Chapter 3 #2
Ladon stood nearby, leaning against a column with a book in his hands. I doubted he was reading it. Rather, he was listening to make sure I was okay. I appreciated that he gave me the space to work through things on my own but stayed close enough that he could be there in a second if I needed him.
I turned back to my brother. “Are Mom and Dad here too?”
He sucked in a breath through gritted teeth. “Afraid not. But you don’t want them here anyway. Dad would be a bore, and Mom would fuss over your hair.” Frowning, he reached out to touch a strand of hair. “When was the last time you got a haircut, anyway?”
I slapped his hand away. “You’re not funny.”
He grinned, and his eyes were full of youthfulness that reminded me of our childhood. Then we both burst into laughter.
“I suppose you’re right,” I said. “Mom and Dad would bring down the mood. How long will you be staying?”
“However long I want. Perks of being a captain of my own ship. I call the shots.” He threw his arm over my shoulder and spun me toward the door. “Now, let’s get out of here. I think if I stay any longer, the beauty over here might have a fit.”
He winked at the librarian, and her ears turned red, her eyes narrowed to slits. She looked seconds away from throwing a book at his head—which would’ve violated her own moral compass.
I winced and tried to give her an apologetic smile, but she wasn’t having it.
“Let’s go,” I said. “Before someone gets hurt.”
“What about your friend?” Adrien asked, looking over his shoulder.
I followed his gaze to find Ladon still hovering nearby, but he was no longer alone.
Selene was motioning something with her hands and Ladon was watching in confusion.
He kept shaking his head, but that didn’t deter Selene.
She exaggerated her motions even more, ruffling her feathers and making Ladon jump back. It was a comical sight to behold.
I snorted. “He’ll be fine here.”
Adrien waved in front of him. “Then lead the way.”
The cobbled streets were lined with tan stone buildings, vines growing up the side that were much more idyllic than those scarred upon my wrists.
Colorful banners hung above the doors with advertisements while wooden signs displayed the name of each store we passed.
Above us, strands of twinkling lights were hung across the pathway, though they were hardly noticeable during the daylight.
It was my first time walking through the city since I’d been taken captive, and thankfully, the streets weren’t very busy. I didn’t think I could handle a large crowd. Not yet.
“So, where do you want to go?” I asked my brother.
“I don’t know. This is your city now, isn’t it? Where would you like to go?”
It didn’t feel like my city. I’d spent less time in Osavian than I had in Murvort. Everyone believed I was to be wed to Cyrus, but in my mind that engagement had already been called off. Would this city still claim me once they learned I’d turned my back on the king and chosen Ladon?
“What about… here?” I pointed to the first shop to my left.
Adrien took one look and frowned. “You want to go to a bookstore? Don’t you already have every book available in the gigantic library we were just in?”
Fair point.
“Okay, then.” I spun in a circle, looking for a better alternative, and gestured over his shoulder. “What about that?”
He turned around, and a smile replaced his frown. “Now you’re speaking my language. I didn’t realize you were interested in weaponry.”
“It’s a recent development,” I said, my eyes locked on a sword in the window with emerald gems embedded in the hilt.
Inside, the shop was quiet and dimly lit. Spotlights hung above the most treasured pieces to ensure they glistened and lured in customers. It worked as intended. Adrien flitted around from pedestal to pedestal, examining each weapon with awe.
“Are you looking for anything in particular?” the shopkeeper asked, hidden behind the counter. When he stepped out and caught sight of us, he pasted on a smile. “Ah, Miss Emilie. It’s good to see you out and about. Let me know if there’s anything I can help you with.”
“I’m just browsing,” I said. Meanwhile, my brother asked the man for a specific type of blade. Apparently his was showing wear from the salty, humid sea air. He needed something more resistant to corrosion, and the shopkeeper was happy to help.
I aimlessly made my way through the shop, merely browsing until I reached the back corner. The wall held a spectacular exhibition of knives and daggers, each displayed in uniform rows and growing in size from the smallest at the bottom to the largest at the top.
My eyes caught on one in particular—a short blade with a black handle that looked to be the perfect fit for my palm. I reached for it, and I had to admit the weight felt exhilarating in my hands. It was just right. Not too heavy, but enough weight to propel it forward and hit my target.
I turned it around and admired the spiral design embossed in the handle that carried down to the blade—the dips in the hard material coated with amethyst. It was as beautiful as it was practical.
“Did you find something, milady?” The shopkeeper snuck up behind me. He must’ve finished helping Adrien while I was distracted.
“I did.”
“Ah, excellent choice. It’s part of a set of throwing knives. Should I pull out the rest for you?”
“Yes, please. Could you send the invoice to the castle? And for whatever my brother picked out as well.”
Behind the shopkeeper, Adrien gave me a thumbs up, to which I responded with a grin.
It was the least I could do since he was the only one who had checked in on me.