“Her own roomanda seat at the breakfast table?” the first male—Jarek—said, intrigue sparking across his face. “Tell us more, Bram.”
The male rolled his eyes. “There’s nothing more to tell.”
Jarek’s gaze went back to Kailia. “Oh, I’m sure that’s not the case at all, is it?”
The way those dark eyes bored into her told Kailia all she needed to know. This male knew she’d stabbed their king last night, but for whatever reason, he wasn’t calling her out. He’d likely try to use the information against her in some way. That was what she would do.
“Jarek, stop,” Wren cut in, elbowing the male in the side. “Go be useful somewhere else. You too, Bram.”
Jarek chuckled under his breath as Bram grabbed his arm, tugging him along. “I’m sure we’ll see you again soon,” Jarek called with a wink, walking backward as he went.
Kailia stared after him, pulling her gaze from them when Wren started talking again. “Sorry about them. They mean well,” she said, shifting on her feet. “But did you need help with something? I can try?—”
“A dress,” Kailia blurted out, wincing internally because that is not how she meant to enter this conversation. But the pants. And the tunic. And the morning in general. It was all wearing on her. She wanted a dress she could move in, and then she wanted to find her own bed.
She smiled, hoping it was kind and welcoming, as she said more calmly, “I was hoping to find a new dress before I take my leave.”
Wren nodded slowly, clearly caught off guard by the random first words Kailia had blurted out. Because who wouldn’t be? This is precisely why social situations were not for her.
“There are a few places nearby. I can show you where they are. I can’t stay long, but?—”
“I don’t want to inconvenience you,” Kailia cut in. “You can simply point me in the right direction.”
“It’s not an inconvenience,” Wren said. “They’re just a few streets over.” Kailia nodded, falling into step beside her. Shedidn’t miss the glance down, so she wasn’t surprised when the female asked, “Do you need footwear as well?”
“No,” Kailia said simply.
Wren only lasted a few seconds before she was filling the silence. “Sorry about Jarek and Bram. They are good males despite… Well, their manners.”
Kailia hummed. She didn’t care about the males or their manners. She never had high expectations of males to begin with.
They were turning a corner, and suddenly there were fingers at her elbow. In the next breath, Kailia spun, shoving the person up against the window of a small pastry shop, her lip curled back in a snarl.
The female’s eyes were wide, and she held her hands up, trying to placate her. “I’m sorry!” she cried. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I was only trying to get your attention.”
“It’s okay,” Wren said gently, as if she had experience talking someone down. “That’s Marissa. She owns a crystal and jewelry shop with her sister.”
Kailia looked back at the female, recognition dawning. She’d spoken to her last night.
Suddenly realizing she was still holding the female against the wall, Kailia dropped her hands, taking several steps back. Patrons of the pastry shop were all watching, sugary treats and steaming cups of tea forgotten.
“My apologies,” Kailia murmured. “I don’t… I apologize.”
Marissa’s tight smile betrayed her nerves, but she said, “It’s okay. I wanted to give you this.”
She slowly reached into her pocket, pulling out a necklace. Black leather cord. Blue crystal dangling from it.
“I remember you admiring it last night at the festival,” Marissa went on, her confidence growing with each word. “I wanted to give it to you.”
“Why?” Kailia asked. She might not understand social situations, but she did understand that nothing was free. There were always strings attached.
“It’s just a gift,” Marissa insisted, holding it out to her. When Kailia didn’t reach for it, her smile faltered. “I truly mean no ill-will. I was packing up my stall and saw you across the way at the same moment I was placing this necklace into a pouch. I trust the signs the Fates send my way and believe you’re meant to have it.”
Unsure what to do, Kailia glanced at Wren, who gave her a small shrug. Which was not helpful in the slightest.
Marissa was still holding the necklace out to her, and Kailia just wanted this interaction to be over. Reminding herself to move slowly, she took the necklace and offered a tight smile. “Thank you.”
Marissa’s face lit up. “You’re welcome,” she cooed brightly. “I just know it’s meant for you.”
