Pricilla was not wrong, Crown Prince Cedric, was indeed one of the most eligible and handsome men in the empire.

The true embodiment of imperial privilege and power.

His hair was a mass of thick, sun-kissed golden-blonde waves that tumbled across his forehead, giving him a misleadingly youthful and effortless appearance.

Prince Cedric’s most distinctive and unsettling feature were his eyes. They lacked a traditional hue, instead they were a vibrant, intense shade of imperial red.

The calling card for the royal bloodline.

Those striking eyes against the soft, almost delicate features of his face, created a chilling duality that would cause any woman to immediately start swooning.

Claudia had every intention to make such a man her husband. 

But having to sit here and listen to the love-struck ramblings of this childish girl, almost made this trip too unbearable. 

“You shouldn’t, there’ll always be another ball to attend, my dear Pricilla,” Claudia said with a reassuring smile.

Pricilla hadn’t known this, but the reason the crown prince didn’t attend the imperial ball was due to the emperor's order to conduct an emergency survey of the outer border walls.

Claudia had overheard her fathers advisor, Matthias Sheridan, telling him that there had been sightings of creatures in the Erhas slums and even some reported deaths of missing women and children.

Claudia had promptly notified her mother Beatrice and they set this trip up with the intention of running into the prince’s caravan as they passed through the Alistair duchy.

It was very likely they’d stop at their estate for provisions and rest, which Claudia was all too happy to provide.

“You’re absolutely right, but what happens to bring you all the way out here, Claudia?” Pricilla asked, taking a small bite of an orange macaroon.

Claudia seethed internally at the audacity of this girl to ask why she chose to do something.

“Well, you see, Isadora came to the countryside only a few days ago,” Claudia started as Lyra re-entered the parlor, steaming kettle in hand.

“Yes, I heard quite a few things about that,” Pricilla said, chewing away.

“As her sister, I felt it was my duty to personally check on her, but it seems she's been refusing to see me,” Claudia lied.

‘Sister’?

Lyra’s ears perked up at the word.

Surely this couldn’t be the same sister that had gone around spreading false rumors about Lady Isadora being pregnant by a stable boy.

How daring she was to try to meet with her!

If she were Lady Isadora, she would never see her again in this life.

“It must be because she feels ashamed about the scandal,” Claudia continued, feigning sincerity

Lyra struggled to hold in an ironic snort as she poured the white peony tea into the small cups.

“Oh, I actually have it on good authority that Isadora was never with child. Tell her what you told me the other day, Lyra!” Pricilla interjected, loudly.

Lyra stared at her wide-eyed.

This idiot girl couldn’t keep a secret if her life depended on it.

Lyra had only told her what Henry mentioned, because she’d thought she’d get paid for the gossip.

She had heard other maids speak of making a bit of extra money this way.

They’d said you wouldn’t necessarily even have to spy on anyone, you just relay what you hear and are rewarded.

But in a situation like this, speaking to the wrong person could definitely get her into big trouble and if this is who she thought it was, this was definitely the wrong person.

Lyra struggled to find the words to utter a single sentence as she felt the weight of Claudia’s intense green eyes shift to her.

“Come on, Lyra, tell her. She said just the other day that the family doctor had confirmed that Isadora was still pure, so the scandal was ultimately without grounds,” Pricilla said, satisfied with her contribution.

“But Claudia, where ever did you hear such a baseless rumor? People are going to think you intentionally started-” Pricilla stopped mid-sentence, her wide doe eyes met with Claudia’s.

They were cold and narrowed, into what seemed like almost predatory slits.

She didn't say anything, Claudia simply sat in a frightening stillness.

Her expression held more menace than any words ever could.

Lyra clenched the warm tea kettle tightly.

It was too quiet.

Something had shifted in the atmosphere, the surrounding air seemed to grow tense and heavy with Claudia’s unspoken anger.

Pricilla wavered under the pressure of Claudia's gaze and looked away.

It was clear who the dominant entity in the room had been.

“Oh my, of course not! How could you think me capable of such a vile thing, Pricilla?” Claudia suddenly said with a sweet laugh. 

How could she not, Lyra thought?!

“I simply heard the story from the trusted staff within our household, after all Isadora was immediately moved after the incident, it wasn’t as if I could directly speak to her. I only knew as much as everyone else did,” She continued.

Lyra almost felt herself vomit at how disgustingly sweet this woman was acting while lying through her teeth.

