Rebirth Of The Witch Queen

Chapter 3 - The Information Broker

"Quickly, Miss! If Lord Lester finds out about this, he'll have my head!" Millie hissed while holding the door and looking around.

It had taken a lot to convince her to help Adeline sneak out, but once the maid realized she was planning to do it with or without her help, she had reluctantly agreed to help. Millie had returned a couple of hours later with the keys to one of the servants' doors and a huge blush on her cheeks and refused to say how she got a hold of them.

Once night had fallen, the two had snuck through the garden and the enclosed greenhouse by the west wall, stopping behind the bushes where the old door was. The years of disuse and neglect were plenty visible on the darkened wood and rusty lock, but after a few tries and a loud creak, the two had finally pried it open. Adeline had gone back to make sure nobody had heard them. If Lester found out about this, he’d go crazy and start watching her like a hawk. And if that happened she could forget about any plans and just sit patiently, waiting for her fate to repeat itself. If she got engaged to the crown prince, there was no way to break off the engagement without humiliating herself and smearing her houses’ honor and prestige, and she could never do that to her late parents.

Adeline pulled her cloak lower to hide her face then followed Millie towards the carriage waiting for them a little farther down the street. They didn't talk on the way but she could see how nervous the maid was while glancing through the window. Adeline tried to appear perfectly composed even though her heart was racing like crazy.

Once they arrived at their destination, they paid the driver to wait and Millie guided her to a tall, narrow building huddled between two bigger ones that shone with big fancy displays or signs promoting their services. In the late evening, the place looked dark and sinister, like a blade hidden in the folds of an expensive-looking dress of a child.

Adeline swallowed the lump in her throat, stopping with Millie next to the old front door. Her maid studied her face for a second as if searching for hesitation.

"Are you absolutely sure about this, Miss?" Millie asked, glancing around. "I know you said I don't need to know what kind of information you need, but if it's something dangerous…"

"It's not, I promise." Adeline smiled at her. "And yes, I am sure."

Millie sighed then knocked on the door three times, paused, then knocked two more times. A small window in the middle of the door slid open and a pair of dark eyes looked at them suspiciously.

"It's me, Millie. I’m bringing the client for Mr. Dugley." The maid spoke and the eyes on the other side widened in recognition. The window slid closed and the sound of the door unlocking reached their ears. A tall, bony man appeared on the threshold, eyeing Adeline for a second before turning to Millie.

"Hurry up." He said quietly stepping aside to let them in. Millie was the first to move so Adeline followed her inside, her hands tightening on the hem of her cloak. The man locked the door then pushed past them, disappearing down a long, dark corridor.

"How do you know him?" Adeline asked, trying not to sound as afraid as she felt. She had been going through old newspapers and information about the city and all businesses ran in it, trying to find someone - or something - that could help her find a husband. She had realized she couldn't just go through the nobility register and pick because she didn't know many of the nobles. So she needed someone that already had that information systemized. It was by chance that she was talking to herself out loud when Millie overheard her and suggested that if she needed information she could use an information broker. She also happened to know one. Which was how they ended up in that shabby, dark place.

"The doorman is my brother-in-law," Millie whispered. "I don't know the owner or the information brokers but he said they are not bad people. But my brother-in-law is a gambler and a drunk so please be careful, Miss, and if anything looks suspicious, run."

Adeline nodded, feeling the lump in her throat grow.

"You can go up." Millie's brother-in-law announced in a raspy voice and Adeline jumped, turning around to see him pointing at the spiral staircase leading to the second floor. "Mr. Dugley is probably already up there. Go up, turn left, and go to the door before last, he should be inside."

"How do I recognize him?" Adeline asked and the man raised his eyebrow.

"I don't know, why don't you call his name?" He said with a shrug as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Millie pinched his arm and he scowled, rubbing the place. "He has dark hair and wears glasses. Hurry up, you don't have all night. We don't live here."

Adeline shot Millie a glance then picked up her skirts and started climbing. The second floor was just as dark and uninviting, with just one oil lamp hanging on the wall across the staircase. Turning left, she strode to the last door and prepared to knock. For a moment she wondered if the guy downstairs had said last door or one before last - she had been too nervous to listen properly - but she decided he definitely said last.

Adeline knocked firmly, stepping back and waiting for it to open. A few seconds passed and a voice from the inside invited her to enter.

Adeline took a deep breath and let herself in, entering a room just as dark with the only light coming from the fire burning in the fireplace. She narrowed her eyes, a voice in her head telling her this was way too shady and she should leave. She ignored the voice, eyes searching the inside of the room.

