A week has passed, and I am still no closer to securing a plan in bringing Axel over to my side. I don't even know what to ask from him, and I don't think he'd waste time protecting a dying girl anyway.

I had to keep my condition a secret from him, he would just see me as a broken pawn without a use. I needed to become in important peace in the game I was playing in order to earn his protection.

I could ask him to make me his queen, but I don't know a single thing about being a queen. I have so many doubts, and had to figure them out before him coming here. I needed information, and for that I needed to see the head of the black market: Casper Marsh. I needed to get whatever dirt I could on Axel to lower my chances of death.

-Knock-knock-

I was snapped out of my thoughts once there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." The door opened to show Maverick hold a couple of documents.

"Miss, I found a couple of buildings that meet the standards the Miss requested." Maverick bowed before handing the documents over to me.

I looked over all of them, but decide it would be best if I went and saw them myself. I could also sneak away to meet Casper.

"Prepare a carriage, and gold for me. I only want two escorts, dress them in commoner clothing. I don't wish to draw attention." I didn't bother explaining my reasoning as he could probably guess what I wished to do.

"Yes, Miss." He bowed and left to carry out my orders.

"Chrysta, prepare me commoner clothing." Chrysta followed my orders without hesitation, I had noticed she had watched what I was doing more intently than before, while also being sweeter to try and bond with me. I wouldn't let her close but I accepted her affection to lead her to believe I was growing fond of her.

I quickly got ready, I wore a clean brown dress than wealthy commoners wore. Chrysta braided my hair simply before giving me a cloak to wear to cover my hair and eyes to not bring myself attention. I left without Chrysta, she was a clever child and I knew she would know my true objective of this outing if she followed me. I needed to be one step ahead of the ones that threaten me.

I got in the carriage, while the knights rode horses outside my carriage to guard it. Now that I think of it I'll get to choose my own personal knight after my social debut. Thea received a personal knight from the crowned prince, and that knight was my brother, Seth.

I needed to pick carefully as they would be the person to protect me, and if I trust them enough they will even be involved in my plans. I needed someone to get information for me anyways, I needed someone on my side. I craved it but knew it was just a fantasy and I needed to stick to reality if I was going to survive.

The carriage stopped in the city, and I got out while being escorted. I walked to each of the buildings that Maverick picked, there were three that fit my standards. The first was a shabby and old building that needed to be fixed up. The second looked to be an old run down tavern, and the third looked to be a newly built hotel. I knew the third was my best choice as it had the most rooms. I met with the agent selling the building, and bought the deed to the building.

I was surprised with how little it costs, and even more surprised with how much money Alina had. She could apparently buy and make a small kingdom with her money, now even I think that is spoiled... but I'm not complaining.

"I'm hungry for something sweet, why don't we go to the sparrow cafe?" I turned and asked sweetly towards my guards. They nodded after turning bright red, it only confused me I didn't understand why they were so flustered.

'Maybe their embarrassed by escorting me.' I sadly shook my head at how everyone seemed to not like me.

We soon made it to the cafe, where it was crowded with customers.

"Can you guys wait in line and get me chocolate macaroons. I have to go powder my nose. Oh, make sure to get something for yourselves also, if you don't I'll be mad." I gave them my best stern look before walking down the hall toward the bathroom, but walked passed it further down the hall to turn down another hall and make my way to the last door. I knocked three times before the slit in the door opened to show a pair of eyes.

"The sparrow seeks at night." I repeated the secret password I remembered in the book. The man closed the slit before I heard the door unlocking and opening.

I walked in and made my way toward the sofa in the middle of the seat before sitting in the seat.

"I wish to see Casper." I said in an icy tone while throwing a bag of gold on the table.

"Ma'am, I don't know who you-" He was cut off with the sound of me throwing another bag of gold onto the counter.

"Cough- He only meet-" He was yet again cut of by me throwing another bag onto the table. I stared into his daring him to speak once again.

He bowed before leaving to get Casper, I had no need to act all warm and soft. My life was on the line and I was here for business. A young man with long Azure hair and eyes walked in, he was just, if not more handsome than the book described. I can't imagine the male leads and their halo if he is only a side character.

"Well, what is you wish to know." He asked as he sat down. His face was warm and inviting but I knew it hid his true nature.

Indifferent.

He held no care what happened around him and only liked watching situations that interested him, like the people around him were his his own personal soap opera.

I looked at him coldly, letting him know I can see past his facade. Either way he still kept his beaming smile on his face. I swear if he smiled any bigger his face would split in half.

I threw a couple bags on the table, while keeping an indifferent and cold face as if I was bored.

"Give me all the information you have on his highness Axel." As my request came out his smile faltered.