“However, I’m interested to know about you. How have you come across such useful information, Miss Lyra?” Claudia asked her with a smile.

Lyra couldn’t help but think she looked quite demonic as the corners of her mouth curled up into a small smile.

She gulped, preparing herself to answer the question.

There was no escaping whatever fate this was now, thanks to Lady Pricilla. 

“My husband is Lady Isadora's footman, sometimes he will relay to me the comings and goings of his day,” Lyra answered, trying not to tremble under Claudia’s gaze.

“Oh, how interesting! And what does your husband relay, Miss Lyra?” Claudia asked, taking a small sip of her tea.

Although she seemed genuinely intrigued, her words were condescending. 

“W-well,” Lyra hesitated.

“Please speak freely, you aren’t in trouble or anything, I’m only asking out of concern for my dear sister,” Claudia assured her with a smile.

Even though Lyra didn’t believe shit this woman had to say, she told her what she knew. 

“Well. Dr. Doyle administered a virginity examination and found the lady to be untouched. She is now recovering in the east wing of the countryside estate after having ingested poison from a tea cup. They’ve also assigned her a personal knight and select staff who are only allowed by list to enter the east wing. My husband has also been assigned to restore the lady’s personal garden, he has the duke's favor and was given a letter of authority and a high-priority budget for the east garden restoration,” Lyra finished.

Claudia had to suppress a scoff.

The “duke’s favor”?

Who was this peasant to say such a nonsensical thing?

Claudia looked the simple servant up and down.

Blonde hair worn in soft, flowing waves and cool gray-blue eyes, she was yet another boring nobody that didn’t know her place.

Claudia grabbed her adorned fan from the table, with a slow, rustling sound, she drew it open, its fabric unfolded with a soft hiss that lingered in the air.

Lyra shifted uncomfortably, as Claudia’s eyes remained locked on her above the top of the fan that only revealed a section of her face.

“I just noticed how lovely that ribbon you’re wearing is,” She remarked.

While Lyra was shocked at the sudden compliment, she remained somewhat proud. She had spent a lot of money on something like this and it was nice to have a little recognition.

“I actually just got it this morning–,” Lyra started.

“It’s that what all the commoners are wearing these days?” Lyra’s heart dropped, she immediately realized what was happening…

She had seen it many times before on outings with Lady Pricilla, the noblewomen would harass servants they disliked with cruel words and tricks.

She had done something to offend Lady Claudia and she was being taught a lesson.

Lyra clenched her kettle and braced herself.

“Hm, I wonder what fabric that is? It looks like silk, but I’m honestly too afraid to touch it and find out, cheap fabrics have made me break out in hives in the past,” Claudia said, laughing her cruel insult off as a mere joke.

Lyra could feel herself close to tears.

She tried to look up to stop them from coming,

“Oh no. I apologize, I’ve done it again. I truly didn’t mean to offend you. Sometimes I can be so careless with my words. You’ll accept my apology won’t you?” Claudia asked, her fan snapping closed.

It wasn’t a question.

“Oh course, please think nothing of it,” Lyra replied, holding back sniffles.

Pricilla looked at her with sympathetic eyes, but there wasn’t much she could say to Claudia either.

She had more power than both of them.

“Oh good! Please take this as a token of my sincerest apology,” Claudia said, standing up from her seat and placing 2 gold coins in one of Lyra’s hands.

“I do look forward to the wonderful updates you’ll have on my poor sister next time,” Claudia said, patting Lyra on the shoulder and walking toward the door.

“Until we meet again, my dear Pricilla,” Claudia said, exiting the room leaving the two women alone.

Pricilla and Lyra sat in silence for a moment, as Lyra tried not to cry and Pricilla searched for the right words of comfort. None of which came easily to either of them.

Unable to hold it in any longer, Lyra’s tears began to stream down her face.

“I’m so sorry, Lyra. I had no idea she was going to do that. I don’t know what set her off,” Pricilla apologized awkwardly, giving Lyra a few soft pats on the back.

“But it is better to stay on her good side. When she comes again, just answer her questions with a smile, alright?” Pricilla asked.

Lyra nodded slowly, attempting to compose herself.

She had been wrongfully degraded for no reason.

“Here,” Pricilla said, taking the kettle from Lyra’s hand and setting it on the table.

She reached in her own purse and pulled out two more coins and handed them to Lyra.

