***

Flower petals danced in the wind. Dressed in a linen gown, Rishe hacked away at the soil with a hand hoe. “Take that!”

She’d spent the last few days tilling her future garden, a small corner of a courtyard granted to her by Arnold at her request.

This should be enough space for the meantime.Rishe surveyed her tilled land with satisfaction. Buckets of mulch sat nearby, fertile soil she’d collected from a deciduous tree in the garden.

With an enormous heave, she picked up a bucket and began scattering soil over the tilled ground. By the time she was finished, her arms were numb.

I need to start working out.

This body had belonged to a sedentary noblewoman until recently, with no muscle density or stamina to speak of. She found it far inferior to the forms she’d cultivated as a knight or an apothecary tending her garden. Her mind knew the motions, but her conditioning couldn’t stand up to it.

Still, she wanted to get more work done before her aching body forced her to pack it in. Taking a break from the bucket, she began hacking away with her hoe, aerating the soil by mixing it together with the mulch. She took care to remove any roots she came across, but she wasn’t as thorough as she could have been. She was curious to see what unfamiliar flowers might bud between her rows of plants.

Her knights, standing guard a little ways away, watched Rishe curiously. Diana soon joined them, her eyes going round as saucers. “My lady, what are you doing?”

“Oh, this? I’m tilling a field.”

“A field? But you’re the future empress!”

When Rishe finished mixing the dirt, she formed the soil into soft ridges. It was ready for planting, but Rishe decided it would be best to let it sit and acclimate to the sunlight for the time being. She wiped the sweat from her brow, grinning at the flabbergasted Diana. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Are you ready to show me what you’ve come up with?”

“Oh, yes!” Diana nervously presented Rishe the document. The paper had neat lines of handwriting and charming little doodles of brooms and dust cloths. “I was thinking that the first words the newcomers should learn how to read are the words for cleaning equipment.”

Diana was still clad in the maids’ dress, though she had removed her apron. She plucked at her skirts anxiously. “These are words they use daily in their work,” she added. “I thought it would be helpful.”

“Good thinking,” Rishe said. “I agree.”

Diana’s expression momentarily brightened before fading back into gloom. Maybe she didn’t feel as confident as she’d first appeared. “To be honest…I wonder if they wouldn’t be happier learning how to read and write their own names first.”

“True. It’s certainly good to consider the likes and dislikes of your students.”

Rishe recalled the life she’d spent as a maid and the son of the manor who had been taught to read by a private tutor. He’d practice with such concentration and then run over to show her.

Tapping her chin, she said, “But with the names…they wouldn’t be able to review together, nor could they help each other out if someone forgets. And you’d have to teach them one by one instead of all together—does that make sense?”

“Yes, I see.” Diana breathed a sigh of relief.

“I think teaching them how to read and write the words that they can immediately use for work is a wonderful idea. I’d be thrilled if I were your student.”

“You’re too kind.” Diana glowed, hugging the paper to herself. “I actually quite enjoy this work, my lady. It’s even more fun than coming up with insults.”

Rishe laughed. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“But if you don’t mind me asking, my lady… Why bother with this? Why are you offering us so much help?”

“Well…”

Rishe hesitated long enough that they were interrupted by Elsie, who sidled up meekly.

“My lady, it’s about time to get ready.”

Rishe nodded. “Excuse me, Diana. I have an appointment. Keep up the good work!”

“Of course!”

“Oh, Diana!” Elsie smiled shyly. “Can we do another review after dinner tonight?”

Diana lit up. “Of course! Make sure you’re prepared because none of you are going to bed until you get every answer right!”

Elsie giggled, waving as she and Rishe returned to the detached wing. “The bath is ready, my lady.”

“Perfect. I need to wash off all of this sweat and dirt. I’ll need to wash my hair too. Elsie, will you lay out my finest gown and help me with my hair?” Rishe almost skipped in excitement at who she was going to see afterward.

Elsie trotted behind her, puzzled. “I heard that gentleman is a merchant. Do you really need to wear your best gown?”

“Hmm, I guess you have a point. But trust me on this, it’ll all work out.”

“Oh…?”

The Aria Trading Company’s guild master, a man named Tully, was due to arrive in a few hours.

This was the merchant company that had given Rishe a helping hand in her very first life. Everything she learned about commerce, she learned from Tully. The value of goods, strategies for judging a trading partner. He taught her to spend money to make more of it, warning her against get-rich-quick schemes. Rishe owed her apprenticeship to Tully, without a doubt.

With the Aria Trading Company on her side, Rishe would greatly expand her pool of allies. They could assist her if she needed a quick escape from Galkhein, fleeing divorce or banishment. They could shore up a supply route for a war. Or course, Rishe had to make it worth their while.

If I can make this deal, we’ll have a connection. Now, how do I snag Tully on my hook?Rishe climbed out of the bath, pondering the question as she dried off and put on her fanciest gown.It’s early enough in the timeline that they haven’t been long established; any ordinary company would be champing at the bit to nab an imperial wedding. But with Tully I’m not so sure.

Rishe ruminated on this as Elsie did her hair. When at last she was ready, she blinked her way out of her fugue and looked in the mirror. Her hair was done in soft curls, her gown a stunning blood red. This time shedidwear jewelry—lots of it—and carried a feathered fan.

Hmm… Hard to decide what vibe to go for. A tasteless, gaudy spendthrift, and therefore an easy mark? Or a noblewoman so high in the instep she’ll spare no expense?

