‘Morning, boor.’
Blake whipped around at the sound of his voice. Warmth spread through her at the sight of him. ‘Commander.’ She took in his black uniform and broad shoulders. ‘Are you queueing for eggs too?’
His mouth twitched. ‘I’m preparing for the backlash when merchants learn the price of the eggs.’
Her stomach fell a little. ‘How much are they?’
‘Four shillings.’
Blake’s eyes widened. ‘For how many?’
‘Per egg.’
‘That’s… that’s criminal. Not one person waiting in this line can afford to pay that much for one egg.’ She went to step out of the line, but Harlan stopped her.
‘Stay in line,’ he instructed.
‘There’s really no point.’
Harlan’s eyes met hers. ‘Stay in line.’
Blake exhaled. ‘I don’t have enough.’
‘But I do.’ She tried to step out of the line again, but he caught her by the arm. ‘What did I just say?’
‘I can’t pay you back.’
‘I don’t need you to pay me back. Quit arguing or I’ll arrest you.’
‘On what grounds?’
‘For being a pain in my arse.’
She relaxed beneath his grip.
They stood together in silence for the next half hour, feet shuffling forwards every time a customer left with either empty hands or empty pockets. Blake was surprised how at ease she felt with him looming over her. Despite his empty threat earlier, she felt safe and somewhat untouchable.
When they finally reached the front of the queue, Blake glanced at Harlan before stepping up to the merchant. ‘Four, please.’
The woman did not move. ‘Four eggs will cost you three crowns and a shilling.’
‘She can do the math,’ Harlan said.
The woman looked up at him before turning to fetch the eggs. She placed them carefully in Blake’s basket. Harlan inspected each one before handing over the coin.
Blake gave the woman a tight smile. ‘Thank you.’
Harlan said nothing as they turned away, eyes sweeping the area is if expecting someone to jump out and snatch the eggs from her hands. It was not an unreasonable thought given the circumstances.
‘Must you be so rude?’ Blake asked once they had left the market.
He looked down at her. ‘Me? She was being condescending.’
‘She knew quite well I couldn’t afford four eggs. How was she to know that you were going to pay on my behalf?’ Blake moved her basket to her other hand. ‘Thank you, by the way. I can't tell you how much my family needs this.’ She fell silent when she spotted a defender approaching. The man looked her up and down before addressing Harlan.
‘Warden wants to see you in the port borough.’
‘There a problem?’ Harlan asked.
