“Don’t think I can be so easily distracted.” She kisses me back. “I don’t believe for a second that’s why we’re over here. Whatever spooked you and brought on bad memories caused you to flee, but it’’s all right. The market is large. We can wander a bit before going to see Nadi.”
“Who’s Nadi?”
“You really were distracted. Nadi is the seamstress who’s going to make you some new clothes.” Some of the joy in her eyes dims.
“My apologies, Princess. I am sorry I’m so distracted right now.” I pull her into my embrace and hold her close.
She leans her head against my chest. “It’s all right. I understand. The promotion, the responsibility that comes with it, and then getting here only to be reminded of something terrible from the past. I shouldn’t be upset at all. I just know that once you begin training, we’ll hardly see each other. I wanted to have you to myself for one more day.”
“And have me, you shall. I am giving you my undivided attention. Tell me what to do, where to go, and I shall hang on your every word.” I look her in the eyes, letting her see my sincerity.
“Thank you,” She kisses my cheek. “If you’re going to be all right, I do think we should start at Nadi’s. She will need at least a few hours to get your clothes ready. And if you need them tomorrow, it means you’ll need to have everything fitted before then as well.”
“Then to Nadi’s we go!”
Gavin being alarmed worries me more than anything. He certainly wished to get away from that area in a hurry. And finding out that Hera suspects him—though of what, I do not know—only causes me to stress more over it.
I lead him to Nadi’s, putting a smile on my face and pretending everything is all right. A part of me wishes I weren’t faking it. The man beside me has my heart and soul, and there is nothing I can do about it. He holds in his hands, the ability to break me with even one little lie.
“Lily!” Ellie shouts my name as we approach. She runs toward us, throwing her arms around me.
“Ellie!” I laugh, returning her embrace.
“My apologies.” She steps back, her eyes wide, a hint of fear in her voice.
I look behind me and laugh. “It’s all right, Ellie. This is Gavin.” I nod in his direction. “Gavin, this is Ellie. The seamstress’s daughter and a very dear friend.”
Gavin bows. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He grasps her hand, kissing the back of it.
“Thank you,” Ellie whispers, her cheeks flushing.
I can’t help the stab of jealousy that fills me, and I do not even know why. Gavin is only being kind, trying to win over the hearts of all those I hold dear. Why would it be any different with Ellie?
“Is your mother available?” I interrupt, ready to continue on our way.
“Even if she weren’t, you know she would drop anything to help you, Lily. Come. What is it you would like today?”
“Gavin, as Tivor’s new weapons master, needs a change of wardrobe,” I explain.
“Very exciting!” Ellie beams.
“Thank you. It is, indeed.” He looks at me as he speaks to Ellie, the look on his face one of the purest joy. So much happiness, all directed at me. My heart swells, beating faster, my palms become sweaty, and I feel like I can’t breathe.
For a moment, I feared Gavin perhaps had an interest in my friend. But the way he’s looking at me now, I don’t know how I could ever have a doubt. I take a step closer to him, walking beside him, and slide my hand into his.
He intertwines our fingers. And suddenly I’ve found home.
I try on the new shirt and breeches. They fit perfectly, moving with me just the way they should as I move. Loose and comfortable, but appropriate for a weapon’s master and sturdy enough that they’ll help keep me protected during training.
Lily waits on the other side of the curtain. Nadi did a splendid job with the clothes. They’re the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. I part the curtain and walk around so Nadi, her daughter, Ellie—who’s not much older than myself—and the princess can see. .
I approach Nadi, taking her hand in mine and kissing the back of it. “These are the finest pieces of clothing I’ve ever had the privilege of wearing. Thank you.”
The older woman blushes, though I can hardly tell by looking at her rosy cheeks. “You’re welcome.” She laughs and curtsies.
“I told you she was the best.” Lily stands beside me.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Nadi thanks her.
“No, thank you!” The princess smiles.
“Please let me know when I can make more for you.” Nadi looks back to me.
“I will. There is no way I can wear clothes made by anyone else ever again. These are far too comfortable. Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I will sadly change back into my old clothes simply so I don’t spoil these before tomorrow.”” I head back behind the curtain and quickly change. I make sure the vial is still in my boot before slipping my foot in beside it. I need to find out what’s inside.
I also need to speak with Neo before Lily and I go back to the castle, though I still haven’t found an answer to the problem before me. How can I do so without her seeing? Perhaps it would be best to come back at nightfall.
I nod, assuring myself that is what I’ll do. I leave one of the three tunics Nadi made for me inside the curtained room, knowing it is always best to have an excuse to return somewhere after spending almost the entire day there.
I come back out holding all my other clothes. “Shall we return home, weapons master?” Lily links her arm with mine.
“Yes, Princess!” I smile and lead her outside.
We begin our walk in silence. All I can feel is guilt. What am I doing, coming back to see Neo?
At the beginning of this mission, I was eager for it to end. Now I only wish I had never been there to save the woman who holds my heart. As much as it breaks me, I know I can never truly be with her. This is a façade, a game, part of the job.
Falling for her was never in the plans. And now we both might pay the price.
