“That’s not true,” Leya said defensively. “I chose this life. Do you realize how many would give anything to be chosen as a royal courtesan? Do you have any idea how hard it is to earn this position?”
“As I said before, I didn’t choose to be here.”
“It’s not like anyone can just become one! It’s notas simple as you think. There are standards to be met. Talent, education, social standing, wealth, beauty, charm, charisma. It’s earned, not something you just stumble into. Women who are selected enter the court’s circles, where real power and status can be gained. And if it’s required, you may be chosen to produce an heir. It guarantees a life never lacking,” she emphasized. “Being a royal courtesan is an honor, a status most can only dream of.”
“I must be the exception, then.” Irony was thick in my voice.
“Believe me, I have no idea why you were chosen either. Do you know how much I hated you for it? You should’ve been grateful to His Highness. Before this, you lived as a peasant, and when he brought you here, he treated you like you were something… something precious.” Her words carried a sharp edge. “Rosette, Imogen, and I, we all knew you were just skirtsfolk. There was no reason for it. I still don’t understand why.”
“There’s nothing to understand, Leya. I was at home in Brier Len, and then out of nowhere, I was forced into a carriage and brought to Hyrall.”
“There has to be a reason,” she said, shaking her head.
“If that’s what you believe, then there’s nothing I can say to change your mind.”
We fell quiet, and the carriage settled into silence. It was probably for the better.
I guessed at least three chimes had passed since we left. And as time dragged on, Leya started to doze with her emerald robe held close in her arms. I thought about checking through the quarter light to see what was outside, but it didn’t seem worth the risk. Even if I did, the darkness was too thick to see anything.
My thoughts began to wander. How far did the prince plan to travel tonight? I vaguely remembered Gadriel telling the carriage master he expected to be on the road for at least ten chimes to start, but that could’ve changed. I regretted not taking a pocket watch from one of thenobles at the festival. It would’ve been useful now. At least I’d know what time it was.
Suddenly, the wheels of the coach began to slow, followed by the sound of the carriage master’s voice. The coach rocked slightly as the driver climbed down from the box seat. I stayed low, quickly hiding behind the chest to avoid being seen. Leya stirred at the noise, waking just in time for a knock on the door. She looked around for me but saw I was already hidden. After a brief glance, she smoothed out her dress and called, “Coming!”
Leya opened the door just a fraction. “Yes?”
“Good evening, Lady Leya. My name is Master Wilkin. I’ve come to deliver your provisions for the night. After a brief rest for the horses, we’ll be on our way again,” he said.
“Thank you.” Leya took the parcel from him, and just as she was about to close the door, he hesitated.
“Oh, um, my lady, as the carriage master, it’s my duty to ensure all your needs are met. I must ask, would you require a replacement for the chamber pot?”
Leya’s face flushed. “No, thank you. That won’t be necessary.”
Master Wilkin gave a slight bow, stepping back from the coach. He left her with a polite reminder to call on him if she needed anything else.
Leya settled onto the bedding, unwrapping her pack, and said, “He’s gone.”
I stepped out and returned to the bench. Leya started picking at her food, nibbling on pieces of bread, dried meat, cheese, and an apricot. I couldn’t help but glance at it, doing my best to hide the hunger growing in my stomach. I had rations tucked into my cloak, but I knew it was smarter to save them for later. Who knew where I’d end up once I made my way through the woods? There were small towns and villages scattered around, but I had to get far enough to avoid being recognized if Gadriel’s men were sent after me.
“Here,” she said, tossing me the rest of her bread and the apricot.
I caught it awkwardly, more surprised than anything. “Are you sure?”
“If you’re leaving soon, you might as well eat it. I’m not much of a fan of apricots anyway.”
“Thanks.”
I took the pack, pulling out the bread, but paused when I felt something else tucked beneath the wax cloth. My fingers brushed against a second bundle, and I pulled it free. My brow creased as I opened it. A crimson tassel caught my eye, and I let out a dry laugh, pulling it from the folds.
Inside was a parchment, and as I unfolded it, a single name was written on the front. On the back, a short message was sprawled out in Gadriel’s handwriting.
Leya glanced at me, her expression turning curious. “What is it?”
“For you,” I said. “From the prince.”
“What?” Leya’s voice was filled with disbelief. She scrambled off the cot and slid over to sit beside me. “Let me see that.”
“The prince penned that you’re called to service,” I said, holding it up. “He instructed you to summon Sir Regis and head straight to his coach once you’ve finished eating.”
