For better or worse, latelyI’dspent more time with the princess than originally planned. She was the type thatcouldn’tsit still, soshe’doften joined one of theValwainin whatever task they were doing that day.Severaltimesoverthe past few weeks, shehadtagged along with me. Whether it be checking on Eden, or heading into town, often Caelia asked to join.
Honestly, I understood.I’dneeded to keep my mind occupied recently, too—or else the dark thoughts lurking in the corners of my mind wouldemergeonce again. And, as it turned out, shewasn’talwayssnarky and defensive—she could be caring and soft when itcame to those she loved.I’dlearned that she and Callum also had a younger sister and brother—Calliope and Cillian—and that Caelia and Callum both missed them dearly.
We were here at the market to gather any miscellaneous supplies we might need during scouting missions—missions which may or may not happen, but we were trying to be a few steps ahead, just in case. Since we were here anyway,I’dwanted to find something special for Byn.He’dgiven so muchforme—doneso much for me—I wanted to show my gratitude.
I glanced over at Margo, whose eyes had snagged on a jewelry and craft stall a few booths down from where we stood.
“Come on,” I said to her, holding my hand out for her totake. She glanced at my hand, then up to my face, as though concerned I would retract my offer. When our eyes met, I smiled softly—encouragingly. Shedidn’tsmile back, but her caramel eyes softened ever so slightly as she placed her gloved hand intomineand we made our way over to the jewelry merchant together.
Teagan left for her mission to the border early that morning. While Margowasn’tprivy to all the detailsregardingwhy her sisterwasn’there, she knew Teagan was gone. The mission should only be for a few days, and we kept reassuring Margo of that, but the young female was still anxious beyond words.
Ever since Ezra had been injured and taken from us,she’dbeen this way. Quiet. Reserved. Faraway, almost. Nothing like her usual giddy, upbeat self thatI’dcome to know in the past. She seemed haunted—of which Icouldn’tblame her for.She’dseen and experienced things that no child ever should.
“Take a look around! We have—”The femalegasped at the sight of me and Margo, hand in hand, approaching her booth.
Margowas easily recognizable by the citizens ofCairnyl, with her short, curly hair, beads hanging from her ears, stunning eyes, freckles, and small golden circlet that matched her siblings’.
But if anybody was even easier to pick out, it was me. The giant, white and gray wings, mismatched eyes, white hair, and pale skindidn’texactly help me blend in.
The four of us at the market today had alreadybeen stoppedmultiple times. Some simply wanted to chat, some asked questions, and others took their time to thank me. They all knew I had a hand in the success of the Battle of Shadows, but itwasn’tpublic knowledge exactlyhowI had helped.SoIcouldn’texactly fault them, despite the bile that rose to the back of my throat each time they expressed their gratitude.
“My queen! My princess! Thank you for stopping by my stall! Please, take your time looking at whatever it is you please,” the female said. She was short for afae—even shorter than I was—with black hair, olive skin, and beautiful curves. Her clothes, though, were well-worn, and the bags under her eyes were prominent.
“Thank you,” I responded as Margo let go of my hand in favor of checking out somedifferent typesof beads andstringfor jewelry making.
Having nothing better to do, but wanting to stay near Margo, I stepped closer to the booth and ran my gaze over the section of rings.
“Did you know,” I said to nobody in particular, “that the humans are said to have used rings on their left hand as a symbol of marriage?”
Margo glanced my way as I spoke, interest piqued, but returned to her shopping without saying a word.
“I didn’t, actually,” the merchant on the other side of the table said.
My eyes had just snagged on a set of matching rings as she spoke.
“What’s your favorite piece here?” I asked her without looking upfromthe matching set.
“Mine, Your Majesty?” she sputtered, eyes widening in surprise.
I nodded, motioning for her to show me. She jumped into action, pulling out a delicate, gold chain necklace. Simple, yet stunning.
It would suite her perfectly.
“Here.” I placed a small bag of gold coins on the table between us, then motioned to all the items I listed. “I’d like these matching rings, whatever the princess is fond of, and the necklace in your hands.”I took a moment to slightly open the money pouch so she could see inside.It was double the price of what I waspurchasingfrom her.
The merchant’s eyes widened, almostbrought totears at the sight of the gold before her.“You’re positive?”
“Absolutely… what was your name?”
“Tiff, Your Majesty.”
“Absolutely,Tiff.” I smiled.
Tiff, despite having to wipe at her eyes once or twice, quickly packaged up everything thatIhad bought. Margo’s items took the most amount of time—beads, string, yarn, pearls, gems. It was nice to see her interested in one of herprevioushobbies again.
“Here you are,” Tiff said, placing the carefully packaged sack of goods in front of Margo and me.
I slid the sack closer to me and took out the smallest box—the box that housed the simple gold chain in it.