"Make up your mind, will you? Are you coming in or are you leaving?" Someone said from inside and Adeline jumped, stepping inside in a hurry. She closed the door but stayed next to it in case she needed to run out quickly. Her eyes continued to search the shadows until suddenly a small flame appeared in the middle of the room, moving forward until it touched the wick of a candle and lit it. The light from the candle slowly illuminated the room, revealing a small square table where the candle was resting and a man sitting in a chair beside it, feet propped next to the light. He was wearing a pair of dark pants and a shirt that was hanging unbuttoned, revealing a smooth, finely toned chest underneath.

It was hard to see his face, but she did notice he had dark hair. No glasses though.

"Mr. Dugley? You're the owner of this place, correct?" She asked, feeling her face warm up as she looked away from him. The only man she had seen naked was Shayde and even on the rare occasions when he’d come to her bed, he didn’t bother taking all of his clothes off. But while Shayde was tall and slim, he had never had such well-defined muscles anywhere on his body.

"I'm the owner." The stranger replied, still staring at her and not moving at all. "Who are you?"

"In your reply, you said there is no need for names," Adeline said, still staring at the wall. "Can you please make yourself decent so we can have a proper conversation about my inquiry?"

He didn't reply at first then a quiet scoff echoed through the dark room.

"You're the one that came here, if I am making you uncomfortable, leave. But if you're staying, take off that hood. I'm not going to talk to you otherwise." He said. Adeline hesitated, her hands balling into fists for a second. But she didn’t have a choice. If she couldn’t use them to help her, she had to do it all herself. Then she’d have to rush her decision and who knew what kind of lunatic she might end up with.

Adeline raised her hand, pulling down her hood and turning her eyes on him. Her eyes settled on his face, realizing he had dropped his feet to the ground and bent forward, leaning his hands on the table. The light from the candle was now clearly illuminating his face, revealing a surprisingly young man staring at her. His hair was dark and wavy, falling to his ears in lush, shiny strands almost as if it had been styled by a hairdresser. His eyes were dark too and his straight features and high cheekbones made them look even bigger and more striking. He was handsome, almost as handsome as Shayde, but in a ruggish, casual way while Shayde was like a carefully carved statue.

“Much better.” The man said, leaning his chin on his hand, his smile growing. Adeline gritted her teeth, her heart quickening as he continued to devour her with his eyes. “Now, what about the inquiry?”

“Are you telling me you haven’t even looked into it?” Adeline asked with indignation, glaring at him. He continued to look at her with complete calm and the same playful smile. Adeline took a deep, calming breath. “It’s about helping me find a fiance in three days.”

He finally blinked as if in surprise, but his face didn’t change. The spark in his eyes grew brighter though and he slowly pushed himself off the table, leaning back and crossing his arms.

“Go on.”

“Well, you said you’ll tell me today if you’ll be able to do it. You said the requirements were a bit extensive so you’ll have to go through the options more carefully before giving me an answer.” Adeline sighed, already considering leaving. If they wouldn’t take her seriously, there was no point in wasting her precious time.

“And what were the requirements again?” He asked and Adeline closed her eyes.

“Are you playing with me, sir?” She asked through gritted teeth, opening her eyes and giving him her angriest glare. She wanted to grab one of the books from the shelf on her right and send it to his head. She especially wanted to wipe that smile off his face.

His smile dropped and his eyes turned serious in an instant.

“I’d never play with a customer.” He said with a painfully controlled voice. “I simply want to confirm nothing has changed.”

Adeline hesitated then puffed an annoyed breath.

“Fine.” She said, “I need you to find a man of noble birth coming from a Marquis family or above. It would be best if he is not the heir of the family. He needs to come from a reputable house, has to have decent looks and proper manners, and be at least known in high society. He must not have been in the center of a scandal or have a criminal past. He also must be willing to sign a prenuptial agreement and not lay claim to my inheritance any further than it is declared in the contract. I only need him for a year and then he must agree on divorce. The rest of the agreements for the time we are engaged and married can be agreed upon on the spot.”

He bit his lips as if to stop himself from laughing, but the expression disappeared in a second as if it was never there.

“Anything else?” He asked in a completely serious tone that didn’t match the amusement in his eyes.

“The deadline is two days from now.” She added. “He must agree and sign the contract by then.”

“And what is that husband going to get out of marrying you?” The man asked, tilting his head.

