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Lady Rishe, is there anything we can do to help?
Rishe was grateful for the knights offer, but she shook her head. Your job is to guard me, not do my housekeeping.
This is quite the place to clean on your own, detached though it may be, the knight said hesitantly. Its not too late to move into the guest chambers instead.
Thats all right. I like the place already.
Rishe remained steadfast in her refusal for one reason: readying guest chambers was an awful chore. The palace maids would be expected to work overnight to prepare them, even if the guests were only staying a single night. No speck of dust or strand of hair could remain. Certainly no wrinkled sheets. Rishe knew how exhausting and rigorous a maids job was, how nerve-racking.
She refused to put the poor dears through such an ordeal for just a few days stay. From the sound of things, the palace wasnt equipped with many housemaids. No doubt they already had their hands full.
Besides, take a look. She held out her arms wide, gesturing to her sparkling clean floor. The knights stared at the bright room in admiration. Cleaning a place with your own hands makes living there that much more satisfying, you see.
The knights smiled their awkward but good-natured agreement.
Rishe worked tirelessly, and before long, the chambers where she would spend the night were ready. The knights offered to carry in the bed, which she allowed.
While they brought in furniture, Rishe started cleaning another room. She had run out of clean water, so she quietly slipped out to the well without informing the knights. It wasnt quite fair to them, but these were the palace grounds. Surely she didnt need to be chaperoned everywhere.
Besides, theyre guards in name only. Theyre clearly just here to report my movements to Arnold Hein, Rishe reflected as she walked through a courtyard full of flowers, bucket in hand. Iridescent butterflies cavorted playfully around her feet. He doesnt seem in a hurry to introduce me to the king. Although if Im just a hostage, that doesnt surprise me.
She hoped she got to meet the current emperor at least once. The future Arnolds violent conquest only began after he killed the man and made himself emperor, after all.
I wonder what happened to Arnold Hein after I died in my past life. Did he reign supreme after winning his war? Or did some country manage to put a stop to his conquest? Whatever the case, I absolutely cannot allow him to start a conflict this time. Being the empress of a wartime nation sounds like so much work! The very thought is unacceptable!
Perhaps they could divorce, but Rishe had a feeling that if Arnold decided to discard her in the middle of a war, she would fail in her mission to make it past the age of twenty. Better to avoid the situation all together.
Wait. When she thought about it, the cause of every single one of Rishes deaths was Arnold and his war. I died fighting. I died when Galkheins army invaded
Looking at her six lives, all of them had ended in more or less the same way.
Rishe found herself crouched on the ground, cradling her head in her hands. Maybe we should get a divorce right now. But it wasnt in Rishes nature to take back her decisions once shed made them.
If I leave, Ill probably just die in some war-related disaster again. If I cant live apart from him, I should take this opportunity to learn everything that I can.
Rishe didnt know the cause of her repeating lives, but there was no guarantee that the loops were infinite. She had to operate under the possibility that this life could be her last. This required some thought, but standing around seething with anxiety wouldnt help.
Right now Ill focus on cleaning. Once the bath is here, Ill scrub off all the dust and travel exhaustion. And then I can finally relax!
Brimming with new determination, she stood up and headed for the well. She was forestalled by the sound of jeering giggles.
Aww, look at the new girl, trying so hard, said one voice.
All the enthusiasm in the world wont make a difference, said another. Were going to be the crown princesss maids, not you.
The first added, Hey, are you even listening? Stop wasting your time!
Rishe heard a weak scream, followed by a thump, like a body hitting the ground. She broke into a run, finding a blonde girl sprawled in the dirt, surrounded by four other women.
Are you all right? Rishe hurried over to help the girl up. Her maids uniforma loose navy-blue dress with a white apronwas smeared with mud. The others were dressed identically.
Who are you? one of the girls snapped at Rishe. She had a mop of blazing-red hair. Another newbie?
An understandable mistake. Rishes dress was simple, free of ornamentation, and her hair was bound back in a ponytail to keep it out of the way. She was dust-streaked, sweaty, and carrying a bucket in her arms.
