Today had been a delightful mess, not only did I properly irritate the princess, I got to feel those sweet juicy lips on mine.

Even if I were to die now I would die knowing I got to steal a taste and that would make me a happy victim.

Giggling to myself, I lay in bed with his jacket I had yet to return, supper was to come soon but I couldn’t focus, I was so giddy.

It felt so good to insult that woman, I felt as if it were my destiny to make her life miserable.

Shooting up, I put on his jacket over my gown which was half sleepwear and half housewear, and went to my desk, sitting down.

Grabbing a piece of paper, I began to write a letter, in two days I would die, thus I would die in style, I would write a letter to the princess, one so horrid that it would seem like rebellion.

While it’s a shame I won’t get to see her response, I felt as if it needed to be done, after all, somebody has to put her in her place.

Dear Princess,

For I apologize if I seemed rude, but you must understand, I’m awfully afraid you overstepped your bounds asking for my bed warmer back, you have one of your own, and while you enjoy getting fingered by your own flesh and blood I’ve come to enjoy my company with the Count, I ask that you don’t get involved unless you want me telling the world of what happened to the Late Queen.

Sincerely, your not-so-loyal servant, Lady Alindell.

Perfect, I had never written a letter so well, even my penmanship was gorgeous, grinning I decorated my envelope and pattered it with a stamp before handing it off to a maid.

While I don’t actually know what happened to the Queen, I can only guess she does, and thus she’ll panic.

That’s one of the only things I don’t know, what did happen to that woman? What could have driven the count so mad that he decided to kill all those who knew?

Hearing the supper bell, I took off his jacket and dressed myself before heading down.

All I could think about was that letter, how I loved rubbing salt in wounds I created, it rejuvenated me.

Heading to the stairs, I take one step down before I feel a hand on the small of my back.

Turning around I see the Count, he looked so good in whatever he wore, even if it was but a simple blouse.

“How are you feeling?” He asked.

I looked up into his eyes, his seeming curious, after all, I fell asleep on the carriage ride home and took a well-deserved nap the rest of the afternoon.

“Much better, thank you for all you did.” I said with a smile.

He took his hand off my back to my dismay, but thankfully allowed me to take his arm, and together we walked down the stairs.

“That’s well I suppose, Wilkins would be rather worried if you fell ill.” He said.

And I couldn’t help but laugh, this man was adorable, I’m sure Wilkins would worry, and then ask what happened, but I never told the Count any of the details of my conversation.

But I knew he was dying to know.

Sitting down for supper, Father was reading a paper while Mother chatted with Wilkins.

Walking in we took our seats, I between Mother and Father while the count sat across from me.

Looking at the paper, it seemed news of the shops closing had already spread, and I grinned.

“Oh Father, I had heard they closed the embroidery shop, it’s a shame really, the woman there was so talented.” Looking into his eyes, Father loved that shop and that old woman, he personally would go there to buy his decorations.

The old woman was a widow Father and Mother were quite fond of, she was well in her years and had no children or grandchildren.

“How snobbish that princess is, closing it because they didn’t carry the same color of pink as her hair in thread.” I said.

Slamming the paper to the table he scowled, I had never seen Father look so upset, not even when Mother caused trouble.

“I think we ought to hire all those who were fired ourselves, they were all good people and hard workers.” Mother said as she brought out her fan and began waving it.

“That’s a splendid idea, Mother! Not only will we benefit, they will too! This would be a golden opportunity to start selling out wine in embroidered sleeves and expanding, not to mention nobody creates flowers on silk like she does.” Clapping my hands, I grin and Father's mood lightens.

“A wonderful idea, first thing tomorrow I will go to town myself and make the arrangements to take them all in.”

The count watched, it must have felt strange to see a noble family do that, and then he asked.

“Are the shopkeepers truly that talented? I had heard they were second to the ones at the capital.” He asked in a curious voice.

“Yes, why it’s because, unlike those snobbish ones in the capital, the ones here serve commoners as well, as you know my husband was once but a merchant who earned a noble title, the people here have always supported us, we’re only doing what any lord would do for his land.”

Mother said, and I’d never heard her sound so wise, I had heard stories the widow once took Mother in after she was beaten at the brothel for refusing service twice to a man who was horrid in bed.

“Supper is ready.” Wilkins said and we all began to eat.

While many didn't care what happened to the townsfolk, Mother, and Father never forget their origins, which is why I can’t help but wonder why they would accept a bribe.

I knew this was strange, and by no means were we good and holy, but Father wasn’t a liar, nor was he a murderer, he was a man who loved to make wine and talk about ships, a silly merchant who earned the title of Baron.

But looking at him now, I wonder, what did you do Father?