Vera dug into her travel pack and pulled out the folded tunic, trousers, and cloak she’d stashed just in case. Grinning to herself, she began changing as quickly as possible. She didn’t have a mask or the band she typically wrapped around her breasts, but with her hooded cloak on, she wasn’t too worried about either.
Re-working her hair into a single plate that she tucked inside her tunic, she threw on her cloak, wishing she had a dagger or even a kitchen knife. She didn’t expect to be attacked, but she also didn’t like the idea of being unarmed in an unfamiliar place.
She finished lacing up her boots and cracked the door open to peek out. It definitely wouldn’t end well if anyone believed they saw a strange man leaving her room. When she confirmed the coast was clear, Vera eased out and made her way downstairs as casually as she could.
Thankfully, the innkeeper was talking with another occupant and was facing away from the stairs, so she ran for the door and eagerly disappeared into the streets of Midpath.
It was somehow better than she’d imagined. It was more vibrant, more exciting, more overwhelming, more everything. Vera had occasionally visited a few of the markets in the capital with Elric throughout the years, but they were nothing like this.
The streets of Matherin were congested and stuffy, smelling like a combination of waste and an overpowering concoction of spices and perfumes. There was no magic or suspense, just normal people living normal lives.
Whereas here, everything was spread out so people could pass easily and see all there was to offer. The people were more animated and alive. Her senses had definitely picked up an eclectic mix of smells that she could practically taste, but it wasn’t overwhelming.
Although, if Vera was honest with herself, her overall happiness about being out of the armory in general probably had something to do with her intense approval.
She walked at a leisurely pace. She had no coin to purchase anything, but she was content with strolling unhindered and unnoticed through the streets, enjoying the simplicity of visually shopping the different wares for sale. But what she enjoyed more than anything, was the way she could unapologetically watch people.
At first, she thought seeing the brothel workers would make her uncomfortable. She’d never seen one before and had only the guards’ descriptions to base her assumptions on. But she found herself drawn in by the women’s soft words and seductive movements as they danced in the open windows.
Sex was not something she’d ever done, but she knew what it was and understood the mechanics of it. Elric had brought in a local healer to have “the talk” with her when she’d first bled, and she often overheard the guards make comments. It just wasn’t something she’d ever had a chance to experience, apart from her own self-exploration.
The women were gorgeous, and it wasn’t because of what they were wearing—or not wearing—but because of what they were projecting. They didn’t look miserable or used like she had expected. They looked strong and confident. Instead of crying over the lot in life they had, they made the most out of it, and Vera found herself secretly wishing she had their conviction.
Forcing her legs to keep moving, she turned the corner and had to fight to control her saliva when the smell of freshly baked sweets smacked her straight in the face. She watched as two small children sprinted circles around their parents, squealing in joy as their mother handed them a warm, sticky bun to share.
She felt a pang in her middle at the sight and absentmindedly rubbed her chest. She wondered what it might have been like to grow up in a family, with forehead kisses and heartfelt smiles. She watched them a little longer before chastising herself.
Elric may not have ever been affectionate, but he’d shown her how to find her own strength and taught her to push her limits. He’d made her the woman she was, and she was grateful to him, even when he tried to lock her in an inn.
There was a slight chill in the air as the sun began its descent, so thankfully she didn’t stand out in her cloak. No one even spared her a second glance. She was invisible and unimportant. But for the first time in her life, Vera didn’t mind it.
The only thing that could have made the evening better was if she hadn’t had to wander alone. She missed Trey’s company. He’d been her almost constant companion for two days, and she missed his light-hearted banter.
She thought about heading to the tavern the guards had mentioned and sitting at the bar so she could listen to their conversation and pretend to be a part of it. Even considering it made her feel pathetic, but it didn’t stop her from wanting to anyway.
She almost convinced herself to risk it, but the knowledge that Elric would likely still be there stopped her. Even hidden under a hood and cloak, he’d recognize her before her foot even crossed the threshold.
Vera was just beginning to head back toward the inn when she saw her travel party step onto the street and head in her direction, almost as if her thoughts had summoned them. One of the positives to the men wearing masks was they were easy to spot from afar. She immediately ducked in a doorway, hiding amongst the shadows. Thank gods, Elric didn’t appear to be with them.
Several of the guards were talking animatedly. Although she couldn’t make out their exact words, Vera had a feeling she knew exactly what they were discussing. The tone and inflection of their voices carried, and two of them used their hands to imitate, what Vera was pretty positive was a sexual act. She rolled her eyes.
They seemed to be enjoying themselves and she realized, just like the other guards back in Matherin, they genuinely appeared to be friends. In the center of the loud group, she recognized the prince instantly. His head tipped back as he released a deep laugh, and she was surprised to see he seemed perfectly content and happy to meander down the street as a guard instead of a prince.
Against her better judgment, she was transfixed by him. He was nothing like what she’d expected. Taking full advantage of her hideaway and unobstructed view, she watched them walk across the far side of the street. She was still admiring the prince’s relaxed nature when she noticed a slight shift in the shadows behind them.
To their credit, even in their cheer, the guards were attentive to their surroundings. Enough so, that Vera shook off the apprehension creeping up her spine, telling herself it was just a trick of her eyes.
She was about to slouch back against the door and wait for them to leave her line of sight when she saw it again. Movement. So subtle, she had to lean forward and squint, honing her entire focus towards the shifting darkness.
There! Someone was definitely edging through the shadows behind them, so smooth and silent, none of the men had noticed. A cold tingle crawled up her spine.