After paying the coachman she had hired, Priscilla lifted a hand to halt Marie, who had stepped forward anxiously.
“Marie, wait nearby. We never know what might happen.”
“But, Your Highness, it isn’t safe for you to go in alone—”
“I’ll be fine,” Priscilla interrupted. “Bringing a maid would only draw more suspicion.”
With an air of confidence, she opened the door to the decrepit building that housed the black market. It had once been an inn and tavern, but it was now long abandoned.
The moment she pushed open the heavy door, a voice greeted her from the shadows.
“What brings you here?”
“I’m looking to exchange some jewels.”
“Ah, laundering, is it? Very well.”
As she was led to an inner room, Priscilla momentarily forgot her anxiety. Despite the building’s ruined facade, the room she was taken to was filled with an array of what appeared to be extremely valuable jewels.
