I’d forgone the ruby-red that had dominated my attire since this scheme began. Instead, I’d gone for a mix of soft and bright pink shades. My off-the-shoulder underdress was a light pink, with sleeves that billowed out a bit before clinging tight to my arm right above where the brown leather cuffs that circled my wrists began. A marbled-pink and brown leather corset sat above a split skirt in the same marbled pink, which revealed the softer pink underdress in the center.
I wore a matching marbled-pink choker and topped it with my mother’s pearl necklace, which was somehow gifted to me by the mysterious woman at the market. It matched perfectly with the pearl and diamond bracelet that never left my wrist.
All in all, I was certainly not dressed as the Ruby Court competitor should be, but I found I couldn’t help myself.
I grabbed a few strands of my hair from the sides of my head and braided them back. I left the cotton candy-pink waves to tumble down my back, with a few pieces framing my face.
Today, I looked like a Pearl Court Lady.
The very thing I’d been prevented from being since that horrible night. The role that was ripped out from between my fingers as I was left tossed to the street like garbage.
I was fairly confident that no one would put together the truth now, at least…no one who didn’t already potentially know.
But with the potion I’d be making, and the truth I’d learn, I decided it was time to reclaim this little piece of my identity, even if I was the only one who knew it.
I greeted Alfrikr with a bright smile, making his amethyst brows shoot up to his forehead.
“Good morning, Alfrikr.” I practically chirped, not even aware I could make such sounds. “Ready to get to the market?”
He chuckled more warmly than I’d heard from him thus far. “Someone’s eager this morning. Don’t you want to get breakfast?”
I waved my hand in dismissal. “I’m not hungry, just eager to get started, like you said.”
Said eagerness seemed to amuse him, and he shrugged, joining me to make our way out of the palace. I couldn’t believe I would actually get to shop in Diamond’s famous Gem Market. I’d dreamed of going for so many years, and the fact that it was finally happening caused my hands to shake with excitement.
I noticed the looks that I received as we walked the city streets toward the market. Everyone knew who I was now, and their excitement to see a competitor in the wild was obvious. I was just as interested in seeing them, however, as it reinforced that the people in Diamond Court werehappyunder Azurill’s reign.
I’d seen most of the courts at one time or another in my years wandering from place to place and seeking new spots to stay safely. I’d been able to witness firsthand how many of the lords didn’t bother caring for their people the way Azurill did, the way they were supposed to.
But the people here went about their days cheerfully, healthy and prosperous, as they spoke and laughed together, hurrying or meandering their waythrough the city. The clamor of their voices increased as we neared the market, and I took a deep breath as it came into view.
I’d gotten only a glimpse last time, but now I could make out the entrance entirely. The iron gates were wide open, with a blessing to Veritx across the top, which was currently split in half with the gates standing open.
Upon entering, I found a cobblestone path bordered on either side by permanent stalls, each with a little overhang to protect the goods laid out. Greenery grew off the tops of some, while others had fabric in all different colors draped from one roof to the one opposite, creating some lovely shade as you walked from stall to stall. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes dangled from the overhangs, lighting up the merchandise and enabling customers to browse no matter the time of day.
Sellers called out as we passed, but I knew from the smaller markets in other courts that those at the front rarely had the best goods—those lay deeper in.
I did keep my eye out while looking over the multitude of goods on offer, however. Despite being called Gem Markets, it was hardlyjustgems on offer. Oh, they were in abundance, of course, but there were also ready-made potions and alchemy equipment, along with unrelated goods, such as spices, weapons, and fabrics; anything you could think of.
I could hardly wipe the smile from my face as we came to a table full of sapphires. Alfrikr huffed with amusement as I leaned down and examined them, looking for the perfect one.
As much as Elvish gem magic was a science, there was a bit of instinct—or godly influence—that played into it. The type of sapphire I used would affect the outcome of the potion, so I opened myself up to the influence of the gods, something I so rarely did.
Immediately, my eyes caught sight of a sapphire toward the back of the table. It was cut jaggedly, which felt somehow fitting for a gem that would take me back to a past that left me full of jagged edges myself.
It was about the size of my palm, and the inside of the gem glinted more brightly while it seemed to almost dim around the edges, but despite its flaws, I knew it would work perfectly. I wouldn’t need all of it, but the dust would keep, and I had no issue leaving it for the Gemsmiths to use for other potions. So, gem secured, we moved on to get the emerald, which took several different merchants to find the right one.
As we were making our way to find a diamond, I spotted something curious and paused mid-step. Leaning over the table directly in front of mewas the same human man I saw sneaking into the market previously. He was speaking with one of the vendors, and they seemed to be working out a trade. His blue eyes were bright and sly as he looked up, catching me watching him.
His smirk as he looked me up and down might once have affected me, but now all I could do was compare it to Azurill’s as he sauntered over.
“My Lady.” He bowed theatrically, making me raise a brow, unimpressed with his flirting.
“Pirate,” I responded dryly, making his smirk widen in delight.
“Ah, you know of me then?” he asked, reaching out a hand to one of the pink curls falling in my face, but Alfrikr stepped forward instantly, grabbing his hand and stopping it mid-motion.
“Touch her, and I’ll put you in the ground, Riker.” He spat, making the pirate, Riker, apparently, laugh loudly.
