Page 79 of Villainess's Redemption
I simply smiled and gestured for her to continue.
“One bolt is being sold for seven thousand gold coins,” she said, her voice filled with awe.
Beside me, Laurel gasped. I hid my smirk behind the teacup, sipping slowly.That’s right, darling. If we sold all the raw silk, we could build a small castle and feed an entire village for months.
“What should I do with the rest of the silk?” Annalise asked. “Should we sell it? You’ll become the richest woman in the capital! Well, second only to Her Majesty, of course.”
I flicked her on her nose. “It’s a large sum, but not as much as you think. It’s not even enough to rival my father and he’s the head of Ministry of Revenue. If anything, the second richest lady must be Lady Minerva.”
Annalise nodded, “That makes sense. But, you should still sell it.”
I set down my cup, meeting her eager gaze. “No, not now.”
Her brow furrowed in confusion. “But my lady, surely—”
“We’ll wait,” I said, leaning forward, my voice almost conspiratorial, “for the price to go up.”
The room fell silent for a heartbeat before Annalise and Laurel erupted in unison.
“How do you know that?”
“I don’t think that’s wise, my lady.”
I raised my hands, stifling a laugh. “Calm down, both of you. And trust me, the price will go up.”
Annalise’s brow furrowed. “How long should we wait?”
“Ten days,” I said, my tone nonchalant as if discussing the weather.
After that the government will be involved, and people will get arrested for price manipulation. Who wants that anyway?
Laurel’s eyes narrowed. “How much will it be worth then?”
I tapped my chin, feigning thoughtfulness. “Maybe ten thousand? Or fifteen? Who knows?” The smile that spread across my face was positively feline.
Annalise gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. But Laurel, ever the voice of reason, frowned. “Isn’t that swindling?”
I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly saw the inside of my skull. “Oh please, it’s not like I’m taking advantage of the poor. And it’s hardly a necessary product.”
Chapter 21
Back in my chambers, I twirled gleefully, feeling lighter than I had in years. The weight of that cursed brooch was finally gone. Laurel watched me with barely concealed amusement as I practically skipped to the cabinet where I kept my wine.
“This calls for a celebration!” I declared, pulling out a bottle of expensive Eldorian red. “Care to join me, Laurel?”
She shook her head, trying and failing to hide her smile. “Someone needs to keep their wits about them, my lady.”
“Suit yourself,” I said, pouring myself a generous glass, the rich burgundy liquid catching the late afternoon light streaming through the windows. “More for me!”
Tonight I’ll get drunk!
It had been so long since I’d had the chance to get drunk. Not that I was ever great at holding my liquor.
Two glasses in, I was already feeling wonderfully warm and loose-limbed. The ornate furniture of my chamber seemed to dance with me as I swayed to imaginary music.
“You know what’s funny?” I spun around, nearly knocking over a vase. “I used to be terrified of Rosalind. Can you believe that? Me! Scared of sweet, proper Rosalind!”
Laurel lunged forward to steady the wobbling vase. “Perhaps you should sit down, my lady?”
