15

Mabel

I glanced around and I was standing in the courtroom with Alec at my side and Count Follan and the grand duke standing behind me. David was with his attorney and his father standing behind him, only allowed in there because he promised not to say a word this time unless directly addressed by the judge.

Dream. This is a dream.

But I knew I was lying to myself. It was a nightmare. Reliving this was because this moment would haunt me forever.

"Both parties agree to the terms of this divorce settlement?" the judge checked, bringing me back to what had happened.

"Yes, Your Honor," I responded as I had that day. I wasn't sure if I made the decision to say it or my dream forced it from my lips. David echoed what I said and I didn't look at him, too scared as I had been then.

"All right. One of the terms is you both sign it now with the court as a witness so there cannot be any disagreement later or claims of issues."

That had been one of the addendums I'd insisted on and wouldn't relent. When they'd argued there was no way they'd sign that, I replied back that they were simply making my point of why it was needed. That I'd seen enough of their reneging on deals for years and how underhanded they were that I wouldn't sign without it.

We both agreed, and David went to the table to go first. For him it was a matter of pride and I could never be before him, but to the rest of us… It showed his ultimate acceptance of the settlement. The idiot didn't even understand that, and his father looked furious.

David could never say that he was pressured into it without sounding stupid when he'd rushed to go first like he was satisfied and simply wanted it over.

I waited until he was back at his table and went around the far side from him and noted one of the knights went with me, keeping himself between David and me. I heard David scoffing and whispering of dramatics and theatrics.

The man had tried to hurt me the last time we were in court and said for everyone that he would kill me finally.

Weweren't the problem.

"Good," the judge said after it was brought to him and he examined it. He turned to two of the officers waiting. "Send this order to the Bank of Areca. Wait for the confirmation of the transfer and remind them that we cannot finish the hearing without it."

David snickered. "Enjoy it while you can, Mabel. I doubt you will be able to for very long."

"Shut up, fool," the marquis hissed.

"You just made it clear you plan to kill her in front of all of these witnesses including the Minister of Justice," the grand duke said. "I never thought to pity you, Matthias, but having an heir that idiotic is ridiculous."

"Who are—" David went to snap, but the marquis grabbed him by the hair and yanked him back.

"You have already cost this family seven hundred and fifty million gold," he hissed in David's face. "So help me if you start any more trouble I will send you hunting alone and not give you a rifle. Do not test me, David. Raymond is becoming my first choice and fast."

David shut his mouth in an instant, fear in his eyes… Before he focused on me with rage and hate, clearly blaming me for everything.

Apparently, that would never change.

But it worked and he behaved the rest of the hearing.

The judge went through each section, looking impressed at what I'd worked in specifically. Each month, David and I would report to the court and an aide would speak to us with a truth stone to determine if we had disparaged each other or broken the gag order. Every instance was a certain fine to the other and a larger fine if any appointment was skipped.

They wanted to make sure I was gagged? Fine, I wanted the same from David. I didn't think it would work at all for him, but after enough times paying out the fines, I expected the marquis would lock him down at the estate and forbid him from being in public before he bankrupted the family.

I felt my knees go weak—even in the dream—when the officers returned to say the deposit was confirmed. The money was mine. All of those gold coins were now mine.

And I saw the sparkles around the marquis and David turn darker than I had ever seen before. They both had already wanted me dead, and I knew how dark those colors were, but this was worse.

What was worse than death?

That was why this wasn't a dream but a nightmare. I woke with that fear racing through me. I jumped out of bed and raced to the balcony. The cold air of the night was the only thing that could calm my fearful heart.

"Mabel?" a deep voice worried.

I looked up from where I was focused on the railing I was holding. I blinked into Andre's pretty hazel eyes… That were full of worry.

"Right, your bedroom is on the second floor," he whispered. "Nightmare? Did you have a nightmare?"

"Yes," I answered, my voice cracking. "My divorce settlement hearing. David's threats that I would not enjoy the money for long and…" I shook my head. Why was I blurting all of that?

Right, fear.

Then something else hit me. "Whyever are you up, Andre? How can you—it's so late."

He chuckled, scrubbing his hand over his head. "I am still working. I stepped out here from my study for the cold air to wake me up and give me another hour so that I can keep going."

"That is ridiculous," I gasped. "How are you—what could you—you cannot behave like that."

"It's fine. It's mindless copying of reports and files."

"Why are you doing that as the commander? Why are any of you?" I demanded.

He let out a dark chuckle. "Mabel, I ask myself that all of the damn time. Especially when so much of our hard work ends up kindling for the fire because of corruption and the nobles pulling strings."

