Hey my sweets! (~˘▾˘)~Thank you all so much for wishing me well! I'm mostly better, but my updating will be slow for a while as I have had a loved one pass away. I will try and update a few chapters at once so ya'll don't kill me for going AWOL. ( ⚆ _ ⚆ )

Anyways!(✿'‿') I love you guys! Please don't forget to like, comment, and follow me!(─‿‿─)

~Sweetpea

Well lets get on with the chapter. ♪~ ᕕ(ᐛ)ᕗ

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As quickly as his smile faltered, he smiled as if it never happened.

"Well- as everyone knows- his highness is coming to the capital looking for a bride." He said as if he was talking to a temperamental child. I could tell he thought I was a simple and naive lady, just wanting to chase after a man. Although he was not wrong, it's just that I did not want Axel for courtship.

"Sir you seem to be mistaking something here, I'm paying you for information. Not sugar coated rumors." I knew if anyone knew Axels real reason it was Casper, it was obvious he was just trying to appease me for petty money. Amusement and interest glinted in his eyes after hearing my response.

"It will cost a pretty penny-" He was interrupted by the sound of me throwing another bag of money on the table. He let out an amused smile, before grabbing the money off the table.

"Well the real reason his highness is coming to the capital it to hunt down a man, who he believes had a hand in killing his fiance." I didn't let it show but I was shocked, the book never said anything about Axel having a fiance, let alone her dying.

"What else." I said as I threw another bag of money on the table, knowing he stopped because of it.

"Although most don't know, his highness was the real reason behind his parents deaths. Is this the only business you have with me." He looked at me intently as if trying to see through my intentions.

"I assume you already know who I am and I know you have your rats hidden everywhere, even in the Eirlys duchy. I need you to get your best man to rise to the top rankings as a knight by the time my debut comes. I need someone who is willing to protect me at any cost." I needed a support throughout everything, and this was the best I could do.

"Now now, what makes you think I have my rats hidden right under the nose of a beast? That's just plain dangerous... and why not tell daddy if you think so?" He said with amusement laced within his tone.

"Well they do say that hiding in plain sight it the best place, and I can't help it if the nasty little rats show their tails? Am I right?" I said with a tone of amusement, an obvious jab at him. I had my suspicions that Chrysta might be his, but I can't be sure.

"You didn't answer my last question." He wasn't fazed at my mockery.

"Well, rats are not long lived. I had thought to make use of them while they last, I hear they tend to make life long bonds." I was truthful, I needed someone by my side even if it gave Casper better access to me. I needed to take this risk, to secure my future.

(A/N: Real rats have short life spans poking at the fact how spy "rats" usually get caught and get killed. Pet rats make life long bonds with their owners, so Alina is saying she needs someone who is loyal to their death.)

"Well it seems I'll have to give away one of my best pets. A pity really." He acted as if he held regret, but I could tell he was amused. It was best if he was amused, it meant he would pay attention to my request himself to see if I could provide further entertainment for him.

"How much for the man?" I asked as I stood up, getting ready to take out a bag of money.

"No charge, think of it as payment for the entertainment." If it was anyone else and they did not know his personality they would think he was talking nonsense, but I knew he was going to keep a close eye on me to watch for entertainment. I can't say that I'm not bothered that I'm not strong enough to stop him or anyone from doing what they want. I hate that I'm in a position just to sit still as everyone does what they want, even if it is at my expense. But I knew he wouldn't go out of his way to harm me, or to even help me unless it benefited him.

He was an indifferent man to anything, life or death. As long as it provided him with entertainment, he was fine.

'Well, he might as well sit back with popcorn. I have a feeling everything moving forward will get messy.' I thought as turned to leave.

"Send me a message about who my man is once he reaches the top ranks, I'm sure it won't take him long to come out of the hole he's hiding in." I stopped before reaching the door, I knew none of his men would be in the top ranks as they were shown to be weak to prevent suspicion. I didn't wait to hear his response before leaving to make it back to my escorts.

Once I made it back to where I left my escorts, I saw them just finish paying for their purchase. I quickly stood off to the side as if I had been waiting for them for a while. They turned around and spotted me immediately before rushing to me.

"We're sorry miss, did you wait long?" They bowed and apologized. It made me flustered to have them do that in public, but I understood that it was the norm for nobles.

"Please stand up, I didn't wait long." They stood up while handing me a box of chocolate macaroons. They bought themselves small boxes of assorted macaroons.

"Let's go!" I said while opening the box and walking out the cafe.

We soon arrived at the carriage to go back the mansion. I finished the box as we were pulling up to the mansion. The butler greeted me as I left the carriage.

"Schedule a meeting with a interior designer." I needed someone to move furniture and design the rooms for the children.

"Yes, Miss." He bowed while answering.

"Where is father?" I needed to ask him something.

"He is in his office, Miss." He bowed again when he answered.

"Thank you." I turned and left without waiting for a response.

I was making my way towards the office but ran into a wall while turning a corner, and by wall I mean a hard chest.

I rubbed my sore nose, as my eyes were tearing up from the pain.

"What are you doing?" A familiar voice growled at me.