Beside her, Charlie heard Ben’s low chuckle as he rejoined them. “Magpie still has good timing.”
Two fairies spun into the space behind them, glittering wings flaring wide to obscure sight lines.
“Oh, let us sprinkle you with fairy dust!” they told the Caidansworn, who tried to push past them and failed.
Carlie grinned. All of Ben’s Renaissance friends were helping them escape.
She moved Viv and Rowan through the confusion, pulling off Rowan’s hat, tightening Viv’s cloak. Drummers appeared, followed by dancers in colorful skirts flaring out as they spun. A mock sword fight erupted behind them, drawing every eye.
“Almost there,” Ben said under his breath. “Between those two shops.”
A final shout cut through the noise. “Vivianne Cross!”
Charlie swore softly.
Ben turned, expression hard as iron. “What’s this about Vivianne Cross?” he demanded.
“You can’t silence us!” one of the protesters yelled.
"I can't," Ben said evenly. "But security can."
As if on cue, three Faire security guards in period costume pushed through the crowd toward the shouting Caidansworn, hands up, voices calm but firm. Not a request.
Charlie didn't wait to watch. She moved Viv and Rowan between the two shops, where Faire management waited — two men and a woman, one holding a radio that very clearly did not belong in the fifteenth century.
“I’m head of security,” the woman said briskly. “We’re escorting eight people out right now. They’ve been told they’re banned permanently.”
“Good,” Charlie said. “Is there any chance they’ll test the perimeter later? Try to sneak back in?”
“We’re ready if they try,” one of the men said grimly. “And God help them if they do.”
A warm hand settled against her back again. She turned to find Ben smiling, relief softening the angles of his face.
“They’re gone,” he said quietly. “No one’s spotted any others.” He looked at Viv and Rowan. “It should be safe to go back in—if you still want to spend the day here after that.”
“We absolutely do,” Viv said immediately. Her eyes flashed. “I refuse to be intimidated by anyone.” She looked at Rowan. “What do you think?”
Rowan gave an exaggerated sigh. “As if I have any say in the matter when it comes to you making up your mind.”
Ben laughed, the sound rolling low in his chest. He looked at Viv. “Now, what’s this about Lady Darkfell?”
Viv sighed. “I don’t want to talk about it right now, if you don’t mind.”
“Understood.”
“However, I don’t know what your week looks like, but I would love it if you would join us at our scouting sites. That is, if you’re not busy doing anything else.”
Charlie caught Ben glancing at her. Was that warmth in his eyes? The hint of a smile?
“I’d be honored,” he said.
“Awesome,” Rowan said. “This is gonna be fun.”
Charlie stayed silent, scanning the crowd. She was outwardly calm, inwardly coiled, searching for more Caidansworn capes, waiting for more shouting.
Someone had tipped off the Caidansworn, and until she found out who, she wasn’t taking her armor off for anyone.
No matter how reassuring Ben’s hand felt.