Unfortunately, it was true. I heard about it again and again. "That was why I settled for the money instead of prosecuting David. Divorce settlements have happened, but no noble has been convicted of spousal abuse. And even if I won, I still would not have a way to live after."

He frowned and came towards his railing. "No one blames you for the choice. My officers completely understand." He cleared his throat. "Just so you know, whispers are circulating that you received over a hundred million gold."

I sighed. "I expected David to make it get around."

"From what we're hearing, it was not the Matthias anyone." He nodded when I frowned. "They did not want people knowing they would pay that much and basically David admitting he did anything wrong."

That was a good point that I hadn't thought of. I'd thought they would focus on revenge and how to be the victim from the evil woman they would paint me as. "Who leaked it?"

"I do not know. We're trying to look into it, but I think from the bank." He nodded when I couldn't hide my shock. "I have traced the rumor back to a few nobles who are looking for investors, and suddenly they're talking about how you have over a hundred million gold and probably have no idea what to do with it."

"That is too far over the line," I seethed. "That's confidential information and—how can anyone have faith in the bank if they let out that sort of information? Even in hints or winks!"

"I agree." His eyes studied me, and I realized he was dying to ask something he shouldn't.

"Yes, I received that. Much more even."

"It's not my business," he muttered, his eyes going wide.

I snickered. "My curiosity would have gotten the better of me. I do not blame you when you were involved in so much of it, Andre. You heard the original offer after all." I sighed. "People would have figured out that much even if they thought I received the jewelry David said he bought me. Some were ridiculously expensive pieces."

He nodded but looked too tired to keep up with the conversation.

"Go to bed, Andre," I sighed. "I am going back to bed as well."

"Soon. Sleep—"

An idea hit me and I blurted it out. "If you go to sleep now, I will stop by the station with something nice for your office."

Something good filled his eyes though it was hard to lock in on what with him being so tired. "You win, Mabel. I'll head to bed."

"Goodnight."

"Sleep well."

I went back inside and only then realized that I'd been standing there that whole time in my nightgown. I looked at myself in the floor-length mirror and was surprised that he didn't react to all of my visible scars. Odd.

I stopped before climbing into bed and knelt down. I prayed to Violetta that she allow me to learn something to help the police who had and were helping me. If I could hide ink to only make it reappear in steam, there had to be a way to copy or transfer words on a paper besides expensive copy stones.

I went to stand but hesitated, thanking her for listening at the last minute before going to bed.

And listen she did. She told me exactly what to do and I woke excited and ready to see if it worked… Plus grateful. I did thank her.

Especially since she made it easy on me. She didn't have me making the ink completely from scratch but told me what to add to existing ink and how to mix it exactly so it worked.

It took about an hour to play with and test out exactly how it worked, but then I had it.

I made a bigger batch and filled several jars that I labeled before heading downstairs to eat. Deborah was eating in the kitchen and gave me a nod. She was a quiet one and must have just gotten home after her shift. Reba was probably already gone. I greeted her and helped myself to the breakfast already prepared.

I loved having my own house, and the freedom of eating was a huge part of it. I could ask for whatever I wanted. I never had to worry about my food being messed with anymore, and just… It was amazing.

But I needed to be more active because I had gained several pounds now that I was eating more. Kathy had told me I'd needed it, but it was always best to move more anyways.

Deborah washed her dishes and mumbled for me to have a good day before heading to bed. She was such a character, but I genuinely liked her. Reba as well. Both were nice, polite, and quiet. We did our own thing and were respectful of each other.

And I felt much safer with them around.

I told the maid that I was eating out for lunch and asked if we needed anything while I was out. She told me she'd already given the list to Reba to pick up on the way home along with the money needed, but she needed the carriage at the end of her shift to bring it all back.

Perfect. I thanked her yet again for managing my house for me, smiling when she flushed at the praise. I gathered the rest of what I needed before leaving.

My guards were ready and curious as to why we were going to the police station. I simply smiled as one climbed in the carriage with me, one hopped up to be the driver, and the one on active duty who was taking this for extra pay on his day off, rode on the horse next to the carriage. It was a very smart way to handle my security.

Andre was incredibly smart.

I was thinking about him as we drove along, but then the grand duke's face flashed in my mind. Particularly the moment he rambled that he had feelings for me and didn't realize he was saying it in his inebriated state.

As crazy as it sounded, I believe him. He'd been so flustered when he realized what he'd said that he rushed to leave, excusing himself and saying he would use magic to leave from my rooftop balcony. And then he was gone. I went upstairs and checked he was and relocked the door up there.

No one was that good of an actor. Especially how much he'd shared with me. His pain about his family and situation, all he was dealing with, and his feelings were… There were too many topics and directions. Plus, I could smell the alcohol he'd drank, so no one was that good of an actor. Truly.

