In the afternoon, Linus sat at a large wooden desk in his study, papers, and ledgers spread out before him. The soft light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the room as he meticulously reviewed the town's taxes and financial situation.

The numbers told a straightforward story: Thornfield was holding up well economically. Its proximity to valuable resources like elemental deposits and special metal mines provided a steady income stream. However, this stability was under strain. King Aldric’s eldest son, Alexander, poised to inherit the throne, had been heavily engaged in a campaign to consolidate power. As he quelled rebellious townships and tribes, the costs of his ambition had trickled down to towns like Thornfield.

Taxes had recently been raised to support Alexander’s efforts. Linus could see the toll in the figures before him—families struggling, businesses operating on tighter margins, and the seeds of unrest quietly taking root among the people.

Leaning back in his chair, Linus tapped his finger lightly on the desk, his gaze distant. The financial health of Thornfield wasn’t just about numbers; it was a linchpin in maintaining control. If the burden on the people became too great, it could spark dissent, which was dangerous.

Lowering taxes would provide immediate relief but require finding alternative revenue streams to continue supporting Alexander’s campaign. Encouraging trade and bolstering businesses could revive the economy, but such efforts would take time. Cutting unnecessary expenditures within the town’s administration might help, though it was a long-term fix.

As these thoughts spun through his mind, another idea took hold. The mines—so crucial to the town’s income—might hold untapped potential. What if there were ways to increase productivity or even discover new veins of resources? Innovations in mining techniques or the introduction of outside expertise could yield the additional funds they needed, easing the burden without overtaxing the people.

Linus made a note to explore the mines further. He would speak with miners and experts, perhaps even bring in outside knowledge to improve operations. The importance of the mines crystallized in his mind. He circled the word "mines" multiple times, underlining its significance. His thoughts, however, were interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

“Enter,” he called, looking up from his notes.

The door opened to reveal Isabel, stepping in with her usual grace. Her presence immediately commanded attention. She wore a simple yet elegant dress tailored to highlight her figure. Her dark hair was neatly pinned up, with a few loose strands falling around her delicate face, framing her large, expressive eyes that carried a mix of confidence and uncertainty.

"Master Linus," Isabel began, her voice soft yet clear. "Princess Mara has asked me to inform you that you’ve received an invitation from the drama company to attend a performance tonight. She also mentioned that she cannot attend."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Linus raised an eyebrow. "A performance? Given recent events, that seems... unusual."

Isabel nodded and produced a carefully folded piece of parchment. "The drama company sent a personal invitation to Princess Mara. They’ve been preparing this event for months. Many small business owners have invested in the set and other aspects of the production. After what happened, they’re hoping that your presence, along with other dignitaries, will encourage people to attend and ensure their efforts and investments don’t go to waste."

Linus leaned back in his chair, considering the implications. "And you were sent to deliver this message?"

Isabel hesitated briefly before replying, "Yes, Master Linus. Princess Mara asked me to convey this to you personally."

He studied her for a moment, then asked, "Can you read, Isabel?"

She nodded. "Yes, Master Linus."

"Then, please read the invitation to me," he said, his eyes never leaving her.

As Isabel's fingers danced across the invitation, her full, plump lips moved in tandem, shaping the words with a sensuality that was impossible to ignore. Linus's gaze was transfixed, his eyes drinking in the sight of her lips as they formed each syllable. He could almost feel the softness of her mouth, the gentle pressure of her lips as she read out loud. His imagination ran wild, conjuring up fantasies of what it would be like to kiss those lips, to taste the sweetness of her breath. The gentle curve of her mouth seemed to beckon him, inviting him to come closer, to claim her lips with his own.

"They express their deepest condolences for the recent tragedy," Isabel read, "and believe that continuing with the performance would honor the lost and show resilience. They hope the presence of esteemed guests such as yourself will help bring the community together and support the small businesses involved in the production."

She looked up, her eyes meeting his, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face as she waited for his response. Her lips parted slightly as she took a breath, the motion sending a ripple of desire through him.

Linus nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "I see. Tell them I will attend."

Isabel inclined her head, her apprehension easing as she accepted his response. "Yes, Master Linus. I will convey your acceptance."

As she turned to leave, the thought of what it might be like to kiss her, to feel her warmth against him, lingered in his mind.

He realized he needed to find someone soon to help ease his tension; all these women in town had kept him on edge.

Isabel would be the convenient option, given her proximity and allure. However, she was now a personal servant to Mara, and Linus couldn't risk compromising that relationship. Mara's inexperience in politics and her vulnerability were currently yielding potential benefits for him. The last thing he needed was to disrupt that dynamic with a poorly timed dalliance.

He shook his head, clearing his thoughts, and refocused on the matter at hand. The invitation was an opportunity not just to show support for the town but to assess the mood of the people and perhaps uncover more about the recent events that continued to plague Thornfield.