“About this morning, the memory—I understand if you don’t want to share that with me, but I want you to know that I’m here for you, Gavin. I always will be. And you can trust me. When you’re in pain, I want to be the one who heals you. Comforts you. And even if you can’t tell me right now, I hope you can at least tell me someday what happened in your past. What made you choose to be a servant rather than asking for riches?”
“Lily, I do trust you. With all my heart. I’ve been running for a long time, lost in the shadows of my past, forced to be someone I’m not. And until I met you, I was alone. And though I didn’t know it at the time, I would say I gained the greatest treasure of all by asking to serve in the castle rather than taking gold.”
“Before I met you I didn’t want to be swept off my feet, head over heels in love. I wanted to be myself, independent. I wanted to show the world I can be a princess and still take care of myself. But after getting to know you, being with you, I realize I can have it both ways. I’’m a princess who’s still strong and able and in love. I don’t know if you believe in fate. I don’t even know if I believe in fate. But I do know that I am forever grateful I almost drowned in a river and that you were there to save me.”
“Me too.” I run my fingers up her neck, pulling her closer, kissing her lips tenderly.
“How should we spend the rest of the afternoon?” she asks as we reach the castle steps.
“Well, I hate to ask for more than I’ve already been given, but I realize if I leave these clothes in the servants’ quarters, I’’ll probably never see them again.” I hold up clothes draped over my arm. “Is there perhaps, somewhere safer I could store them?”
“Of course! My father didn’t tell you about all the glories that come with your new job. Follow me.” She leads me through the castle, past the dining hall and the great hall. We continue down the corridor, up a set of stairs, and stop before a set of double doors.
&n
bsp; “Where are we?” I look around, noticing there are no nearby rooms.
“This is your new home.” She opens the door to reveal an expansive room. A bed to the right, a desk right beside it. To the left of the bed is the armoire and a washing basin.
The rest of the room is empty except for one long cabinet. I enter the room and pull open the cabinet doors. Inside are swords and daggers. A mace, a bow and arrows, a crow’s beak, and a war hammer.
“Is this really all for me?”
“Of course! What did you expect? To continue living in the servants’ quarters? You need your own room. Your own place to train, to grow as a fighter. Somewhere you can have all to yourself.”
“Thank you.” I throw my arms around her.
She giggles. “You’re welcome. I will leave you alone so you can get your things put away and make this suite yours.” She kisses my cheek and leaves with a smile.
I begin putting my clothes in the armoire, giving myself long enough to make sure she’s long gone before I go back to the market.
Once I’m sure the way is clear, I dash out the castle doors again and sprint toward the market. I head straight for the inn, where the flag is placed.
Neo is sitting at the bar, tapping his fingers against the counter. “And here I thought you were just going to walk away, pretending you didn’t see the flag at all.” He gets up, never looking at me, and goes up the stairs. I follow after him.
We enter the room he has rented. He removes the flag from the window and places it on the bed.
“What does Cordae want?” I ask gruffly, folding my arms across my chest.
“Nothing, at the moment. But he’s going to give you the hardest task of all in just a few short days. I’m here to give you warning of what is to come.””
“Neo, what are you talking about?” I shake my head, not understanding.
“Answer this question honestly. Are you Derrick, or are you Gavin?” He matches my stance, looking me in the eye, watching intently as he awaits my answer.
“What are you talking about?” I know exactly what he’s talking about, but how can I answer him? If he reports back to Cordae with my answer, I can only give him one. But if he’’s asking because he’s no longer working for Cordae, then the answers can’t be the same.
“You’re no longer on Cordae’s side, are you?” Neo asks. I watch him, having a mental battle with myself. “Gavin, do you know what Cordae is going to do to this kingdom if he isn’t stopped? If the king isn’t warned?””
“No, I don’t. So why don’t you tell me?” I ease up a bit, holding my hands behind my back to appear more open to his answers.
“I have a pretty good idea. But without proof, I can’t say anything to anyone. If it’s a false alarm and I send the entire kingdom into lockdown, it could bring more disaster. But I believe Cordae is creating an army.”
“Of course he is. Why do you think he has an entire compound of men?”
“I wasn’t finished. It’s no ordinary army, but you should know that. You’re the one who provided the key to making it more. Aren’t you?”
“Get to the point, or I walk,” I demand, unsure what I’m feeling or even thinking. What has come over me?
“You stole six vials from a witch. Do you know what was in those bottles?”
“Liquid,” I reply coolly, knowing very well that isn’t what he meant at all.
“Ha, ha. This is not a joking matter.” He stomps his foot, which is rather funny. Somehow in the small window of time in which I’m not with Lily, I begin reverting back to Derrick.
“I don’t know. It wasn’t my job to know. It was only my task to collect them and return them to Cordae.”
“I suggest you find out, then. If I’m right, no one is going to be safe. Not a single person, Gavin. Certainly not your princess.”
“Why are you asking me all these questions? Why assume I’m going to look into what’s inside the bottles, when you could do it yourself?””
“I can’t, and you know it. Saar said Cordae has been livid because he only got five. That means either the witch didn’t give all of it to you, or you didn’’t give all of it to Cordae. Either way, I’m guessing you know where that last bottle is. Please, help me find out what’s inside so we have a shot at saving the people we care about.””
