Page 6 of These Violent Delights

True.Satisfied that the rock chuck probably wasn't going to attack, she glanced at the nearest rack of clothing.

It was either wash her clothes, which were torn and smelled terribly of sheep, or pick something.Since she didn't want to wander around in her pajamas while her clothes dried, it was an easy decision.

She considered the options.She needed something comfortable and practical, but dressy.She had a new job, and it was important to dress the part.

She started scanning through the racks.The striking fabric of a green snakeskin-patterned dress caught her eye.At least stains wouldn't show on that, but there was no way she was running around with the thigh-high slit and that weird bodice.If it had been any normal long skirt, maybe with a dark green underskirt...a comfortable shirt, maybe a jacket, since it was so cold here...

She shook her head and turned away, only to see the outfit that had been in her mind on a mannequin in front of her.It was better, in fact, with a black shirt, and a forest green leather jacket.The long snakeskin skirt had a green underskirt, and it was wide enough that it would be easy to walk in.There were even matching half boots to go with it.

A wave of dizziness made her abruptly sit down.Thankfully, a chair conveniently appeared for her.

“Are you all right, madam?”Digger asked with concern.“You must be careful!You will eventually get used to the castle's magic, but there is an adjustment period.”

The castle wanted to please her.From what she’d heard, it hadn't responded to anyone else since the death of the last lord.

Unfortunately, she was the power source.In its enthusiasm, it might easily drain her dry.

“You mustn't be concerned that the castle will deliberately harm you.It has a good idea of your limitations.That's not to say that it might not be...enthusiastic.It's been a little while since it's had an ability to express itself.”

“Nothing is free,” Zelda sighed.There must be a price for all this power.Since she was feeling better, she cautiously stood up.It was time to get dressed and face the day.

The dress fit perfectly and was very comfortable.Fastest shopping trip I have ever made, she thought with satisfaction.A glance in the mirror told her that it was very flattering.

Her uncle grunted when she joined them for breakfast.“Good choice,” was all he said.

It was high praise, coming from him.

“Thank you,” she said, and then filled a plate with last night's leftovers.It seemed the castle had been content with warming the meal.She appreciated the power conservation.

The steward poured her a cup of tea.“Shall we go over the account books after breakfast?”

She suppressed a sigh.The last thing she wanted to do was deal with that, but there was no getting around it.She had to take a complete inventory to see where they stood.“Of course.By the way, have you heard of a creature named Digger?”

“Digger?”The steward's brows furrowed.

“He claims to be a rock chuck.”

“Oh!That would be the castle consultant.He must have taken over from his father, Fatty.”

She blinked.Rock chuck names were very to the point.

“They are wonderful historians and experts on everything about the castle.You should find him very useful.”

He hesitated.“Speaking of taking over...I'm getting up there in years.At some point, I'll have to look around for a replacement.I have a candidate in mind...”

She raised her hand.“You can tell me about your nephew or grandson or whatever later.Let's focus on the books today.”

She dutifully listened as the steward explained what she needed to know about the castle's finances.They made some money in rent from farms and shops, and some token taxes were paid by the village.Otherwise, the castle didn't have any businesses or assets other than the land it claimed.They were going to have to do something about that.

“We are going to need a lot more supplies, and we'll need to hire staff.A decent cook, a maid, stable hands...it's expensive to run a castle.”

“Unfortunately, we're in an isolated area and we don't have enough men to send out raiding parties.”

Zelda blinked.“You think I should start my reign here by raiding the neighbors?”

“Your father would.It's tradition.”

“My father slept around and dropped bastards everywhere.Should I cling to that tradition too?”she asked acidly.

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