Chapter 14

 “The general rumors are currently in your favor, girl.” Rig lounged in the chair across from me, cutting into an apple while he spoke. “The idiot prince tried to tell too many people you were clumsy and blaming you for his faults at dancing, only to have you show him up. They feel that you’ve become very accomplished, and perhaps aren’t appreciated enough.” 

I grinned, taking a slice of apple from it and eating it, ignoring the conflicted stare from Hallers at my breaking protocol. “Good. While we’re still building the business and getting the Duchy in a stronger position, I’ll have to maintain a fairly good reputation.”

Of course, in a couple of years, I’ll be considered worthless in the eyes of the nobility. I’ll have to make sure to distance myself from the public face of both the business and the duchy before then.

I didn’t voice