After a few days of consideration, Genevie finally called Bridget for a proper meeting to give her an answer.
"Princess, Lady Bridget is here," Hannah announced.
"Send her in," Genevie said. Hannah nodded and opened the door, allowing Bridget to step inside the reading room.
"Your Highness," Bridget bowed deeply. Genevie dismissed her maids, leaving only Benjamin to stay behind. Bridget glanced at Benjamin; her eyes filled with worry.
"Don't worry about him, he knows," Genevie reassured, and Bridget nodded in understanding.
"So, what's the benefit of this partnership?" Genevie asked, her voice steady.
"Oh, don't worry about anything. Here is my plan," Bridget said, handing over a draft of papers. Genevie took the documents and began to read through them.
"So, you plan to open a high-end fashion line?" Genevie queried, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. After I obtain my duchess title, I will start the business. But I need your financial support, Your Highness. I want to build it outside the kingdom, and I'll need to purchase land and cover the expenses of constructing a large building. With your help, I believe this dream can become a reality," Bridget explained earnestly.
"So, that's all you want?" Genevie asked, skeptical.
"Yes, and I also know you are planning to undermine this kingdom. It's better for me to leave before you do," Bridget whispered, then added more loudly, "With my help, Your Highness."
"And what will you do for me?" Genevie asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Anything you want, Your Highness," Bridget smiled confidently.
"You know it won't be easy to buy land outside the kingdom, right?" Genevie pointed out.
"I know. It can only happen through royal blood, and I don't have that. But you do. All I need is the land and some money, and everything you've planned will go smoothly," Bridget assured her.
"What do you mean you don't have royal blood? You're the Duke's daughter. You have all the rights to get anything you want," Genevie said, confused. Duke Stuart was part of the royal bloodline, a fact well known among the people.
"Well, as an illegitimate child with big dreams, there are things beyond my reach. It's true I have power, but not enough on my own. My father pampered me once he realized I was more capable than his sons, but as a woman, marriage became a must. I could marry a duke from another country and gain land, but that would strip me of my title and give the power to my husband," Bridget explained, revealing a shocking truth to Genevie.
Genevie was taken aback by the revelation. She had heard rumors but never took them seriously. Bridget laughed it off, used to the struggle of climbing the social ladder due to these rumors. Her determination to escape and become powerful led her to be the first woman to inherit her family's business, silencing all doubters. Bridget's admission to Genevie was a sign of her trust.
The only problem was Alexander. Would he allow her to have a business partner? Alexander was not stupid; he might notice her plans. 'Should I agree to this partnership? This opportunity comes once in a lifetime. I have to think,' Genevie pondered deeply.
"May I interrupt?" Benjamin asked, noticing Genevie's struggle.
"Go on, Mister Knight," Bridget said.
"Is that in Bzerabet Empire?" Benjamin asked, pointing at the draft.
"Bingo!" Bridget confirmed. Genevie recalled that Bzerabet and Narva had almost formed a friendship, with Bzerabet offering protection. However, the war prevented the agreement. Now, Genevie saw an opportunity.
"Let me hear what you've got, Princess," Bridget urged.
"I want you to send my letter to the Bzerabet Empire," Genevie said.
"That's it? Easy-peasy," Bridget said, smiling. They agreed to the partnership, and Bridget prepared papers for them to sign. "Don't worry, I won't tell a soul about this agreement, Your Highness."
"You know what, you actually saved me from marrying the prince," Bridget whispered. Genevie wasn't surprised by Bridget's influence. Bridget was ambitious, loved challenges, and traveled frequently. She hated responsibilities and would rather die than perform princess duties. Her determination to succeed without worrying about anything made her the first woman to inherit her family's business.
"I heard you love money. Why would you refuse to become royalty?" Genevie asked. Bridget could achieve anything if she agreed to the marriage.
"Well, it's true, but I love challenges too. If I become like you, there's no fun in it, unless you're a crown princess seeking revenge," Bridget said, whispering the last part. Genevie hushed her, and they both laughed. Benjamin was surprised by the playful interaction between the two women, more like friends than business partners.
After an hour, Bridget and Genevie said their goodbyes. "I'll see you. I'll send the letter too, so don't worry about that. I'll take care of everything," Bridget said.
"Thanks."
"And one more thing, sooner or later, you have to tell your husband about this. Not everything, but you know what I mean, right?" Bridget advised, and Genevie nodded.
"Princess, you and Lady Bridget seem close," Hannah said.
"Yeah, she is a nice person," Genevie replied.
"I can see that. By the way, I have a message for you from the prince, Your Highness," Hannah said.
Genevie frowned. "What is it?"
"He said you will have dinner with the royal family today."