The next day's etiquette lessons were harsher, just as Mrs. Rendler promised. I was able to keep up, using my previous knowledge and skills, but this time I did my best to make it look difficult, hoping that she would relax the pace a little. Instead my efforts rewarded me with her satisfied expression, and a gleam in her eye that promised only more pain and suffering.

"You will be the greatest young lady I have ever trained." She pronounced, looking me over from head to toe critically. "But must you dress so... plainly? I will say it's a great improvement over those frilly monstrosities you used to wear to lessons, but the last two outfits have been simply dull."

I smiled at her words, glancing down at my plain grey gown. Over the last week I had sold the majority of my more ridiculous gowns, leaving me with surprisingly few choices. Angela had pouted, saying that I was going to be out of style, but I overruled her, as well as ignored her suggestion that she be allowed to choose my new gowns. I very much enjoyed my simpler gowns, but knew that I would need something nicer... at least for public venues.

Fortunately I had an idea about that.

"I'm changing over my wardrobe. I think it's time I take on a more mature style, so as to not embarrass my parents or the Royal family."

"You're so grown up!" Queen Amerande sat down next to me, briefly hugging me as she settled in. "First you impress everyone with your improvements on your etiquette and now this?" She wiped her eyes. "I couldn't be prouder as your mother."

"Future Mother in Law!" Mrs. Rendler insisted.

"Don't step on my dreams!" She hugged me again, smiling even as she argued. I couldn't help but chuckle at her antics, but found it increasingly difficult to understand the Queen's behavior. I thought I had gotten more discerning from my past life, able to see people's true intentions. It had served me well with the others who seemed to be scheming around me. But with her... all I could see was a loving, cheerful person. There were no cracks in her disguise, she seemed completely at ease as she showered me with compliments and acted like a mother.

But it had to be a lie.

I felt a burning rage take root in my stomach, but I hid it as best I could, wondering how I could make it through three more years of training with her without breaking.

Finally we were done. With a sigh of relief, I headed to the Royal Treasury, looking forward to my lessons with Jim. I had completed the reading assignment he had given me, but now I had pages of questions I wanted to discuss with him. Entering the room, I clutched my books and notes in my arms, already saying a greeting...

Only to come to a screeching halt as I realized there was a stranger in the room.

Jim looked up at my arrival, waving. "Ah, Lenora! Good, you're here so we can get started." Glancing between myself and the stranger, he paused. "Oh I should introduce you two..."

"No need." The young man interrupted Jim with a grin. "We've sort of met before." I recognized him from the previous week at my home, he had been together with Prince Rolan.

Hardly a point in his favor.

"Nathaniel. But you can call me Nate, Miss..."

I had forgotten how tall he was, I had to look up at him as I reached out my hand to shake his own. Standing between Nathaniel and Jim who also towered over me, I felt very small... an irritating feeling. "Lenora."

"Of course, I've heard a lot about you..." He kept speaking, but my attention had turned sharply. Not to him, or his words, but to his arm.

"What is this?!" I interrupted, grabbing his hand between both of my own. His face turning slightly red, Nate stuttered. "my hand ?"

"No, no the shirt!" I looked at the sleeve once more with a sigh before glancing excitedly at Nate. "Can you take it off?"

"..."

"..."

Both Nate and Jim stared at me in absolute confusion, but I was already looking closer, ignoring them.

"I may not understand your country's customs well, but are young ladies usually this... forward?"

Jim cleared his throat. "Not usually, maybe she's just a little excited." He tapped me on the shoulder, startling me. "Umm... Lenora. Usually you get to know young fellows a little better before asking to see them undressed."

"See HIM undressed?" I laughed. "You can if you want to, Jim. I just want the shirt."

"..."

"..."

They were stunned into silence once more, allowing me to happily look closer at the arm I was still clutching.

"The shirt?" Nate asked finally, his skin a bright red, contrasting with his dark hair.

"Yes!" I pinched the sleeve between two fingers. "I've never seen such a beautiful weave before, this cloth is so well constructed!" I checked the seams, whistling in appreciation "And whoever sewed your clothes together was very talented, the stitching is quite extraordinary!"

"Yes, um... can you let go?" He was covering his face with his free hand. I then came to the realization that I was clutching his arm in my hands. Partially freed from my fascination with his shirt, I let go with a small shriek, apologizing.

"I'm so sorry! That was very rude."

"It's okay." He shot me a wry grin. "It was an definitely a novel experience."

Jim was roaring with laughter, holding his sides. "You should apologize to the poor young man's pride! A pretty young lady demands he strip, but is more interested in his clothes than him!" He continued laughing after that, almost in tears.

Nate shot him a dirty look. "You are not a nice person."

I genuinely felt bad. I had experienced a brief moment of utter excitement when I had seen the cloth, my plans for the future crowding my brain and leaving no room for common sense. I had probably scared him out of his mind. "Again, I apologize..."

