Recruiting an ally for the sake of surveillance is always a delicate operation. If the bond is too weak, the information becomes distorted; if it’s too strong, the risk of discovery skyrockets.
*But Randon is the perfect choice,* I thought, watching him leave.
He was desperate to regain his former status, so his sudden "assistance" to Zenon wouldn't seem entirely out of place. And Zenon, already fraying under the silent pressure of Sardin’s presence, would find Randon’s constant hovering intolerable. It was a perfect trap: Zenon would be too busy trying to dodge the former butler to act on any of his more suspicious impulses.
I leaned back on the chaise longue, a cold, satisfied smile touching my lips. *One piece moved. Now for the next.*
I needed to prepare for my exit. I couldn't move my liquid assets or the mine yet—not until the transfer was finalized and the Emperor was ready— लेकिन there was something I could do in the meantime.
*I need to start a war of public opinion.*
I intended to ruin Eric Lennon Brant’s reputation before I left. But I wouldn't do it by accusing him of an affair with Madeleine. I knew how the social world worked; without a pregnancy or a blatant, public display of affection, my accusations would be dismissed as the ravages of a jealous, "obsessive" wife.
Instead, I would play a different card. One that every noblewoman in the Empire understood in her bones: the role of the neglected wife and the victim of a tyrannical mother-in-law.
In the Schwanherd Empire, marriage was a transaction of power, a contract that often left women isolated in their husband’s households. Every duchess, marchioness, and countess had, at one point, been a daughter-in-law. They knew the sting of a husband’s indifference and the bite of a mother-in-law’s cruelty.
*And my mother-in-law has given me more than enough ammunition,* I thought.
She had hoarded the dowry my father provided, claiming "management" while leaving me with a pittance. She had refused to hand over the household ledgers or the keys to the estate, keeping the power of the Duchess for herself long after her son had come of age. In the eyes of the peerage, she was an overstepping, power-hungry widow, and Eric was the enabling son who allowed his wife to be humiliated.
*It’s time to set the spark,* I decided.
I stood up and called for Sardin. “I have an errand for you. Deliver this note to Madeleine von Arguin.”
“A note, my lady?”
“I’m inviting her to a shopping excursion at *The Gilded Solitaire* in three days. I told her I need her 'expert' advice on a gift for the Dowager Duchess.”
Sardin looked skeptical. “You don't actually expect Lady Arguin to help you, do you?”
I laughed, a sharp, melodic sound. “Of course not. I expect her to do exactly what she always does: try to sabotage me. And that is exactly what I need.”
***
*The Gilded Solitaire* was the most exclusive jewelry boutique in the capital—a place where the gems were as sharp as the gossip. The waiting room was less of a lounge and more of a theater, where the ladies of the court gathered to pick apart reputations while pretending to admire the pearls.
When Madeleine and I entered together, the room went silent.
“Oh my, is that the Duchess of Brant?” one countess whispered, her fan snapping shut.
“And with Lady Arguin? I heard they had quite the falling out at the palace.”
I was dressed in a gown of simple, elegant charcoal silk—a stark contrast to the flamboyant, layered lace that Madeleine was sporting. I looked every bit the tragic, restrained princess, while she looked... eager.
“Kor, I’m so glad you reached out!” Madeleine said, her voice loud enough for the entire room to hear. “I was worried you were still upset with me after the other day.”
“Upset? Why would I be?” I asked, my voice calm and polite.
“Well... you were so cold at the palace. People were saying you were jealous of my relationship with the Duke.” She offered a fawning, "innocent" smile, her green eyes darting around the room to ensure the other ladies were listening.
*There it is,* I thought. *The bait.*
I didn't lose my temper. I didn't defend myself. I simply offered a look of gentle, sisterly concern.
“Oh, Madeleine. I wasn't being cold. I was being careful. The palace is full of the Emperor’s eyes, and I didn't want your... enthusiasm... to reach his ears and be misunderstood.”
The room erupted in a wave of muffled gasps and knowing glances. The ladies nodded to one another. *Of course. The Duchess was only trying to protect her cousin from her own indiscretion. How noble.*
Madeleine’s face flushed a deep, humiliated red. She hadn't expected me to flip the narrative so effortlessly. She quickly tried to change the subject, reaching for a leather-bound catalog of the boutique's newest arrivals.
“Anyway! We’re here to choose a gift for the Dowager Duchess, right?”
“Yes,” I said, pushing the book toward her. “I want something truly special. Something that reflects her unique tastes. Since you’re so close to her, I’m sure you know exactly what she loves.”
Madeleine looked at the book, a look of pure, concentrated malice flashing in her eyes for a split second.
*She hates rubies,* Madeleine thought. *The Dowager thinks they’re vulgar and 'nouveau riche.' She only wears sapphires and diamonds.*
She looked up at me, a sweet, treacherous smile on her face. “If you really want to win her over, Kor... you should get her rubies. She absolutely adores them.”