16 The Deal

"That is why I cannot sell any more of these books." Said Grace while fidgeting with her wedding ring.

Grace was a young woman in her twenties who looked more like a granny than a woman her age. Her husband was currently enrolled in the army and she was managing the store all alone. Although she seemed timid and foolish, she was quite the opposite. She knew almost everything that was going around the empire, partly because she deals with many vendors that sell books.

Here in the Empire of Viadora guilds did not exist as they were seen as a threat by the aristocracy and people who were caught were severely punished. So, people who still wanted to hear information had to wait until it was made public by the royal family or by telling rumours. The dark truth was that they could not stop people from spreading information regardless of how much they tried.

This is also the case for Grace who owned a bookstore but was selling information in the back room. She was relatively unknown and only sells information to those that seek her. She was, however, foolish at reading people.

Just minutes earlier Grace told Anna the reason why she was looking for the book. News just came that the second princess was around in the vicinity and she wanted to hide all the books. She knew it was treason to sell even sell fictional stories hinting at the royal figures. But to make one titled as such, clearly stating the name was thousands of times worst.

Anna could not help but smile for their entire conversation wondering how Grace managed to fly under the radar for so long. She guessed it must because she looked innocent and sweet and no one would even dare to suspect her. But the innocent ones are the most wicked.

"That is understandable." Said Anna trying to sound understanding and compassionate. She, however, had no intention in giving up and leaving this store unless she was accompanied by the book.

"But I was looking for this book for a long time."

"Yes…yes but the princess." Grace was unhappy about being placed in this situation. She liked the girl called Anna, but she did not want any evidence about her activities. There were enough suspicious people in her town that placed their eyes on her. They were most likely going to let the soldiers know about her.

She, in fact, had bagged her luggage and was about to leave town for a day or two, until the waters calmed. But currently, she was held back by Anna. She was getting anxious thinking about what might happen if she did not leave now.

The small room in which they sat suffocated her even more. The murky room was the size of a storage room, and it was covered by bookshelves all around. Behind the red thick curtain lay a corridor which led to different rooms. When Anna came in, they walked all the way to the last one and then entered a room that looked like a kitchen. Anna's first impression was that Grace must be a very clean person for the kitchen to be very clean, but she soon realised the kitchen was never in use.

Under a mosaic round rug, a small trap door uncovered another small corridor.

This corridor seemed infinite from Anna's perspective. It was an underground path around the town. The mould and lack of fresh air were making Anna sick. A dirty old door led them to this room.

Anna placed a small pouch on the table. It was made of green satin tied loosely with lace. When the bag touched the table, the content jiggled and soon it opened, freeing some gold coins. They shone in the dim light of the lamp placed in a corner.

"I…I cannot. I am sorry." Grace shook her head declining Anna's money. She was apprehensive but she could not risk making this deal.

"Don't worry about the Princess. She won't know. I am only in passing." Technically she was not wrong. The real Selda would never know, she never knew something in the last life. She was also in passing, as they planned on leaving towards the port tomorrow at drawn.

"No, I cannot." Grace refused yet again.

"What do you want?" asked Anna. There must be something that she wanted. She did not tell Anna to leave and close the door after her, so she must want something else besides money.

"I…you seem to have a lot of money." Anna flinched, after which she touched the small pouch. She thought Grace wanted to be greedy, take more than the value of the book. But Grace placed her hands on Anna's not allowing her to move the pouch.

"I don't lack money if that is what you are after." Said Anna disgusted. Grace avoided her gaze and looked at one of the empty bookshelves.

"My business is not doing too well these past days. I don't have as many clients." She murmured flustered.

'What do you want form me? Is it really money?' Anna did not want to believe that a woman as herself which managed the shop for almost five years, would be suddenly left with no customers.

"So?" Anna was trying to sound reasonable but, in her mind, she already gave up on the deal. If this is how Grace conducts her business then there is no need for her to stay here any longer.

"So…I mean, recently because of a certain man I am not doing to well." Anna retracted her arm this time smiling at Grace. She saw Anna's expression and gained confidence, continuing her proposal.

"He opened a new bookstore just last week and since then he has been intervening with my book deliveries. He also found out, I don't know how…about me selling illegal information. If, if…if I am found out I don't know what to do. My husband is in the army, even if I run away, he will be punished for my sins… I don't know…what if…"

Anna placed her hand on Grace's shaking one and looked at her seriously.

"Now now…there is no need to panic. All problems have a solution." Grace raised her teary eyes and stared at Anna quizzically. She closed her mouth and said nothing more waiting for the solution.

"Tell me. Is he the only other bookstore besides yours?"

"Yes! The town is small, I barely make any money from selling books. People don't know how to read that much around here."

"hmm, I understand." Anna nodded her head and pushed the money towards her. Grace furrowed her eyebrows and was about to refuse but Anna raised her hand to stop her.

"Did he threaten you or…?"

"Yes! He sent me a letter! Would you like to have a look at it?" Grace did not wait for her to answer before she dashed to the door and out the corridor. Anna shook her head and chuckled, looking more around the room.

The room was lit by a dim red light from an oil lamp placed on top of one empty bookshelf. The table they were sat at was made with cheap timber and it was slightly damp from the moisture in the air.

Now that she sat in silence all alone, Anna could hear the slow melodic drip of water hitting the ground. It was falling off from an uneven corner of the ceiling and was dripping in a large bucket, almost filled to the brim. The room looked grotesque, like a prison. Everything around her was made of stone, cement and timber wood was holding it together.

After what seemed like an eternity, Grace returned holding a crumpled yellow letter. The writing was almost indiscernible, and it took Anna a good while to read the lengthy letter.

'My dearest Grace,

I hope this letter finds you well. I certainly feel more ecstatic lately. You see, a cute little bird told me a very interesting story and I thought you want to also know it. It's in your interest to know it, so read this carefully.

