Page 33

“The previous duke appeared to be having difficulty in the past few months sourcing the items on the lists I gave him. Something about a shortage in the market at Horizon’s End, which is strange as we’ve never had problems before.”

The claim led to Avera frowning. “I’d not heard of any supply issues with the traders.”

“Must be something happening as I was lucky to get a third of what I demanded.”

“Send me a list of what you need,” Josslyn stated, “and I’ll see what I can do given the coronation is only days away.”

“Right away, Duchess.”

As they left the kitchen, Josslyn murmured, “What’s got you frowning?”

“I remember seeing Lester’s lists in the ledgers my mother left. They were all marked as completed. What happened to the food if it wasn’t making it to the kitchen? I should add that while it was boring, I did look through several years’ worth of invoices that I might better understand the palace’s needs. The amount of food being ordered increased the past few months, and not decreased as Lester claimed.”

“You think he lied?”

“No, I think the duke was stealing. His son stated he caught him taking large sums from the family coffers to enact his plot. However, it seems he also took some from the crown by invoicing for full groceries, but only buying a portion and pocketing the difference.”

A theory that solidified as the same situation repeated with each section head they spoke to. Linens not being replaced. The stables being provided with poorer quality hay and oats than previously. The level of corruption they discovered was on a scale that shocked.

How could her mother not have realized? Or had she been preoccupied with other worries? Avera couldn’t help but recall Gustav mentioning she seemed out of sorts.

Late afternoon, they found themselves back in Avera’s office with the rooks standing watch outside. Avera collapsed in her chair and sighed. “It would appear we have much work to do.”

“Yes, but nothing we can’t handle. We can start by actually supplying what’s on the lists being handed in. I’d also like to do a roster check to ensure wages are going to actual people as Iwouldn’t put it past the previous duke to have been pocketing some of those sums.”

Avera grimaced. “I never knew how many tedious details ruling entailed.”

“Running a country is much like a business. You track expenses, purchase what’s needed, optimize operations where you can.”

“I’d much rather be taking stuff apart to see how it works.”

“Who says you can’t do that with your kingdom?” Josslyn smiled. “After all, it is like a machine with people as cogs, everything working together to make it hum.”

“An interesting way of looking at it. Here’s to hoping we don’t uncover more dirty secrets.”

“Speaking of secrets, is it true there’s tunnels in the walls?” Josslyn asked eagerly.

“Yes.” Avera turned somber. “It’s how the assassins moved around during the massacre.”

“I assume you had them sealed?”

She shook her head. “No, not yet at least, but we have made it so that anyone using the doorways won’t be able to do so quietly.” She pointed to the bookcase. “For example, that shelving unit swings out. The fireplace tools set in front of it will fall and make a clatter if that happens.”

Josslyn’s mouth rounded. “That’s an interesting way of handling it.”

“Gustav wasn’t as polite. He called it dumb. He thinks I should have them all bricked over, but I kind of like the idea of being able to move unnoticed should I not be in the mood for people bowing and scraping.”

“Useful for sneaking to see a paramour too,” Josslyn slyly added.

“I don’t have one.”

“Yet,” she laughed.

Avera’s nose wrinkled. “First I’d have to find a man who doesn’t annoy.”

“Perhaps your tour of the continent will allow you to meet someone.” Josslyn moved to the bookcase. “How does it open?”

“The carved flower second shelf from the top. Press and hold its center.”