9. The “Accident”
The “Accident”
Remme
F rom my vantage point, I observe the woman with blonde hair as she navigates the courtyard, her movements deliberate and focused as she engages with the trials. Her determination is evident, each step calculated and precise.
So far, she’s impressed me. Her use of daggers lines up well with the aftermath we found in the castle the first night she entered. The guard had been killed without defending themselves first with a short blade. Her second choice of challenges, the botany, had been unexpected. But I can see how that could serve a woman well in everyday life and be used by a thief.
I watch how her body moves as she decides what to do for her third test. She seems to have a similar build and the correct hair color for the woman I seek. Of course, so have several other applicants today.
“What do you think?” Sofia asks as she enters the room I conceal myself within.
Without moving my gaze, I reply, “Maybe. This is what, the fourth possibility so far today?”
“I think so.”
“Good, keep the doors open and sign up until the sun sets if she comes late. Remember to select several others so as not to tip her off. Men and women both.”
“Of course, your highness.”
Sofia pauses, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watches Scarlet below. “Your Highness, there’s something else to consider. What if she’s working for the thieves guild we’ve been searching for? It’s possible that the woman you’re looking for is also involved, if they aren’t the same person.”
I turn to face Sofia, intrigued by the suggestion. “Go on,” I say, my interest piqued.
“If she has connections to the thieves guild, she could lead us to them. Even if she can’t break your curse, her knowledge and skills might still be useful to us,” Sofia continues, her voice measured and thoughtful.
I nod slowly, considering her words. “You’re right. We need to be cautious, but also strategic. If she’s part of the guild, she could provide valuable information. And if she’s not, her abilities could still serve us well.”
Sofia’s eyes glint with determination. “I’ll look into her background further, see if there are any connections to the guild. In the meantime, we should keep her close and observe her actions carefully.”
“Agreed,” I say, my mind already racing with possibilities. “We need to find out everything we can about her, and the others who match the thief’s description. Use your contacts in the city, but be discreet. We can’t afford to alert anyone to our plans.”
Sofia hesitates for a moment, then adds, “Considering your interest in her, it’s worth exploring every angle.”
I meet her gaze, understanding the unspoken concern. “Sofia, I assure you, my interest is not of a romantic nature. I need to understand how she defies my curse, and if she’s connected to the guild, all the better. I’m not seeking love.”
Sofia relaxes slightly, her expression softening. “I understand, Your Highness. I’ll take care of it. We will find the truth, one way or another.”
I turn back to watch Scarlet below, a sense of anticipation building within me. Whether she’s connected to the thieves guild or not, there is something about her that I can’t ignore. And I intend to find out exactly what it is.
The next test is about to begin. One not set up in an obvious way.
A servant walks into the courtyard, a goblet filled with wine and a small mound of fruit sits on the tray. I watch in anticipation as a servant approaches the woman. The servant stumbles, the tray tipping from her grasp.
Instinctively, the woman reacts, flinging out an arm to keep the servant from tumbling while reaching out with her other hand to steady the wobbling silver tray, her body coiling like a tightly wound spring as she braces herself. She grasps the silver tray just in time, allowing it to tilt and slow the fall of fruit spilling onto the dirt floor. Yet, it’s too late for the expensive goblet—it smashes against the ground with a sharp crack.
Interesting. She could have moved to save the goblet but chose to save the fruit instead. It could have just been an accident, but how her body moves tells me the chances of that are slim.
I look up at Sofia, who nods at me in agreement. This is definitely someone we need to keep an eye on.
“What do you know of her?” I ask.
“Her name is Scarlet. Lord Marheart's biological daughter. It appears as if the family has fallen on hard times after he passed.”
“I remember Lord Marheart. That would explain her use of blades. I want you to dig further. Find out what you can and see if there are any holes in her story, as well as the others who fit the thief’s description.”
Sofia nods and leaves the room, closing the door softly behind her. I continue to watch Scarlet below as she helps the servant gather the spilled fruit. There is something about her that intrigues me, something that makes me want to know more.
Observing Scarlet, admiration grows for her actions. She saved the servant from falling and handled the situation with grace and poise. Her skills and strength are evident, showing no doubt about her capability and composure.
I stand up from my chair and make my way toward the balcony. Scarlet is still below, now conversing with the servant she saved. Her face is kind, and her voice is gentle. Her voice carries up on the wind to my ears, but I can’t quite pick out what they say in their hushed tones.
Sofia emerges in the courtyard below, carrying a slip of paper. She hands it to Scarlet, and the young woman bows slightly in acknowledgment before turning and leaving the courtyard.
A clocktower rings, signifying that it is half past three. I need to return to the castle. Meetings fill the rest of my afternoon. I make my way out of the building, my cloak carefully covering me without touching to prevent it from converting to gold. I don’t want to draw too much attention, so I keep my head low as I walk through the crowd. My guards are close by but not directly beside me. If they are too close it would draw too much attention.
I see Scarlet not too far ahead in the crowd, stopped by a group of noblemen. I watch as Scarlet is cornered against the building wall. A man steps closer, his face twisted in a menacing smirk. Scarlet appears uncomfortable and scared, her hands shaking slightly as she tries to retreat from him.
Why isn’t she removing herself from the situation? With the skills she just showed us she clearly can. This doesn’t make sense.
I want to intervene, but I have to be cautious. Drawing too much attention could ruin my plan and reveal my identity, so I sneak closer to hear what they say.
The man scoffs, “You must know that you’ll soon be mine,” he says to Scarlet.
Scarlet’s lips tremble as she nervously stammers a reply, “No... No, I’m sure that won't happen.”
He raises an eyebrow and continues patronizingly, “It is your stepmother’s decision. It has already been made.”
Scarlet’s face pales, and her hands clench into fists at her side. I feel my blood boil with anger and rage as I watch this man. Does she have no clear way of escape, being surrounded by a group of five men? Does she feel that it’s too much? Without thinking of the consequences, I step forward and clear my throat loudly, drawing both their attention towards me but careful to not reveal my face.
The man immediately steps away from Scarlet, eyeing me warily before quickly turning on his heel and disappearing into the crowd without another word. Scarlet looks at me with an expression of confusion and gratitude on her face before bowing her head slightly, mumbling thanks, and making her way out of the courtyard as well.
Who is her stepmother that would force such an unwanted marriage on her? I know the nobles often marry for alliances and not for love, but as far as I can remember, that is not how Lord Marheart worked. These questions rattle around in my mind as I return to the castle, eager to find answers that may or may not exist