Plus, I could see his sparkles. It wasn't always accurate, but the sparkles would waiver at times and let me know someone was lying. It didn't work on evil like the marquis who didn't value anyone enough to feel bad about lying.

But it worked on most people.

We arrived at the station and I felt my face flush. I was going to see one man to help him with his job while thinking of another man.

That was too much for my nerves when I'd never seen anyone as a man before in my life. Now suddenly two made my heart race?

Lovely.

I waved when I saw Reba and went to the front desk. "Good morning, I would like to see the commander, please."

The person did a double take when he saw me. "Yes, of course, My Lady. Let me see if he's available. Please have a seat."

I thanked him and went over to where he pointed. I was holding the box with the ink but then had another idea. I went over to one of my guards and handed him a few gold coins. "I am going to be here for a bit if the commander can see me. Why do not you go pick up some lunch—"

"I can take you to lunch, My Lady," Andre said from behind me. "There are a few places that I think you'll enjoy trying."

I turned and smiled at him. "I'd argue that you must be too busy, but I am about to help with that." I held up the box proudly. "Can you take me to one of those meeting rooms with some of those blank reports you all fill out?"

He frowned, staring at the nondescript letter box. "Of course. Please, follow me."

I did and sat where he told me to, waiting until he brought what I requested. Then I opened the box and showed him. "Now, we have to keep this quiet for now, but I worked on something. Well, I have been working on a bunch of things, but I prioritized this after speaking with you."

I shut my mouth against the rambling and focused on my task. I counted out five of the mass-printed forms and carefully stacked them so they lined up. Then I opened one jar of the ink and filled my pen before writing on the document. I was silly and filled in comical information for a minute before stopping and setting my pen down.

Then I handed him the five pages.

He seemed confused, but his eyes lit up with understanding when the same writing was on the second page… As well as the third, fourth, and fifth. "How in the world did you do this, My Lady?"

"I had help," I admitted. "I asked the right questions and found the answers." I shrugged, giving him a look that I wouldn't say more. "Now, there are a few things to keep in mind when using this." I took the pages back and hurriedly scribbled a bit. "It does not transfer if you write too fast. You have to slow down a bit and let the ink soak to the other pages."

"Makes sense but still more than worth the time to make copies like this," he whispered, still not seeming to believe what he was seeing.

"Also, the ink is only good for two weeks, so do not open all of the jars," I warned him. "Once the air touches the ink, it will not react as well and will leak through after two weeks."

He frowned and glanced between the jar and what was in my hands. "Will the ink disappear after two weeks then?"

I hadn't thought about that. I took in a slow breath and mentally told the goddess that I would have faith in her since she'd had the faith in me to share this. "No, it's bound to the paper. It's like…" I wasn't actually sure but then thought of something. "Dough. What I add to existing ink is a reaction like dough and shrinks and rises, changes consistency."

"I understand," he muttered. "I am sorry, but—this concept—I saw you do it but—"

"It's miraculous. I understand. Please, try it yourself."

He shot me a grateful look that I didn't give him a hard time and was nice about his doubts. He sat next to me and did exactly as I had, his eyes going wide when he saw the ink transferred to all of the pages.

"Mabel, you have no idea what this could mean for us," he whispered under his breath, not hiding the emotion in his voice and eyes. "My officers are exhausted and so beaten down by all of this extra work, and then we arrest the same rich people who do not face punishment. Do you have any idea how insulting it is to keep working extra to…"

He swallowed and gave me a pitying look.

Yes, I knew exactly what that was like. I'd worked ridiculously hard for my father and David and never received praise for it, only more work and blamed for anything that they did wrong. I knew how they all felt very well, and that was why I'd dropped what I wanted to do for myself that day to help them.

"I hope this helps," I said gently as I patted his hand. "I do not mind making more or for other stations in the capital if it works out here. As long as people use it well and do not…"

"Take advantage of you and your kindness," he said gently, covering my hand with his own. "I will not ever let my people treat you like that. I swear it. I will make it clear this is liquid gold and—we'll set up two report writing stations so the ink never leaves there and people can see them so no one walks off with a bottle."

"I knew you'd find a way," I praised. I wasn't sure what I would have said next, but then I remembered the last warning. "Right, it will stain. If you do not use five pages, it will stain through to the desk. I found that out the hard way, so you might want some sort of writing board people can use and no one will be able to read anything on it after a few reports."

He raised my hand to his lips and kissed it. "You are amazing, My Lady. Thank you so, so much. Truly. The amount this will help me in my work alone is… Hours. I will have hours and hours back to my week."

"Good, then use them to rest," I said gently. "You need more sleep, Andre."

