The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 112

Celia clutched the heavy chest in her arms, still feeling as though she were walking through a dream. In a single outing, her mistress had earned five thousand silver marks!

Five thousand!

House Beaumont had acted as though their own flesh was being flayed when forced to part with a mere three hundred. Little did they know their daughter possessed the skills to summon a small fortune on her own.

On top of the coin, there was the emerald pendant and the aged spikenard, easily worth several hundred marks themselves.

Did House Beaumont have any earthly idea what a treasure they had in Lady Lucia?

Bonnie had not accompanied them on this excursion, choosing instead to guard the Sunstone Pavilion. Watching the hour, she had already fetched their evening meal from the kitchens.

Lucia arrived just in time to dine.

"Your timing is impeccable, Bonnie," she praised, before adding, "Take five silver marks for yourselves. Go into town and buy whatever treats you desire."

More silver!

Bonnie's eyes widened in shock as she cast a questioning glance at Celia.

Celia simply smiled, opening the newly acquired wooden chests to show her the spoils.

"The Lady is truly extraordinary..." Bonnie's voice trembled with sheer disbelief.

Lucia chuckled. "Enough staring. Let us eat."

After dinner and a warm bath, she surrendered to the comfort of her bed.

"She must rest early. The Scripture-Copying Soiree is tomorrow," Celia whispered to Bonnie.

"We must stay vigilant. I have a terrible feeling Aurelia is plotting something wicked, and Princess Corinna is notoriously temperamental. I fear she will try to humiliate the Lady," Bonnie worried quietly.

"Then it is our duty to protect her."

While the two maids fretted over the morrow, Lucia slept deeply and peacefully.

Zella Beaumont, however, was eager to attend. Aurelia, deciding she needed a pawn at her side, reluctantly agreed to bring her along.

"Lucia, the carriage is quite small. You will not be able to bring your two maids," Aurelia said, frowning as she saw Celia and Bonnie trailing behind.

These maids had been sent by Prince Jareth's estate. Having them around was entirely inconvenient for her plans.

She wore a mask of sweet sisterly concern. "The three of us sisters can easily look after one another. I have only brought one maid myself, so perhaps you should leave yours behind? There simply is no room in the carriage."

Celia and Bonnie exchanged a sharp look. Leave their mistress's side? Absolutely not.

But looking at the carriage, it truly was cramped.

"I did not bring a maid either, sister," Zella chimed in. House Beaumont was not prominent enough for every daughter to boast an entourage; Zella was just grateful Aurelia had allowed her to tag along.

"We are going to Princess Corinna's Estate. It is a gathering of noble ladies. Nothing untoward will happen," Aurelia insisted.

Lucia stared at her with a profound, unblinking gaze. "Are you absolutely certain you want me to attend?"