“Do you still work for Cordae?” I lean closer, scowling, attempting to intimidate an honest answer out of him.
“Find out what the witch gave you. Come back when you have an answer, and I guess then we’ll know if we’re on the same side.”” He nods toward the door, letting me know it’s time for me to go.
I leave without another word, my head spinning. How did everything get so complicated? With a sigh, I march toward Nadi’s shop to pick up the tunic I left behind just in case Lily came to find me after leaving me in my room.
The sun is just getting ready to set. The merchants are beginning to close down their shops.
When I arrive at Nadi’s, they are just locking the door. “Good evening,” I say politely. Both women jump. They both turn and look at me.
“Oh, it is you. Dear boy, you cannot scare us like that.” Nadi swats at my arm.
I laugh. “My sincerest apologies. I only wished to greet you. I actually came back because once I was back at the castle, I realized that I must have left one of my tunics here.”
“Oh, of course.” She opens the door and retrieves the tunic for me.
“Thank you. Have a good evening, ladies.” I bow and turn back, heading for the castle.
Watching Gavin drop his tunic behind the changing curtain deliberately as he left the room at Nadi’s erases all sense of peace and comfort I’ve felt since we walked into Nadi’’s shop. What reasons could he possibly have for leaving some of his brand-new clothes here?
Standing just inside Gavin’s new quarters, he throws his arms around me, thanking me. I laugh. “You’re welcome. I will leave you alone so you can get your things put away and make this suite yours.” I kiss his cheek and leave with a smile.
I steady myself and walk briskly to my own quarters. I throw my cloak over my shoulders, slide a dagger into my right boot, and head out the servants’ tunnels to the door leading into the thicket of brambles and thorns.
There, I carefully make my way through until I’ve reached the small opening leading into the forest. I find a tree that appears sturdy and close enough to the path’s edge that I can see when someone walks by, heading for or away from the castle and toward the market.
I climb up and position myself on the branches so I can easily jump down if need be. As night approaches, I wait, hoping more than anything that he doesn’t walk past. But if he does, I’ll see him and be able to follow him. I must know what he’s up to. There has to be a valid reason why he would intentionally leave new clothing behind.
I remember seeing him this morning, wanting to be with him for one last day before he begins training Father’s army. He seemed happy to see me, but perhaps not as excited about me going to the market with him.
I have to focus. If he doesn’t walk past me this evening, I can’t keep dwelling on it. Perhaps the tunic truly fell out of the stack. Maybe it wasn’t intentional at all.
Rustling leaves pulls me away from trying to think of excuses. A man wearing a hood walks down the path, heading for the market. I silently get down from the tree perch and begin following him.
He stops. I duck behind a bush, hoping all of me is covered. After waiting for several minutes, I look up. The man—Gavin—is looking around without his hood on. Once he’s sure no one is behind him, he pulls the hood back up and continues walking.
My heart sinks. He is hiding something, and now it’s up to me to figure out what that is. I press my lips together, square my shoulders, and march after him, careful of where I step, aware of every sound I or he makes.
I pull my hood up, careful to cover my face so no one notices who I am. That is the last thing I need at the moment. Now more than ever, I am
grateful I thought to change into breeches and a shirt. Wearing a dress and sneaking around could only have gotten me into trouble.
Gavin enters the inn. I wait only a moment before walking through the doors myself. I look around and watch as Gavin’s boots disappear up the stairs. I slide past the drinking men, around the family eating, the woman in the corner crying, and slowly go up the steps, careful to watch where I walk, not wanting the wood to creak and alert anyone to my approach.
Once I am sure it has been long enough, I reach the top stair. Four doors to my right, five on the left. I start with the closest door, pressing my ear against it in hopes of catching a bit of conversation.
The first three doors provide no answers. I move onto the next, waiting a moment. My breathing is so shallow, I feel as if I may faint, but I have to be silent. Just as I am ready to move onto the next room, a man speaks.
“I can’t, and you know it. Saar said Cordae has been livid because he only got five. That means either the witch didn’t give all of it to you, or you didn’’t give all of it to Cordae. Either way, I’m guessing you know where that last bottle is. Please, help me find out what’s inside so we have a shot at saving the people we care about.””
“Do you still work for Cordae?” Gavin says. I would recognize his voice anywhere. Even now, hearing him speak causes butterflies to fill my stomach. But his words are chilling. Who is Cordae? Who is the witch they speak of? And what bottles? Not to mention sides. Sides of what?
“Find out what the witch gave you. Come back when you have an answer, and I guess then we’ll know if we’re on the same side,”” the first man says. It sounds like the end of their discussion. The sound of boots walking toward the door causes me to panic. Without thinking, I duck into the next room.
Thankfully, it’s empty. I look around, searching for any sign that someone is currently renting out the place. I don’t know how long I’m stuck here, but Gavin can’’t catch me following him, and he certainly cannot know that I overheard part of his conversation. Not until I know more about Cordae—whoever he is—and the bottles, whatever that means.
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