Elsie looked at her dubiously. “My lady, I tried my best to put your hair up to match the dress, with a few loose pieces to complete the look, but…” She trailed off. Elsie was exceptional at picking outfits and coordinating styles—she’d been dressing her own little sisters for years.

Rishe squared her shoulders. If she was scaring her own lady’s maid, that must mean her ploy was working. “I appreciate it, Elsie. But today I’m dressed for battle.”

Leaving her baffled maid behind, Rishe went to meet the Aria Trading Company. Escorted by two guards, she made her way to the main palace. Her own villa was not yet equipped with a suitable receiving room for guests. The footman bowed her into the parlor, allowing the guards to step inside first to ensure the room was secure.

A handsome, brown-skinned man stood waiting for her. “Your Highness, I am Kaine Tully, chairman of the Aria Trading Company.” He smiled amiably and bowed. “May I congratulate you on your upcoming wedding?”

Tully had combed back his famously unkempt hair and shaved far closer than she’d ever seen him bother. He also did not appear to be hungover, which made for an equally large change.

“Rishe Irmgard Weitzner. I appreciate you taking the time; I imagine it was a journey of some distance. Please, sit.”

He thanked her and sat. Rishe lowered herself into her own chair with great dignity. She felt him gauging her, watching her with the dark, hooded eyes that tavern girls across the continent swooned over.

It feels like he can see through me with a single glance. And I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Not that he was ogling; his gaze was perfectly correct. But he’d been watching her since she came in.

“I say, this is a lovely time of year, isn’t it?” Tully began. “I believe your wedding is planned for halfway through the eighth month, is that right? A summer bride. How marvelous!” Tully grinned. “The citizens of Galkhein must be overjoyed to have such a lovely woman as their future empress.”

“You flatter me.” Rishe smiled at the empty compliments, mind fixed on the past.

“Mwa ha ha! Iknewhe wouldn’t know a fake sapphire when he saw one. Idiot! We took bets on whether you could dupe that intermediary, and I had my money on you, Rishe. Thanks for helping me fleece my birdbrained staff.”

“Rishe! Here’s your final examination. We took a loss of five million in gold due to negligence. Not yours, someone else’s, but you are the one who’s going to make it back. Oh, and by the way, you’ve got one week, so get cracking.”

“Please, Rishe, I’m begging you! Tell Aria that woman I had over last night was just a friend!”

She had a faraway look in her eyes. That was fine. Let Tully think she was dreaming of her bright future.

“The white of a wedding dress will complement your features, if I might be so bold. Perhaps a gown of layered silk?” With that, Tully smoothly shifted from small talk to business. Rishe was relieved to have passed his assessment.

“That sounds superb, Mr. Tully. As I’m sure you’ve been told, I wish to engage the Aria Trading Company to assist me in assembling everything we will need for the ceremony. I’ve heard great things about you.”

“Have you? How kind.”

“To cut to the chase, have you brought anything to show me today? I’d love to see my options.”

The messenger had been instructed to tell them Rishe was considering their company for everything. She imagined Tully had brought a whole legion of carts weighed down with fripperies to sell her.

If I make this deal, we’ll have an established connection. I just need to close this.

“Unfortunately, I cannot sell to you, my lady.” At this, Rishe froze. Tully shrugged, his smile still in place. “Or rather, Iwill notsell to you.”

“What? Why?” The Aria Trading Company was essential for her future plans. She needed them.

Over the next few years, Tully would expand his personal connections and trade routes. He would be a main supplier of future inventions. His company would grow to a global scale. Without them, Rishe’s easy link to the levers of power in every nation evaporated.

Tully continued to smile at her blandly, “My lady, quite frankly, your insistence doesn’t match my offerings.”

“My insistence?”

“You appear ready to stake your life on this deal. Am I wrong?”

Rishe nearly lost her composure then. With a huge effort, she willed her expression into one of polite confusion. His deep, long-lashed eyes were openly searching her now. It seemed they were past pretense.

“Let’s speak plainly, my lady,” Tully said. “We’re discussing wedding preparations. I know that for a crown princess, your wedding will be your crowning jewel. However…”His eyes narrowed. “You have the look of a woman staring down death. Whatever you’re after, it isn’t a flawless marriage ceremony or a well-heeled soirée. And I don’t like complications.”

With a gasp, Rishe remembered something Tully had said to her a long time ago: “Become an easy choice for the customer. Offer them goods and value they won’t find anywhere else. And once you’re established, you pick the customers.”

Tully already had reliable trade. He wouldn’t risk a deal with an unknown entity who might incur losses down the line, no matter how high-ranking they were. Rishe had been thoroughly screened out of Tully’s customer base.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Rishe took care not to betray any dismay. “I’m sorry if I appeared overeager. I don’t have any event-planning experience.”

Tully let out a good-natured laugh. “You have nothing to worry about. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect business partner. Unfortunately, my company will not be it.” Tully stood up and executed a bow so elegant she knew it was meant to mock her. “It was an honor to be invited to speak with you. Now, if you’d please excuse me.”

“Mr. Tully—”

“Galkhein is a lovely country.” Tully cut her off roundly. “I believe we may spend a few days here to relax and take in the sights. One of your attendants even steered us to a suitable inn.”

“Please, wait. Let us discuss things a bit—”

“Farewell, my lovely future majesty.”

Tully left before Rishe could mount a protest.