She sat in a chair, a veil over her face while getting busy with a sewing machine.
While at it, she hummed a tune, most likely a melody from her childhood.
She enjoyed herself as she worked, slowly moving her legs while the thread was spun by the machine.
"Lady Fatima." A male voice called out causing her to pause what she was doing.
Not bothering to look back, she replied. "Lord Oliver, what brings you down here today?"
"I have had it up to here and my patience has run out. You told me that you would deal with the journalist and make Nadia mine but you have done neither of them and after the last attempt…"
"It seems like I'm not doing anything reasonable, no?"
"Well, are you?" Oliver questioned as he took a few steps forward. "More than 20 days have passed since that stupid journalist survived the attempt on his life. When you first approached me, you made me understand how important his family is yet… you haven't done anything."
"... You are right." Fatima sighed as she arose from her seat and turned to face Oliver.
Taking off her veil, she revealed the exquisite beauty hidden underneath.
"But that man… he is protected. I have tried to take his life with hexes but it is impossible."
"So what?... We let him walk away and take my woman with him?... Then what's the point of you staying here?"
"I didn't say I can't kill him. Since stealthy methods won't work, I'd rather just force my way through but I can't do it alone." Fatima calmly replied.
Oliver revealed a confused expression as he inquired. "So what do you want?... I will warn you now that I have no more money to provide for your plans. My father is already suspecting me, I can't allow him to take the inheritance from me."
"Don't worry, if I'm being honest, there's no reason for me to be here any longer since I have been asked to return for much stronger allies to handle the mission but I can't let go of an opportunity to test it out." As she spoke, Fatima revealed a strange expression causing Oliver to furrow his brows.
"Test what out?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
Seeing the twisted smile on Fatima's lips, Oliver felt goosebumps break out all over his skin, causing him to instinctively step back.
"You may leave, Lord Oliver." As she spoke, she turned away and returned to her work. "Do not worry, the journalist will die and Nadia will be yours. If I were you, prepare to receive both as best as you can because if one thing is assured, it's that only one will be leaving the banquet."
With that said, she returned to her weaving, leaving Oliver to ponder if he had made the right choice relating with such a woman.
***
Several days had passed since the invitation was sent out and finally, the 30th had arrived.
The 30th day in the month of Eurus also known as the Month of Harvest in Ra'as brought with it several changes to the city of BoneHaven.
A lot had happened, including but not limited to those arrested from the western district by the Royal Blues being released as well as the Enforcers carrying out a few test runs on the effect of Quillion on the barrier placed by Basar on the underground tunnel.
Of course, the most important news currently making the rounds however was the downfall of two prominent noble houses, namely the Neville and Richmond houses.
"I can't believe Lord Neville was screwing Lord Richmond's wife." Alex casually remarked as he read through the newspaper.
Nadia who sat beside him, revealed a rare smile as she replied. "A lot of such things happen these days with noble men having their way with noble women and vice versa. It's a miracle that a man or woman of nobility hasn't cheated at least once."
"Wow." Alex could only be in awe of the rather intriguing customs of nobility in Ra'as.
It seemed as though it were a competition to see who could cheat more than the other.
Of course that wasn't what caused the downfall of both houses as years and years of embezzlement of public money to fund their expenses was discovered and reported by the Morning Weeklies.
This led to their families being placed on trial and ultimately punished for their crimes.
For some commoners, it came as a welcome relief seeing the nobles they hated so much get punished for their wrongdoings.
A few others however called for the downfall of many more.
Nadia looked through the window, staring at the scenery outside while her thoughts were a mess.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked.
"Of course, why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, you don't seem okay."
"That…" Nadia trailed off. "Do you think it will work?"
Alex relaxed in his chair as he replied. "What do you think?"
"Well… I see no reason why you should put me as a part of your plans, after all, I haven't even completed my first trial."
"And so?"
"So?... So I shouldn't be involved in this. I'd end up ruining everything."
Alex pursed his lips as he met Nadia's gaze.
Silence reigned for a while as he slowly leaned forward before reaching out to grab her hand.
"You may doubt yourself but I believe you are the best person for the job. Don't sell yourself short, Nadia. You are an unprecedented genius and I believe you'll be able to deliver when the situation calls for it."
Nadia's heart palpitated upon hearing Alex's words and for a moment, she was unable to respond, merely staring at him in a daze.
Unsure of what to do, she ended up relying on her instincts.
Leaning forward as well, she attempted to kiss Alex only for the carriage to jerk to a stop after which a voice was heard from outside.
"Sir, Madam. We have arrived."
Revealing a wry smile, Nadia muttered. "Let's go."
Meanwhile, Alex inwardly sighed. 'That was close'