The Princess' Harem
Chapter 58: Elysia’s Financial Issue

Chapter 58: Elysia’s Financial Issue

The next morning, Viana decided to fetch an ointment for Reyes’s wounds, determined to ensure he healed properly. She secured a small jar of healing salve from the palace infirmary, its sharp herbal scent grounding her, and made her way toward the Royal Guard barracks.

The stone building stood near the training grounds, its narrow windows glowing faintly as the evening settled in. The air carried the familiar scent of leather, polished steel, and the quiet hum of off-duty guards filling the corridors.

Viana’s steps were steady but brisk, though she was more aware of her heartbeat than she cared to admit as she approached Reyes’s door.

She knocked lightly, the sound sharp in the stillness. After a moment, the door opened slowly, revealing Reyes dressed in a loose gray shirt, his bandaged hands visible. His eyes widened slightly, a hint of color rising to his neck as he registered her presence.

"Your Highness," he said, his voice rough with surprise. "Why are you here?"

She held up the jar, keeping her tone firm but calm. "I brought ointment for your hands. The cuts need proper care or they won’t heal well."

Reyes shifted awkwardly, clearly embarrassed, his gaze lowering. "I am fine, really. You do not need to trouble yourself."

"They are not fine," Viana replied, stepping inside before he could argue further. His small quarters were sparse, furnished only with a cot, a wooden chest, and a single lantern that cast a soft glow across the room. "Let me help. It is just ointment, Reyes."

He sighed, shoulders slumping slightly, and sat on the edge of the cot. Viana knelt beside him, unscrewing the jar and scooping out a small amount of the cool, greenish salve.

She worked carefully, dabbing it onto his palms, mindful not to cause pain. The cuts were shallow but numerous, and she focused on each one, aware of Reyes watching her closely.

His initial tension eased, though a faint blush lingered on his face.

"You should not be doing this," he muttered under his breath. "It is not proper for a princess..."

"I want to," Viana interrupted, her tone quiet but resolute. She met his gaze briefly, seeing an unspoken gratitude in his expression. The closeness between them, the silence, reminded her of their brief moment in the field, unguarded and fleeting.

She finished applying the salve and reached for the fresh bandages, wrapping his hands with careful precision. Her fingers lingered slightly, not because she meant to, but because something in her resisted pulling away too soon.

"Thank you," Reyes said, his voice low, sincere. His eyes held hers for a beat longer than necessary. "I... I do not know what to say."

"Just rest your hands," she replied, standing and brushing off her gown. "I mean it, Reyes."

He nodded, a small, reluctant smile breaking through, and Viana stepped out of the barracks, her mind still tangled with duty and emotions she was unsure how to place.

She needed clarity. And she needed the strength to avoid all these emotions feelings, not before she could be safe from Count Lazarus’s grip in the future.

Viana walked toward the Temple of Elysia, the grand structure of white stone standing proudly under the emerging night sky. Its arched windows and towering spires gleamed in the moonlight, a place of refuge for those who sought guidance.

Inside, the air was cool, laced with the scent of burning incense. The soft chants of priests echoed faintly through the high ceilings. She knelt before the marble altar, her gown pooling around her, and whispered a prayer—asking for Elysia’s strength, wisdom for the difficult road ahead, and protection for those she held dear.

As she rose, a familiar voice called her name.

"Your Highness!"

Viana turned to see Kaley, a young priestess she had not seen in months, approaching with a warm smile. Her auburn hair was pulled back neatly, her simple robes unadorned but pressed with care.

"It has been too long!" Kaley exclaimed, eyes bright when looking at her.

Viana felt herself relax slightly, and smiled at him. "Kaley, it is good to see you."

They walked together through the temple corridor, speaking in hushed tones. Joel and Reyes had followed at a distance but hung back, letting her have a private moment.

The corridor walls were lined with tapestries depicting Elysia’s history, their colors deepened by the flickering torchlight.

Kaley looked at her thoughtfully. "Thank you for attending the last ceremony. Your presence gave the people hope."

She hesitated, but then her smile fading slightly to hear Kaley’s words.

Kaley sighed, glancing toward the temple entrance where a handful of worshipers lingered in quiet conversation. "It is not just a few people, Your Highness. Every day, more come seeking answers. They talk about food prices rising, merchants struggling to keep their stalls open, and families unable to pay their debts. Some are worried about winter, saying they may not have enough to get through the season."