He nodded, swallowing loudly. "I will." He cleared his throat and covered the ink. "Let me lock this up and schedule meetings with all of the shifts so I can explain it to them. Is there anything I can do to help you make this?"

I opened my mouth to say no but then frowned. "It was a lot of mixing. You have to mix it for five minutes straight at a constant speed."

"That would be worth getting a mixer that's mana stone powered," he muttered. He hurried on at whatever was on my face. "I will help for now, but you shouldn't have to give this to the police, My Lady. I was going to talk to the grand duke about buying it from you. We have funding for ink. We buy barrels of it."

That made more sense. "I suppose I have to tell him what I invented, yes. I will need help getting the ink—we can figure it out. Thank you."

He snickered and shot me a bright smile, looking much younger and full of life. "You are thanking me? You just brought me the best news to help my work in years and you are thanking me for wanting to make sure I can always have access to it? You are too much, My Lady." He shook his head. "And here I was only going to take you to a popular commoner lunch spot."

"I want to go," I blurted, clearing my throat when his eyes flashed shock. "I have never been to anything like that, and I want to experience more."

That was true, but that wasn't all of it. I wanted to know him better, and if he liked the place then… That would tell me more about him.

He locked up the ink and we left. He was going to call for the carriage, but I asked how close the place was. When he said it was four blocks, I said we should just walk.

I shrugged when he was surprised at that. "I need to move my body more. I know that after healing, but also it's good for my long-term health."

"Very true but heels cannot be comfortable," he muttered.

"No, but these boots have very low ones, so it's not bad." I thanked him for his concern though and we walked off.

He seemed lost in his thoughts at first even though I knew it was exhaustion as well. It made me worry about him and decided to pray to Violette asking for some type of vitality tonic recipe. That would be lovely for sure.

But then he seemed to snap out of it and pointed to a few places along the way and told me what they were and why he liked them. I diligently listened and then we were at the sandwich shop.

"While I put rules into place that the police aren't allowed to receive free things, we can accept cutting lines while on duty as we have limited breaks and people need us available," he told me as he nodded to people and moved past the line.

"That seems more than fair," I replied. "I would gladly give my spot up so an officer was available faster to someone who needed them."

"Hey, the big man's here," a man at the counter said loudly, startling me. "It's been a whole week. I worried you finally keeled over. What can I get you?" He did a double take when he saw me. "Who's the pretty lady?"

"The countess is helping the station out with something," he told the man.

Everyone in the shop froze, customers and workers alike. A commoner hadn't spoken to a noble as they should have and too many would make that a huge scene and issue.

I was not one of them, giving a kind smile to the man. "The commander said this was the best place for lunch, so I insisted he bring me. I hope you do not mind."

His eyes flashed shock. "Not at all, My Lady. We serve anyone hungry and with coins. I hope we do not disappoint you."

"We'll take—" Andre started to say.

"Oh, sorry, I have to feed my guards as well," I cut in. "I'll pay, but can you order for them too?"

"Of course." He turned back to the man. "I need seven hams and five chips. Also, three chicken."

"You got it!"

Andre didn't let me pay but motioned for me to move off to the side. More customers moved up to order, and that surprised me because at most shops the one person was fully tended to before the next. But looking around, people seemed used to this treatment and didn't mind it.

Interesting.

The order came up and the man handed the bags over to Andre but also handed a small paper cup out to me. He simply smiled when I gave him a questioning look. "We're all curious if you'll like the chips, My Lady."

I nodded, accepting the cup. I knew chips were a commoner fad of sliced up and fried potatoes looked down on in noble circles. I picked one out and it was hot to the touch. I blew on the end and took a bite.

My eyes went wide as flavor and salt exploded over my tongue. I hurried to chew and smiled at the man. "It's absolutely delightful. Well done to you." He thanked me and we left, people staring at me as we did. I took another bite and shook my head. "They really are. I cannot believe he made a potato taste like this."

"I am also a fan, but they make you gain weight fast."

"Of course, they do," I drawled. "Anything good does."

He laughed and we got on my carriage to get back faster since it had followed us. He snuck a few chips as well on the ride and then we were at the station.

The sandwich was incredible. Smoked ham with a relish, fried egg, and fried onions on it. I could have one every day for the rest of my life it was so good.

"Forgive my manners," I mumbled as some of the ham plopped to the paper it had been wrapped in.

The officers we were eating with and my guards chuckled, Andre giving me a subtle wink. "Some of the best things are messy, My Lady. Hard work. A good workout. Playing sports. Good food."

"Very true," I agreed. "Very true, Commander. Thank you for sharing this amazing food with me."

I left after that so I didn't impede his work, wanting to handle some things of my own, including contacting the grand duke. Now that he knew about my blessing from Violetta, he might be a big help in assisting me in trying to figure out how to hide it.