The professional help

Trina's POV 

I headed out of the palace after my meeting with the prince and got to the bar as I needed to meet the old man and have myself a drink.

"Hogs mead," I said to the bartender who nodded to me and went around making my drink when I was gone by the old man. "It didn't work," was all I could say to him as soon as he sat beside me.

"I had a hunch you would say that."

I banged my hand on the table in anger.

"You knew and you didn't say anything?! You could have warned me before I made a fool of myself for days trying to bring down one stupid blind girl!"

"Keep your voice down," he said sharply in a whisper.

I sighed. "I'm only frustrated. Being in his study while he talked to me like I was some sort of stranger had me feeling terrible. I mean… I'm his fiance. He's supposed to love me. But instead he doesn't see me as that anymore thanks to that wench of a woman. She needs to be dealt with."

"Do not despair my lady, for I have another idea that might just rid you of this maid once and for all."

I looked up at him with a scoff. "The last one didn't go as expected. What makes you think I'd want to go through another horrific experience with you leading the way… again."

"Don't underestimate me," he smiled. "Didn't it feel good while you watched her suffer?"

"I mean it felt good but that is besides the point."

"It isn't. You still have an upper hand in this case."

"The prince has given me one last warning. If I mess this one up I am screwed. I cannot let that happen. I just cannot. Whatever you have in mind, it better work."

He looked around the bar before pointing to a very dark place where light did not reach the chairs. 

"Let us speak in private," he suggested as I took my drink and followed him there.

The old man settled himself in the chair across from me, his eyes scanning the room before meeting mine. "Have you considered seeking the help of a professional? Someone who specializes in discreet matters such as these?"

I furrowed my brow, puzzled by his suggestion. "A professional? What do you mean?"

He leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper. "There are individuals in this world who excel in the art of removal, my dear lady. They can make problems disappear without a trace. They are discreet, efficient, and most importantly, they can ensure that your involvement remains completely hidden."

My heart skipped a beat as his words sank in. The idea of hiring someone to handle the maid seemed both thrilling and terrifying. It was a path I had considered, a path that could potentially lead to my ultimate freedom but one that had not worked when I tried it the last time.

"I tried doing that. The person I hired failed me multiple times. In fact so many of them were killed by the prince."

"That was you?"

"Cat's out of the bag now I guess," I sighed, leaning over the table with my hands holding up my head while I stared at my drink wobbling around in the cup.

"Those people you hired were amateurs then. They didn't do much. Apart from getting killed they were basically useless. Did you hire them yourself or did you have someone hire them?"

"I had someone hire them."

"That person does not have the eye for the good stuff. Now this person who would work for you has much experience in this field and trust me, they are really good."

"But... how do I find such a person?" I asked, my voice filled with fear. "I already told you I'm in my last life. If the prince notices my involvement, he would have me kicked out of the palace. I cannot have that happen to me. I would not mind living in peace with that wench if it means having to stay with him. I cannot afford to lose him."

The old man smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Leave that to me, my dear lady. I have connections in places you could never imagine. I will find the perfect individual for the job, someone who can guarantee your satisfaction."

Fear and excitement coursed through my veins. The thought of finally resolving this issue and reclaiming my life seemed within reach. But at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder about the consequences of such a decision.

"What if... what if something goes wrong?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. "What if I'm discovered?"

The prince's voice still echoed in my head. It still had me shaking. If it was found out that I was aiding the dark forces against the maid, the prince would not take it lightly with me.

The old man's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Fear not, my dear lady. The individuals I work with are professionals, experts in their field. They have a reputation to uphold, and they take great pride in their ability to remain unseen and unheard. Trust me, they will ensure that your involvement remains a secret. They would even prefer dying with your secret than exposing who you are. That is how dedicated they are to their craft."

I took a deep breath, the weight of my decision settling upon me. This was a dangerous path I was treading, but the thought of freedom and a life without the maid's presence was too great to resist.

"Alright," I said, my voice steady. "Find me this person, this professional, and I will see this through."

The old man nodded, satisfaction evident in his eyes. "Very well, my dear lady. Consider it done."

I took a big gulp of my drink praying that the old elder would help me with my problem.