There is talk around town that a small insignificant store is selling information. I know it sounds crazy but my sources are very reliable. It is laughable to think that such foolishness exists, but that is what I heard.

You wouldn't happen to know who she was right?

They say she is young, has long pink hair and she is beautiful. I certainly can agree to that. Her slender legs, her beautiful chubby face, her red eyes that are so fierce, make my heart beat faster.

I would not want a beautiful woman as herself get hurt. It makes my conscience stained. You must certainly be anxious. It is only normal. I was thinking of helping her, as much as I can.

Why don't you visit my store one day?

I would love to discuss with you the possible solutions.

With love Michael.'

Anna almost threw up reading this paper. She left the table and picked up the oil lamp placing it on the round table. The black ink shimmered under its light. She opened the lamp and placed the letter on top of the flame. The fire engulfed the paper in a slow and steady manner.

"He certainly was a pig…" said Anna through gritted teeth. She hated these types of people the most. Those that prey on the weak and pretend they did a good deed.

"Huh? Was?" Grace asked confused.

"Well, since he will meet his death today, he no longer exists." Anna sat back on the chair and casually waved her hand displeased, watching the last piece of letter turn to ashes.

"What? Are you going to help me?" Hope filled Grace's heart. She was about to cry of happiness. These past days she had not slept well worrying constantly about what would happen. She firstly ignored it thinking he was just bluffing, trying to intimidate her to close her store.

But the sly man visited her yesterday, asking her if she considered his proposal. When Grace told him to go away, he placed a book on the table. It was the book Anna so eagerly asked for.

"Well, I won't do anything worth mentioning." Anna shook her head laughing. A malicious light glistened in her amethyst eyes. Grace froze seeing this reaction.

"What?"

"I wonder what will happen if the princess finds about this." Grace rose from her seat and yelled.

"No! She will kill both of us."

"Hoho. I will make sure she only knows about Michael. How does that sound?"

"How? That is…how?"

"Well, how about I let the princess see this book in his window? Let's see how ecstatic he will be to meet royalty." Grace gulped. Her mouth twitched and soon she smiled.

"That would be great. I am sure he will like it very much." Her smile deepened.

"That is a deal then." Anna tapped her finger on the table and smiled innocently. She was in high spirits now. She didn't have this much fun in ages; she knew she should have taken a holiday earlier. With a screeching sound, she moved the chair and got up. She put her hood back on and was about to climb the ladder to the upper level when Grace yelled after her.

"When will you do it?"

"Haha... impatient I see." Anna poked fun at her. Graced pouted but averted her gaze in embarrassment.

"Patience. The show will soon follow." With that Anna left the store.

Outside the maids were getting worried and were looking for Anna though the window. Anna saw them and signalled them and grew annoyed. The maids were never giving her some privacy.

"Why did you defy my order?" the maids trembled and bowed their heads. The soldier who sat in hiding came out and bowed to Anna.

"My apologies, Your Highness. I was worried that you disappeared and asked them to check. I went around the vicinity looking for the Princess." He placed his hand on his heart but did not bow.

"Don't you ever disobey me again." she reprimanded them with a stern voice.

"Yes, Your Highness." They said in unison. They were afraid that they will die today.

"Let's go back." The group left the plaza and walked in the direction of the inn. By now the outside was deserted, with no signs of soldiers or the commotion from earlier. Form inside came loud laughter and excited voices.

Anna's heels clicked on the stone still. A graveyard silence settled in the restaurant and the soldiers got up and curtsied to the princess. Anna waved her hand dismissively and they continued their conversations, although quieter.

"You are dismissed." Anna turned to the soldier. He seemed relieved to have survived today and gave her a court nod.

"Have a good rest your Highness." He said and turned around.

"Please let the sergeant know I am looking for her." The soldier turned his head in order to read Anna's expression. He thought the Princess wanted to punish him for earlier. Anna ignored him and walked toward the stairs without giving the soldier a reason leaving him to worry on his own.

When she reached her room, the maids opened it for her and lit the lamps. The room was modest, with only a king-sized bed and a wardrobe placed in a corner. Under the window, a plain study desk was glued to the wall. Opposite the desk was the bed, next to a small table with a vase of flowers.

Another door on its right to lead to the bathroom. Its tiles were a dirty white colour and covered all walls, making the room feel squalid.

'I will have to deal with this.' Anna sighed and got undressed with the help of Mielda. Vanessa left to ask for a meal and something to drink. She decided not to wash today even after the long trip. She did not feel comfortable bathing in there, so she decided to bath tomorrow when they reached their destination. She took a book from her cloak and placed it on the desk before she went and sat on the bed.

A knock broke the silence. Mielda opened the door and invited the sergeant in. She looked very tired but kept her calm composure and asked Anna:

"Your Highness, I heard you were looking for me."

"Yes. Mielda leave us alone." The maid left the room in a hurry. Now it was just Anna and the female sergeant left in the room. Anna did not say anything and just looked at the sergeant. The tension in the air rose, and the female sergeant knew something was wrong. She heard from Jack, the soldier who earlier escorted the Princess the vague story, but thought it would be extreme to punish him for looking after the Princess. Even if he defied her order.

"My subordinate did-"

"Thank you for coming so promptly" Anna cut the sergeant's sentence. Her voice sliced the woman's last hope of saving Jack.

"It is my job, Your Highness."

"What is your name?" Anna asked.

"Violetta. Violetta Grewt, your Highness."

"Violetta. I have a small little job for you." The temperature in the room dropped quickly and with a sinister smile, Anna looked at Violetta. Her heart shrunk. She gulped loudly. Everyone who met Anna at least once knew what this smile meant.

Someone's life was in peril.