“If after the year is over none of the points in the agreements have been broken, I’ll transfer under his name a fifth of my inheritance. He will also be paid a fixed allowance during our marriage, the sum of which we’ll agree once he is found and depending on how well he fits the requirements.”

He finally laughed - a short, amused bark that echoed through the room and made her anger flare up again. A second later that anger turned to panic as he suddenly got up and circled the desk, stepping towards her. Adeline took a step back, but he stopped even before he reached her. His shirt was still hanging open, revealing even more of his well-toned chest and he stood there with his hands on his hips and that same amused smile from before.

“You’re not an easy lady to please, are you?” He asked, licking his lips. “Why would a pretty thing like you need a contract husband? Considering that cute face and body in combination with the money you clearly have, it won’t be hard at all to find a man to tick all your boxes. Why the hurry?”

“That’s none of your business.” Adeline snapped. “All you need to tell me is yes or no.”

"Then no." He shrugged, still smiling at her. He held her gaze for a few seconds, sending her heart racing again, then turned his back on her. "See yourself out, will you? I'm feeling generous today so I won't even charge you for this session."

He continued towards his seat as if not caring at all whether she would leave or not and Adeline realized he had called her bluff. She had no choice but to tell him, no time to find someone else. She had already wasted a day so he was her best bet.

"I want to avoid getting married to the crown prince." She said with a trembling voice and he froze midstep, his back stiffening. She watched him curiously, wondering if finally she had said the right thing. He turned around slowly, stepping back towards her but stopping a fair distance away just like before.

"As far as I'm aware, our dear crown prince is not engaged yet." He said, smirking. "Why are you so confident you'll be the lucky lady?"

"If you're doing any actual information brokering here, you should know who I am and my current situation. With my name, wealth and connections, there isn't a better candidate than me. And I want to make sure that never, ever happens. Even if I have to marry a complete stranger."

His smile grew.

"Well then, I'm all for making sure His Highness doesn't get what he wants." He laughed, crossing his arms. "I'll find you a husband. Two days from now, come meet us at Bellendal restaurant at noon. We'll write the contract and sign it on the spot."

Adeline's eyes widened, and before she knew it, she was smiling from ear to ear.

"So you have someone suitable already?" She asked, taking a step towards him. He gave her a wary look, as if her closeness suddenly disturbed him.

"Maybe." He replied, returning his eyes to hers.

"Is that a yes or a no? What's with the vagueness?" She asked impatiently.

"It's a maybe. You'll find out in two days." He said with an exasperated sigh, taking a small step back. Adeline wanted to scream at him, but stopped herself. She couldn't make him angry now that he might have the answer to her prayers. But he certainly didn't feel comfortable with her so near, despite his confident demeanor earlier, so she decided to take her revenge.

Adeline slipped off her glove and extended her hand for a handshake.

"It's a deal then." She said, looking at him expectantly. He glanced at her outstretched hand, then up to her eyes as if contemplating what to do. She almost laughed at the perplexed look on his face. "Come on, my hand won't hurt you. You do know how to do a handshake, don't you, Mr. Dugley?"

His eyes widened at the light mockery and his smile returned, along with a dangerous spark in his gaze that sent a shiver down her spine for some reason.

"As you wish." He said, reaching out for her. He stared at their hands and the moment his fingers brushed against her palm, he looked up at her as if expecting a reaction. When she caught his hand and shook it, his eyes widened in shock. For a moment, Adeline wondered if he was some kind of i***t and tried to pull her hand away, but now he was the one holding her tightly.

"Can I have my hand back?" She asked awkwardly, trying to break free of his hold. He let go immediately and she stumbled a step back, quickly putting on her glove while watching him. His expression was unreadable this time - there was the same shock and fascination, but also awe and amusement. Adeline did not trust the look in his eyes at that moment. "I'll see you in two days then, Mr. Dugley. Please make sure to deliver on your promise and I'll pay you handsomely. Now good night. And please wear more clothes next time."

Adeline turned around and opened the door, expecting to hear at least a word of goodbye, but he remained rudely silent so she stormed out angrily, almost bumping into a middle-aged man with big, square glasses in the middle of the corridor. He stared at her with wide eyes, but she rushed past him, not too eager to have another weird conversation.

Trying not to run down the stairs, she felt relief flooding her body despite the weird encounter, despite the creepy place and the fact that she was sneaking into the city without guards or protection.

She had done it. She was one step closer to changing her fate.