"Don't." He waved a hand. "I am the one who must apologize for making assumptions..."

I raised an eyebrow, "Not without reason..."

"But given your engagement to the prince, those assumptions were not kind to you." He stepped back, sketching a formal bow very gracefully. I felt like applauding, knowing the amount of work that went in to perfecting that. "How can I make it up to you?"

I knew I shouldn't let him apologize, but I couldn't pass off the opportunity. "Can you tell me where I could purchase the cloth used to make your shirt?" I clasped my hands together, to keep them from shaking with excitement.

Nate looked confused. "The cloth?" glancing down at the shirt, he shook his head. "It's made in Tilendra, my home country. It's a special technique handed down there."

"Oh. Of course." I felt my shoulders slump. My poor plans!

"But I can introduce you to one of the largest weaving groups in the capital. The woman who runs it is a little rough, but if you offer a decent price, she may be willing to work with you. "

"Really?"

"But why would you need cloth?" Jim broke in. "I would think you could have all the dresses you want made in the capital.

I smiled. "You think too small, Jim. This is much more important than a couple ball-gowns. I told you I was going to save the Duchy. And to do that, I have a plan."

We started the lesson, going over the reading assignments from the past week. To my surprise Nate had been reading the same chapters, and participated fully in the discussion. He seemed to have a milder disposition, often breaking up arguments when Jim and I disagreed. The time passed faster than I realized, and when he put an end to the lesson, I found I was disappointed the three of us couldn't talk longer.

It was fun.

"Alright, here are the assignments for next week." He handed me another piece of paper. I glanced at it, again holding back tears at the sheer volume he was expecting me to cover within the space of a week. Silently grumbling to myself, I was surprised when he patted me on the shoulder.

"You did well. You grasped these concepts even better than I did years ago back when I was learning it."

I sighed. "Now if only I could have the benefit of experience like you."

"It will come." He grinned, "One way or the other. And in the meantime, if you need advice with one of your projects... just ask."

I was pleasantly surprised at the offer. "Thank you."

Nate cleared his throat. "Could I have the reading assignment as well?"

"Sure." Jim shrugged, writing down the chapters assigned on a second piece of paper "But I thought you were leaving soon?"

"I'm here to gain knowledge and make allies. Jim. However long that takes." He grinned, taking the paper. "And this is the kind of knowledge we need in Tilendra if we are to be a thriving nation."

"That's fine with me, Nate. But like I said before, there will be no special treatment here! Do the work, or don't waste my time by showing up. "

Jim's harsh words didn't seem to bother Nate at all. "Deal." Turning to me, he shook my hand once more. "Nice to meet you, Lenora. I'll talk to you next week regarding the cloth."

"Thanks, I look forward to it." I walked away, feeling relieved. Not only had I gained a lot from the classes, and felt ready to put some of the principles I had gathered to practice, but the first step in my plan for true financial independence had just been taken.

This life was different.

I was changing things.

___________________________

"Miss." Hallers stepped into my office, a truly conflicted expression on his face. "There is a visitor here, but I am unsure if it's... appropriate."

I smiled, trying to relieve the butler's tension. "Who is it?"

He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "The man you wanted to purchase information from. 'Mr. Rig.'" He paused. "Should I turn him away, Miss?"

"Rig's here?" Took him long enough. "Let him in."

"Are you sure?" It seemed Hallers couldn't hold back his protest. "He's hardly a suitable guest!"

"It's alright, the Duchy needs him." I thought for a moment. "If possible, would you be willing to stay in the room? There's safety in numbers."

"Very good, Miss." I he was disapproving or not, it was difficult to tell. Hallers' expression had retreated into a proper polite mask, hiding his thoughts. He left, leaving me unexpectedly nervous. I had known Rig in a different lifetime. What if he wasn't the same person? Checking the object strapped to the underside of my desk, I settled into my chair, my back straight and my face uncaring. I couldn't let Rig sniff out that I was desperate, he'd be impossible to bargain down after that.

Hallers reappeared. "Mr. Rig, Miss."

Behind him stepped a man, and I felt my breath catch in my chest at the familiar sight.

___________________________

"Poor thing, you starving?" An older man with a gentle smile reached out and helped me to my feet.

"You can work for me, get back on your feet."

I took his hand warily, having learned to not trust appealing offers. "Why would you help me?"

He shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe in another lifetime you can pay me back."

___________________________

Rig looked the same as he did as when I first met him. He would never stand out in a crowd unless he wanted to. His nose was slightly crooked, as if it had been broken and never healed correctly. His hair was just starting to grey at the temples, his exact age difficult to determine. He was short, barely taller than me, but he projected an air of confidence as if all the secrets in the world hid behind his eyes.

"Just Rig is fine." He stepped closer, leaving some space and my desk between us. "I'm nowhere near fancy enough to warrant a 'Mister.'"

I grinned. "Of course, Rig. How can I help you?"