“Go home now, and get some rest, we can take care of the rest here. I will see you tomorrow when you feel better,” Pricilla said, ushering Lyra towards the door.

Clearly uncomfortable with the crying woman in front of her.

Lyra stood in the hall staring down at her outstretched hand.

Was this how much her dignity was worth?

4 gold coins?

The humiliation wasn’t really her issue, she and especially Henry had worked themselves to the bone serving others for next to nothing.

It was, in fact, that same selfishness that Claudia held in her heart that kept people like her and Henry in poverty.

Why should they have to endure this kind of treatment?

None of this was fair, none of it.

Lyra suddenly ripped the white silk ribbon from her hair and tossed it on the ground before storming off down the hall.

---------------

Lyra seethed as she approached the marketplace on her walk home.

She had been utterly humiliated and treated more terribly than she had in her entire life, for simply being poor.

It wasn’t hers or Henry’s fault that these employers paid next to nothing. AND Henry worked for Claudia's family, if anything, it was her fault they were so poor.

Lyra huffed, she had worked herself up into an emotional rage.

She passed by the window of the shop she’d gotten the white ribbon from earlier.

Her reflection showed in the store window. 

Did she truly look that destitute?

Lyra bit her lip attempting to smooth out her yellow linen skirt.

“Hello again Miss! Care to look around? We have some fine clothing for sale on our exclusive top floor,” The same shop owner came outside to greet her.

It was obvious he was just trying to extort more money from her, but at this point, maybe it would do a bit of good to have something new.

What was so wrong about wanting to wear fine clothes?

They worked hard everyday and were owed this much.

Lyra followed the man into the store.

Truly believing she was simply reclaiming her due.

She was certainly worth this and so much more.

“I want this dress,” Lyra said.

“Beautiful choice for only 2,100 copper shards,” The merchant complimented.

(4 gold coins, 7,100 copper shards)

“Add this dress as well,”

“Of course, a great style for this season and at a steal for 1,800 copper shards,” The merchant said, with a smile.

(4 gold coins, 5,300 copper shards)

“Package the brown and black ones,”

“You have an eye for fashion, Ma’dam! These brown and black leather shoes will go with any style! All for the low price of 1,200 copper shards each!” The merchant explained delightedly.

(4 gold coins, 2,900 copper shards)

“I want this necklace and these earrings,”

“Oh, yes! This pearl necklace and earrings will truly bring out your eyes. At the bundled price of 2,900 copper shards, this is a complete steal!” The merchant said with glee.

(4 gold coins)

Lyra stopped and looked at the display case in the dead center of the second floor.

A jewel-encrusted ribbon.

Little red rubies shining in the light like fiery stars.

“Ah, you truly have an eye for the finest things, Miss. This ruby-encrusted ribbon comes straight from the empire's collection at the affordable price of 20,000 copper shards,” The greedy merchant’s words were like music to Lyra’s ears.

(2 gold coins)

Lyra stood there with bags cascading around her feet, but the most precious thing was the ribbon in her hands.

She caressed the jewels with her fingertips.

Silent tears running down her face. 

She’d finally gotten it… her worth.

Albeit, with that insufferable woman’s wealth, but she didn’t care.

This was what Lyra deserved to be wearing, for all of the torment she’d endured in her life. 

This is what she god damned deserved.

“Are you alright?” The merchant asked, concerned.

“I will be,” Lyra answered simply.

---------------

Lyra felt a sense of satisfaction as she made her way home, arms full of boxes and bags.

She was trying hard not to let the events from earlier put a damper on her rejuvenated mood.

The only thing she wanted to think about was making a nice meal for–

Lyra stopped dead in her tracks, as the sudden feeling of dread overtook her.

Her purchases landed in the dirt. 

She had completely forgotten to get ingredients for dinner.

How could she have been so stupid?

It was much too late to turn around and go back to the market. The sun was already starting to set.

She cursed herself, she'd only wanted to do something nice for Henry tonight and now it looked like she’d just gone out and spent a bunch of money on herself.

What the hell was she going to do?

Lyra bent down to gather her bags. Frantically trying to think of something to make for dinner– that's when she saw him.

…Jack.

She stood up, unable to take her eyes off that stupid bird rubbing its body in the dirt.

That was it.

That was her solution.

She walked forward, as he gazed up at her with a coo.

This was perfect.