Chapter 39 - Working Together (2/2)
”Talk about what?”
Both of us whirled around when a male voice sounded at the door. Franz had come looking for his wife before noon? That was new.
”Ah, Franz, we were merely talking about women's things,” Mariela lied smoothly with a sweet smile on her face. ”What brings you here so early?”
”Am I not allowed to visit my beautiful wife?”
She flushed slightly at the compliment. He was actually flirting with her! Right in front of me!
”Of course you are. I simply was not expecting you. Please, join us.”
”You are having hot chocolate?” he asked curiously once he sat down. ”I had no idea you liked that, Mariela.”
”I actually ordered it for Katie. She is not the biggest fan of tea.”
”I see. You certainly take care of your friends.”
Franz almost sounded jealous there. Was he in love with his wife or not? His actions were so conflicting.
”While you're here, Katie…I have thought over your proposal and I would be happy to accept your help.”
Mariela looked between the two of us in confusion. ”What sort of help?”
I glanced at the second prince, leaving it to him to explain. It wasn't my job to tell his wife that he was plotting a rebellion of sorts. Thankfully he caught my hint.
”She has offered me the use of her political expertise as I try to garner support against Sigmund.”
She didn't seem surprised. So this was not the first she had heard of it? I suppose they were married.
He had to tell her at least some things about himself. Or at the very least, she was smart enough to guess that he chose her to further some agenda.
”I have recently heard much about her political mind,” she said ironically. We had literally just finished talking about it.
”I could use your input as well,” he said quietly, looking up at her with a hint of hopeful expectation in his eyes.
”Mine?” she asked, astonishment tinging her tone.
”You were trained in politics and diplomacy, were you not? Someone told me I ought to utilize my resources better and you are one of the best I have.”
Not romantic words in the slightest but Mariela appeared rather moved. ”I would be honored to assist you.”
Feeling a bit smug that I had not only gotten the second prince to work with me but also possibly helped steer their marriage on the right track, I leaned back in my seat and sipped my mostly-cold cocoa with a slight smirk on my face. Things were finally starting to look up.