Page 123 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“While it’s true that a marriage between myself and Alicia has great political benefit, I would never seek to marry a woman I do not love. I must ask you to refrain from speculating about the circumstances of our engagement, unless you wish to have your lips sewn shut.”
Ouch.
At least he’d moved on from slicing out tongues.
It was nice to have some variety to your threats.
“I—I apologise, Your Highness. Lady Alicia.” He bowed his head to us. “It was impudent of me to assume I know of your relationship.”
Was it my turn? Goodie.
“Count Harver, I hear you’re in negotiations with Viscountess Evsea of Stein to distribute their wine through your restaurants,” I said, circling Kalon’s arm with both of my hands and leaning into his side.
Count Harver blinked at me. “Y—yes, I am, my lady. I wasn’t aware you were familiar with such things.”
“Well, I am to be the Grand Duchess of Stein, so it’s only proper that I’m aware of things happening within the grand duchy, don’t you think?” I smiled warmly. “I also happen to be acquainted with Viscountess Evsea through my aid policy, and we were actually able to share a bottle of her finest wine with His Majesty last night thanks to her kindness.”
“Indeed.” He cleared his throat. “Evsea wine may be the greatest on the continent. The viscountess is an impressive woman, having become the head of her house at a relatively young age.”
“She certainly is. She’s quite formidable, not to mention extremely loyal to Stein and the Grand Duke.”
“A fine trait for any noble, my lady.”
“I’m glad we agree.” I looked up at Kalon. “We should greet my father. I see him looking at us.”
Actually, I had no idea where he was. I just needed to end this conversation.
“Of course, darling.” He touched his hand to mine. “Excuse us, Count Harver.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Oh.” I stopped alongside the count and laid my hand on his shoulder, leaning in. “A word of advice, my lord.”
Count Harver froze.
“You should remind the countess to be mindful of the things she says in public,” I said in a low voice. “She would do well to refrain from speaking vitriol where the subject of her conversation can hear.”
“I’m afraid I don’t—”
I tightened my hold on him, and he winced. “It would be a great shame if your business deal with Viscountess Evsea collapsed because she found out your wife was speaking ill of her liege, don’t you think?”
He ground his teeth together. “Is that a threat, Lady Alicia?”
“No.” I laughed hollowly. “I don’t make threats, Count Harver. I make promises.”
His fist clenched at his side. “I understand.”
“I’m glad we’re on the same page.” I released his shoulder. “Please extend our congratulations to your son and Lady Hendwin on the occasion of their engagement.”
With a bow of his head, he said, “They will be honoured.”
“Let’s go.” Kalon guided me away from him and towards a servant with a drinks tray. He passed me one before taking a glass of his own. “Is that what you meant when you said this was your battlefield? Threatening his business deal? How did you even know about that?”
“People like Count Harver value one thing above all else: money. People are surprisingly easy to control once you know their weak spot.” I sipped the champagne. “That deal would be huge for him as no public restaurants openly sell the Evsea wine. And I found out because she told me about it herself. One of the mages accompanying us works closely with her to regulate her greenhouses, so she sent him along with a note for me asking if I would check him out for her.”
“Ha. I expect nothing less from Elena. Are you going to tell her?”
“Of course. I haven’t even met her in person, and I already know I like her more than the entirety of House Harver. I can’t possibly allow her to go into business with someone like him.”
