***

Upon his return to the main palace, Oliver made straight for his master’s office.

Arnold was sitting at his desk. Without looking up, he asked, “Has Rishe decided on her maids?”

“About that…” Oliver hesitated. “Were you aware we had a retention problem? Our turnover is so high, we’re chronically understaffed.”

“Yes. We raised their wages, if I recall.” He tapped his pen to his mouth. “I think it’s been better than it was.”

“Well, Lady Rishe may have fixed it altogether.”

Arnold raised his head.

“She’s picked out literate women and asked them to draft teaching materials. She declared a brand-new system for training maids.” He gave a little amazed shake of the head. “On top of that, she managed to endear every one of those girls to her, while at the same time figuring out exactly how each one could be best utilized.”

Silence.

“The maids are all excited to begin. There’s always been a huge social divide between old and new workers, but Rishe dispensed with it. They’re allies now.”

“I see.” Arnold’s mouth twitched, and he went back to writing.

“Did you predict this, Your Highness? You don’t seem very surprised.”

Arnold snorted. “How could I predict something like this? Well, I knew she would dosomethingodd.”

“Using your future wife’s eccentricities as entertainment is unbecoming, you know,” Oliver chided. Then he grinned. “I honestly can’t wait to see what she’ll do next.”

“Oliver.” Arnold cast his eyes down, voice dropping as he said, “I did not choose Rishe for the benefit of the country or for my family.”

Oliver paused. “My apologies, Your Highness.” He then sat down to see what work needed to be done.