"I got... your request." He shrugged. "The info is simple enough."

I raised an eyebrow. "But?"

"But... that's not the tricky part." He slouched against the wall facing me, sticking his hands in his pockets. "The tricky part is how a little noble lady like you got the password that's known only to my inner circle?"

"That?" I leaned back in my chair, my hands in my lap. "Let's just say you and I were friends in another lifetime. This will not be my only commission. I will have plenty of work for your and all your group. " I smiled, thinking of the time I had spent under his employ. "Consider it returning a favor."

Rig didn't smile back. "No deal. I don't do business with the nobility. You're all soft... weak. And I don't like it when there's a weak link that's got something on me." He looked me over with a disdainful scoff. "You look like the type that would talk under pressure."

THUNK!

The knife I had retrieved under my desk flew through the air, burying itself in the wall just beside his face. I vaulted over the desk, grateful for the looser, simpler skirt I had chosen for that day, and grabbed Rig. My right hand pinned his shoulder against the wall, the other grabbing the hilt of my knife.

It was ironic that I was using my knife throwing skills to threaten Rig of all people.

After all, he had been the one to teach me to throw one in the first place.

I kept my voice low and calm. "I'm not soft. I'm a determined woman. One who will do anything to accomplish my goals. Don't. hinder. me. "

At these words he started to push me away, only to stiffen up in fear as I leaned forward to whisper a single name into his ear.

"Raewynn."

I stepped back, walking calmly to my desk and sitting down. "You'll find that being my friend will be to you and your group's benefit. You won't regret it." I left it unsaid of what would happen if he was against me.

His shoulder slumped, he looked up at me with terror in his eyes. "H-how? How could you possibly know...?"

I smiled. "I told you, we were friends in another life. You and I are the only ones alive who know right now. But if I were you, I wouldn't trust anyone else with that matter. It's a good way to end up dead."

I wasn't threatening him this time. I truly was trying to warn him. He seemed to sense it, nodding carefully and stepping closer, this time with much more caution and respect.

"Here's the information you purchased. " He took some documents from the inside of his coat, placing it on my desk. "The stuff they hide from the world, from their wives... heck even the stuff they hide from their lovers... all of it in there."

I didn't look through it, I knew it would be good. "Perfect. Thank you."

Rig relaxed slightly. "Well, I AM the best at this."

"Which is why I paid double your going rate." I grinned at his shocked reaction. "You thought I didn't know?"

"I hoped." He muttered.

"Don't worry. I'll always pay double. Your work is worth it." I slid a piece of paper across the desk. "Your next assignment."

"This..." He read it, his eyes widening. "Are you sure...?"

"I know the answer to the question already, Rig." I answered calmly. "I just need the proof."

"Alright then." He nodded, reaching out his hand to shake my own. I took it, the gesture hauntingly familiar.

___________________________

"Lee, we've got to go!" The older woman looked around frantically, as if expecting an attack at any moment. "They'll be coming after us next!"

"All he did was trust the wrong person." I whispered. "Love truly is a weakness, isn't it?

"Lee, Come on!"

I wiped the tears from my eyes, reaching out to slowly close the eyes of the bloody corpse in front of me.

"Goodbye, Rig."

"LEE!"

___________________________

"I must say, I'm glad I'm not your enemy." His words startled me briefly, and I laughed at my own inattention. Rig was alive in this lifetime. Standing in front of me happy and whole. There were still five years before he would be murdered in the streets.

I let go of his hand, a chill running down my spine at the thought. "Likewise."

Rig walked out, leaving an awkward silence between Hallers and myself.

"..."

"You can ask, Hallers."

"There's too many questions." He shook his head. "What did you whisper to him that scared him so deeply?"

I stared at the empty doorway, still caught by memories. "It was a name. Someone he cares about... someone he thought no one knew about."

"How do you know about her then?" The question burst out of him, and he seemed to catch himself. "I apologize..."

"Don't." I smiled at him. "I've already said how I know."

"But..."

"Just because you don't believe me, doesn't make it true." The last few words came out as a sigh. Finished, I turned my attention to the to folder Rig had left.

"If you say so." He turned to leave, but I held up a hand, calling him back.

"Hallers, you can schedule the meeting with the tax officials for three days from now."

It would give me enough time to prepare, without putting it off too much further.

"Yes, Miss."

"Oh, and could you ask your brother to be present?"

That caught his attention. "My brother?"

"I need someone big and intimidating-looking to stand in the back of the room. Jim would be perfect. I'm happy to pay him."

"Do we have to?" Hallers wasn't one to whine, but this came pretty close. "He's so... undignified."

"Could you make yourself intimidating, then?" I asked seriously.

He looked up and down his thin, reedy frame. "I'll talk to him." He muttered, leaving.

I chuckled, returning to the information I had paid for. I needed to have everything in place perfectly for the meeting.

The whole Duchy was counting on it.