Stepping into the shadows of an alleyway, I tried to organize my thoughts, to plan, to think of something.
I listened for thoughts from those around me, but for once, all I heard was a soft buzz.
No one gave me a second glance. No one cared.
It felt strange.
Hugging my arms to myself, I pulled the cloak tighter around me, and despite the heat of the day, I shivered. For the first time, I was truly alone.
That girl’s been lurking for an hour now,a foreign man’s thought startled me.She looks like she’s going to steal something. I think I’ll wave down the next guard to pick her up...
I didn’t waste any time melting into the crowds, making my way to the opposite side of the bazaar. I eyed another vendor selling fresh, warm flatbread, beef, and yogurt. My stomach gurgled. I pressed a hand against it and tried to form a plan.
Clearing my throat, I stepped up to the woman ladling yogurt and beef into the flatbread. “Tomatoes?” she asked her customer, “Cucumber?” They paid for their meal and left, and her dark brown eyes landed on me. “One?” she asked, already preparing to make another.
“I’d like to,” I began and she picked up a second flatbread, opening the mouth of it to fill it up. “No, no,” I hurried to add, “I mean I’d like to, but I don’t have any coin, and was wondering if I could work for you in exchange for—”
“You can’t pay?” she interrupted.
I shook my head, lifting my chin higher. “I can work for it,” I repeated.
“I don’t need any help.” She waved me away.
My pride wouldn’t let me grovel. I passed her stall to one just a few carpets further, and tried again.
The man there was even less interested in speaking with me. “Paying customers only,” he snapped. “Move along.”
I forced myself to try once more at a fruit stand; anything that would fill my stomach.
“Please, do you have any work?” I tried a different approach. “All I ask for payment is a meal.”
All the wrinkles on her forehead deepened as she mulled it over. “What can you do?”
“I can... ah...” My mind raced to find an appropriate answer. Run a kingdom? No. Address courtiers? Definitely not. Plan a banquet? “I’m a fast learner—”
“I’m afraid I can’t help you, young lady.” She was kind enough to pat my hand. “Maybe come back tomorrow. If sales are good...” she trailed off with a shrug.
I nodded and moved on, wandering aimlessly. The sun was setting. Shopkeepers were beginning to tear down. There was no point in asking anyone else; their day was over. They were going home to a warm meal and soft bed. I, on the other hand, untrained, unqualified, and useless, would not be experiencing any of those things tonight.