Viana’s heart sank further. The concerns were growing, spreading beyond trade routes and treasury records into the daily lives of citizens. Arden’s report had warned of financial instability, but hearing it firsthand made it feel more urgent.

"I have heard similar concerns," she admitted, keeping her voice measured. "We are working on solutions, but it is complicated. The treasury cannot take on every burden, and any adjustments to taxes or trade policies take time to show results."

Kaley nodded slowly, her brows furrowing. "I understand, but the people do not see those processes. They only see their struggles getting worse. Many still have faith in the crown, but if things do not improve, they will begin looking elsewhere for leadership."

Viana held back a sigh, recognizing the truth in Kaley’s words. The kingdom’s stability depended not only on finances but on the perception of control. If the people started doubting the crown’s ability to manage the crisis, unrest could follow.

"We will act before it comes to that," Viana said firmly. "The audit is already underway to root out corruption, and we are assessing ways to strengthen trade. But I understand that words alone will not be enough. The people need to see results."

Kaley studied her for a moment, then nodded. "If there is anything the temple can do to help, we will do it. Small things, even symbolic gestures, can remind them that they are not forgotten."

Viana considered the offer, already forming a plan in her mind. She had hoped for a simple update from the temple, but Kaley’s insight had brought a new layer to the issue—one she could not ignore.

"Then let us speak again soon," she said. "We may need that support sooner than expected."

They spoke briefly about temple matters, Kaley’s studies in ancient texts, the upcoming rituals, but the weight of the economy stayed with Viana.

At the temple’s entrance, the crisp night air touched her skin. Kaley curtsied gently. "Come back soon, Your Highness. The temple is always open to you."

Viana nodded, her mind already shifting toward the council meeting ahead, where she would have to face nobles like Lazarus and their careful, calculated words.

Joel and Reyes rejoined her, their presence familiar, a quiet support. She glanced at Reyes, his bandaged hands still tucked under his cloak, and felt a new wave of determination. The kingdom’s troubles were growing, but she was not alone.

As they returned to the palace, her gown caught the moonlight, its tattered hem a reminder of her actions. The council awaited, and there was little time to waste.

Once inside her chambers, she found the chests of Lazarus’s gifts untouched. Opening one briefly, the sapphire necklace glinted under the candlelight, cold and distant. She shut the chest again.

Instead, she unfurled a map of Elysia’s northern borders across her desk.

Arin’s schemes were surely tied to the bandit attacks Arden had reported. If she was right, trade routes were in jeopardy. She marked key locations, formulating strategies to counter his moves without placing extra strain on the treasury.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

Joel leaned inside, his usual grin subdued. "You are up late, Princess. Council is tomorrow, and you look like you are planning a war."

"Maybe I am," she said, only half joking, rolling up the map. "Any news from the guards?"

Joel crossed his arms. "Nothing new. Reyes is resting, if that is what you are asking. You worried him, showing up at the barracks like that."

Viana felt warmth rise to her cheeks but kept her tone steady. "He needed the ointment. Someone has to make sure he does not ruin his hands."

Joel chuckled, shaking his head. "You are something else, Princess. Get some sleep. Tomorrow will not be easy."

She nodded, dismissing him, and turned back to her desk. The journal lay open, Arden’s reports staring back at her. She added a few notes—audit priorities, key eastern trade contacts—her pen steady despite the late hour.

The candle burned low, wax pooling on the desk, but she continued writing. Elysia needed action, and she had no intention of letting things slip.

Kaley’s words echoed in her mind. The temple was the pulse of the kingdom, its visitors a reflection of its heart. If the people were losing hope, she needed to act fast. The audit would uncover corruption, but she also had to reassure the people, perhaps through a festival or a public address, something to remind them that stability was still within reach.

The palace had settled into silence when Viana finally rose and stretched. She moved to the balcony, breathing in the night air. The stars shone brightly overhead, and for a moment, she wondered if Rayne, far across the kingdom, was looking at the same sky.

Back inside, she took up her quill again, drafting her remarks for the council. The words had to be strong, calculated, enough to inspire confidence while buying her time to complete the audit.

No matter what happened tomorrow, she would be ready.