe, eat and prepare for the day. Maids would dress her and fix her hair, while she scanned reports. She couldn’t afford to have a spare moment to herself. When she had first started training, the small amount of sleep had been difficult to function on. Now she had adjusted and the hours that would’ve been lost to sleep could be put to much better uses.
There were so many things to manage: population, employment, food production, trade and commerce, crime, law and natural disasters, education, military needs and the position of the enemy, housing, health, entertainment ... there was always some problem somewhere that needed attention.
She had taken to keeping a clerk with her at almost all hours of the day, he or she could write down thoughts or orders she had and take them to the appropriate parties. Then she set up a second small study where she could work in the open and others could find her.
Kadric strode into her open-study. “I have a present for you.” he said, taking a seat.
Riva looked up once and smiled, always happy to see her mentor. “Really? Does it happen to be a ten, thousand gold pieces? Cause I could really use it right about now.”
“Unfortunately not, my Princess. I bring you, Lloyd of Gereth. He’s the son of the late Harol of Gareth.” Kadric motioned for a young man of about Riva’s age into the study.
Riva paused in her flurry of paper. Gereth was a fairly new region and the family name was not as respected as the older noble names. She stood, examining the young man carefully. He wasn’t as tall as Glen- Riva sighed inwardly. Will I never be able to compare men to someone other than Glen?
Looking again, she tried to keep a partial mind. He was thin and lanky, with an angular face. His black hair that was swept back and tied neatly, but it made him look like a stork. At a first glance no one, would believe he was capable of carrying on his father’s household, but his eyes told a different story. They were dark and firm, a glint of fire that assured her he was capable of whatever task assigned.
Riva held out a hand and as was custom, he bent and kissed it. “I’m sorry to hear about your father. He was a steady and loyal man.” Even if he couldn’t manage his financials.
Gereth bowed his head to thank her for honoring his father. “He was indeed one to rely on his heart. Thank you, your Majesty.”
Kadric interrupted ignoring the social procedures. “Lloyd, here, came to take his place on the Council. I assured him you would welcome him.”
Riva nodded graciously. “Of course, I must say I’m impressed at your dedication to the realm. Your father only died a few weeks ago and rarely appeared at the Council.”
Gareth nodded, “My father did not see the importance of involving himself with the decisions of the King. He was concerned about his own people and focused his efforts to them. However with our land so close to the border, I was hoping to sway the Council to aid us.” His eyes flashed to Riva’s inquiring, but not pleading.
Riva smiled charmingly at him, it was the smile she pulled out for all diplomatic situations. “I’m afraid I can’t promise you anything, but you are welcome to join us.”
“I understand.” His expression was blank and controlled.
They chatted for little while longer about the weather and travel conditions until Gareth excused himself.
Riva turned to Kadric, eyebrows up. “How is he a present?”
Kadric’s grin widened. “I have reason to suspect that our friend Lloyd has acquired some very interesting documents. Documents that perhaps a princess in your position could use.”
“Spit it out, Kadric. You know I don’t like playing games with you. You barely even try to conceal your emotions. It’s infuriating seeing you bursting with excitement and only knowing enough that the answer is just beyond my reach.” Kadric loved teasing her and would lead her on for hours with hints and insinuations.
“He may have the evidence you need to get your spy. He asked me to introduce him.” Kadric looked down at his nails. He wasn’t going to say any more without a push.
He’s like a child with a sweet who purposely waits to eat it in front of you.
Riva sighed and massaged her forehead. “Is he going to give me this evidence?”
Kadric gave her a look. “Please Princess, surely you know you can’t get something for nothing.”
He was right. Gareth wanted troops to protect his people and Alsteare didn’t have any to spare. “Kadric, you’ve just placed another problem I need to deal with on me. How is this a present?”
“Use him. I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Princess. You are my pupil, after all.” With that he stood and strode smugly out of the room.
Someday I might forget myself and set him on fire. The image brought a smirk to her face. I hope by then I’ve learned enough to beat him. She picked up a quill and started writing notes. Maybe now is a good time to make my move.
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