Telling them who I am will be more trouble than its worth. Her silence only angered the girls more.
Are you one of the crown princesss maids? Theyve been snatching up every new girl. Those pretty hands of yours dont look like theyve ever held a broom, said one of them.
Unfortunately for you, weve been working here three years, and well be the ones to serve Prince Arnold as the maids of his palace.
Can you stand? Oh, good, it looks like youre not injured. Rishe helped the girl up out of the dirt.
Hey, dont ignore us! the redheaded maid shouted. Youve got some nerve. If you want to make it here, youll know your place! I doubt the two of you will last a week!
Rishe didnt respond, her attention snagging on something else. The redhead was carrying curtains, probably to bring them to the wash. Rishe stared at them so hard the maid began to shift uncomfortably. Whats your problem?
You should wait to wash those, Rishe said.
The girl glared daggers at her. Excuse me? Are you telling me its too late in the day? You really are an amateur! The light lasts longer in the spring, you know. And its hot today. Therell be plenty of
Its going to rain, is all.
The maids exchanged glances. How can you be so sure?
Look at the clouds amassing. The butterflies and the bees are flying low. The moisture in the air will make the drying take longer.
What?
Another maid spoke up in a soft voice. Diana, you were the one who said we should take the initiative to wash the bigger pieces. You said the crown prince would choose us for his household!
Stop putting the blame on me! This isnt my fault. An indignant flush crept over the redheads face. Theres no way some upstart can tell what time its going to rain! The weather is going to be fantastic all day. Come on, were hauling these over to the wash!
The three girls meekly followed Diana.
Rishe sighed, turning to the blonde girl. Are you hurt?
No, Im fine. The girls gaze darted around nervously. Im Elsie. Thank you for helping me. Her face was studiously blank, but from the way she struggled with her words, Rishe could tell she was being genuine.
Dont worry about it, Rishe said. Your uniform seems to have fared less well.
Oh no. Elsie looked down at herself. Her face remained vacant, but she seemed sad. And I just got it.
You can get the dirt out if you wash it straight away. Its going to rain, but this dress should dry quickly. Use lots of soap, but dont scrub it by handscrape the mud off with a brush.
Why a brush?
Because your fingers will just grind dirt into the threads. A brush is more porous.
The young sons of the family Rishe served spent their time tumbling in the dirt, and she had plenty of experience scraping mud out of clothes. She could even salvage dirty socks that had spent days crumpled in the corner.
Do you Are you Elsie trailed off, blinking rapidly a couple of times before finally looking Rishe in the eyes. Are you the crown princesss maid?
Unsure how to answer, Rishe couldnt meet her eyes.
***
After parting ways with Elsie, Rishe returned to the detached wing with her fresh water. She put clean sheets on the bed the knights had installed, satisfied that she had a comfortable place to sleep. This room also had the highest-up balcony in the whole detached palace.
Taking a break, she wandered out onto the balcony and looked off over the capital, the golden afternoon tinged with the onset of twilight. The day was fresh with a recent rain, the air clear enough to see for miles. The spring breeze felt good against her skin, sweaty from cleaning. Rishe leaned against the railing, leaning her head back and closing her eyes.
She felt like collapsing into bed immediately, but she desperately needed a wash. Still, she didnt want to pull herself away from the view and the breeze just yet. When she resumed gazing out absentmindedly, something her mother once said drifted back to her.
Rishe, there is no need for you to think for yourself.
She frowned, the memories coming thick and fast now.
You mustnt forget that the duty of our family is to live our lives fully devoted to the kings of the land. Youre smart, but all the thinking in the world wont do a woman any good. You need only concern yourself with how best to serve the crown prince.
Studies? Focus on social etiquettethats what you need for navigating high society. The crown princes bride must be flawless. Your smile is lacking. You must always strive to appear amiable.
Rishe breathed out a long sigh. When I was fifteen, their lectures were the only thing I thought about.
Her parents preached constantly. A womans true happiness is to marry a suitable man and give birth to his heirs.
But, Mother
Objection was not permitted. Any argument was immediately dispensed with. As a woman, Rishe could not inherit her fathers title. Her only value was in her marriage.
