Kapitel 256: The first auction (2)

«Two golds,» I say. «I offer two golds.»

«You're bidding too, Duchess Kyre?» the Empress states. «What a surprise...»

She has just offered a single gold for a painting worth a thousand of them. I won't let her ruin my auction just because the rest of the court is afraid of battling with her.

I'll be the one buying the portrait if no one else wants it.

It won't be that hard to repay myself. I just have to make sure that the percentage I'm setting aside for my Duke is covered by all the rest I raised today. Which is very much.

I didn't negotiate the percentage yet, so I might even decrease it by a point or two. My hubby won't be displeased.

«Why shouldn't I bid?» I utter, raising my shoulders. «The painting isn't mine yet. I've just brought it here, and this one is among my favourites. I'd like to have one for myself, after all.»