My first official morning as Grand Auditress didn't start with a gold-plated breakfast or a parade. It started with a stack of paperwork so high I could have used it as a defensive fortification.
I sat at my mahogany desk, the "Star of the South" safely returned to the Imperial Vault. My office was quiet, save for the scratching of my quill and the occasional clink of Hans setting down a fresh pot of tea.
"My Lady," Hans said, his voice hesitant. "The morning papers have arrived. I'm afraid the social column is... enthusiastic."
I grabbed the Oakhaven Gazette. The headline was printed in a font large enough to be seen from space:
> FROM VILLAINESS TO SAVIOUR: LADY LEXEN RECOVERS CROWN JEWEL! IS A ROYAL WEDDING NEXT?
>
"Gross," I muttered, tossing the paper aside. "They're turning my fiscal recovery into a soap opera. I didn't save the diamond for a wedding; I saved it for the stability of the national currency."
"Indeed, My Lady," Hans replied, hiding a smile. "However, there is a more pressing matter. His Highness the Crown Prince is in the waiting room. He says he has an 'urgent budgetary concern.'"
The door burst open before Hans could finish. Kaelen stepped in, looking far too smug for a man who had been up all night chasing assassins.
"Auditress," he said, leaning over my desk. "I've been reviewing our 'commission' agreement. I think we missed a clause."
"I don't miss clauses, Kaelen," I said, not looking up from my ledger. "What's the issue?"
"The 'Hazard Pay' for Princes who have to protect their treasurers from Shadow-Guild daggers." He reached out, his finger tracing the edge of my inkwell. "I believe the current market rate for such services is... dinner. At the Blue Heron. Tonight."
I finally looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Is that an official request from the Crown, or a personal solicitation?"
"Both," he whispered, his golden eyes locking onto mine. "The Emperor wants to know how you plan to find the remaining 'Shadow-Guild' sleepers in the palace. And I... I just want to see you in a dress that isn't covered in soot."
I leaned back in my chair, tap-tapping my pen against my chin. "Dinner sounds like an expensive line item, Your Highness. But since I've just saved the Empire three million gold dragons... I suppose the budget can handle it."
"Excellent," Kaelen grinned. "I'll pick you up at eight. Wear the blue. It matches your eyes when you're plotting a hostile takeover."
As he left, I felt a strange warmth in my chest that definitely wasn't heartburn. But then my eyes fell on the next file in my 'Inbox.'
RE: THE SACRED TITHE. Subject: Discrepancies in the Imperial Church's Charity Fund.
My smile faded. Auditing the Chancellor was one thing. Auditing the Church? That was a one-way ticket to a different kind of fire.
"Hans," I called out, my voice sharp and professional. "Forget the tea. Bring me the records for the Cathedral of the High Sun. It's time to see if the priests are as holy with their gold as they are with their prayers."
The island was still calling my name, but it looked like I had a few more souls to audit first.