Despite knowing now that the opinions of others were as worthless as empty titles, the words still echoed in her memories.
Rishes fingertips twitched, and she opened her eyes. Unmoving, she said, Shouldnt you be seeing to your duties?
More hidden depths, I see, came a voice tinged with pleasure. Rishe straightened and turned. There was Arnold, leaning against the door to the balcony. You seem able to sense my approach no matter how far or how hard I try.
Youre quite naughty, arent you? Youve been making your presence known little by little, emanating threat, to see how quickly I catch on.
So you noticed that as well. Arnold joined Rishe on the balcony. She tensed, but all he did was cast a curious glance at the view. What were you looking at?
The city. Rishe was hardly going to tell him shed been looking at nothing, merely ruminating on her mothers overbearing advice. The view from the balcony was spectacular, though. Whats that over there?
You mean the library? The state invested funds to expand it. We have books from all over the world.
Really? You have a library that big? Rishes eyes sparkled with delight. She pointed out another building. What about that spire? Its beautiful.
The church and clock tower. The bells ring out the hour.
Ooh, how wonderful! And it looks like theres a rather big market there too?
Yes, the largest market in the city. Carts line up in the early morning. Most of the offerings are made fresh every day.
Amazing! And what about that pretty mountain over there?
Rishe tried and failed to contain her excitement. She couldnt help but imagine what seeing all these places up close would be like. The grand library, the beautiful church that told the time, and the morning market with fresh, delicious foodshe wanted to experience it all.
Seeing Arnolds bemused face, she said, What?
Im just wondering where all this interest is coming from, he said. You were so reluctant to come, yet here you are, brimming with curiosity for my city.
Well she trailed off, unsure of how to respond.
What should I say? Should I just tell him the truth?
This wasnt a secret, but talking about her hopes and dreams to the man who had killed her was a little awkward. A strange self-consciousness settled on her, her cheeks heating as she mumbled, Because Ive always wanted to.
Arnold looked at her keenly. Wanted to what?
Ive always wanted to come here.
During her life as a merchant, Rishe developed her single dream to visit everywhere in the world. That dream was cut tragically short when only one country remained: Galkhein.
In each of her consecutive lives, Rishes priority became staying alive. Every time, without fail, just as she found her footing, the world was plunged into chaos. She never had the chance to see Galkhein. This betrothal was her chance. Its probably why I agreed to marry you, she added after a moments hesitation.
Arnold swept a tepid glance over the city. Theres nothing here worth seeing.
Thats not true! The places you just told me about sound amazing! Your citizens are clean and happy, your knights are proper and kind. Oh, and another
Rishe broke off enumerating Galkheins charms as Arnold turned to look at her. His face was impassively calm, but something seemed to pass by underneath, like a shadow in deep water.
Im sorry, Rishe said. Did I say something odd?
Im just amazed you could be so unaware of yourself.
Wh-what a rude thing to
Ive never met anyone like you. No one has ever spoken to me the way you do. I dont know any girls of your class with the knowledge or the physical abilities you possess. Noblewomen dont concern themselves with such things.
Rishe, there is no need for you to think for yourself.
She frowned. Perhaps youre right, but everything Ive learned is precious to me. No one can take my skills awayI value them with my life. Some may say that my knowledge is worthless, but it makes no difference to me. She turned from the balcony, fixing him with a piercing gaze. Im the one who decides what I value.
Rishe had clawed free of her mother and fathers indoctrination a long time ago. Man, womanit didnt matter. She could do anything. Being queen was not the culmination of her life; she wouldnt trade her freedom for anything.
Arnold matched her intensity. Youre right. He gently cupped her cheek in a one hand, swiping his thumb along the line of her jaw, smearing dust. Live your life here however you wish. I vow to do my utmost to protect you.
Huh?
His vehemence took her by surprise. Arnold had every right to demand she act the part of a proper consort. This was a political marriage; Rishe was essentially a hostage, after all. Yet here he was, cosigning her misbehavior. Moreover, he was all but swearing to defend her from the consequences.