Chapter 20

Vanessa roamed through the bustling streets of the village taking in its fresh, clean appearance.  Stopping  at stalls, she learned who still led which trade gild, memorized new faces, smiled fondly at old, though they did not recognize her.  Ely had been the one they had been working with these past few months much like before.

The once vibrant village was not as cheerful as it was before the siege but it was certainly getting there.  Blooming flowers spilled out of window boxes, adding to the color and vibrancy of a spring day. A village at the base of a grand castle should always be bustling, filled with merchants, travelers and prosperous people.   The mood felt light, happy.  This was a good sign that people may be ready.

When Vanessa saw the tavern, she smiled and quickened her steps. It was a perfect place to hear gossip and news without directly interacting with anyone. Vanessa slipped inside, choosing a table near the open window. She leaned her head against the wall. She stayed quiet to listen for any information that would be of interest.

Dimly lit inside and half full of patrons, small bundles of people huddled together discussing the latest happenings.  The stone floor was layered in wood dust, wooden tables laid with white runner table linens but the air was heavy with the stench of alcohol.  Wooden stairs led upward where other rooms for evening services.  A long wood counter served  as the bar.  It sat nestled directly in the middle of the tavern across from a massive fireplace, currently housing a large cooking pot over a fire.

Yes. Valuable information could indeed be gathered here.  How did they feel about Killian? The changes Ely was bringing? Or gossip from servants to the nobles.

"Here ya go, love," the barmaid announced, placing a small decanter of a burgundy liquid and roll of bread on the table.  "There's a bit of red for ye, lass. To calm whate'er ails ye."

Offering a weak, shy smile, Vanessa reached for the wine first.

"Thank you," she whispered, keeping her head down in case she was recognized.

"Will there be anythin' else, lass?" she popped her hip out, planting a fist on it.

Vanessa swallowed her drink. Her eyes closed  at the watered down bitterness.  "A meal, please."

"I'll bring ye somethin' soon, lass."

****

Across the tavern, cloaked in darkness and the shadow of his cloak, Dorian sipped his ale. The barmaid accomplice, who always saw to his needs sashayed by his table in the darkened corner. She carried over a fresh mug, smirking expectantly.  Lifting her dark gray skirts knee high, she set a stocking free leg beside his thigh on the bench seat.

"Thirsty, love?" she inquired.

Dorian knew the question was not referring to the liquid in the mug.

Laying a hand on her curvaceous hip, his hungry eyes flowed down the curve of her pale neck to the ample bosom bursting from her corset he had knew from experience was delightfully sensitive.  With a tilt of his lips, Dorian accepted the mug with his other hand, nodding once.

"Quite."

Her painted lips parted as she exhaled then rose to stand. "I will go in the back and see if something is there you may enjoy."

The tightness in his breeches reacted enthusiastically to her open invitation. It had become their code.  Dorian rose from the table when she was out of sight, following her path.

On his way, Dorian noticed something unusual. There was a woman he hadn't seen before leaning up by the window. He wasn't sure what she was doing but he had the perfect view to watch her. She sat there for quite some time seeming as if she was trying to overhear something.

Though mostly hidden under an oversized cloak, this woman  had curves, a soft radiance about her.  Long wispy locks feathered around her face while the rest was pulled into a braid.  Her hair would surely sprawl out beautifully beneath him like rays of golden sun.  Her straight posture spoke of a well trained background.

Dorian made his way toward the back door so he could have a better vantage point. As he approached, Dorian wove his way around tables to avoid this mysterious woman noticing him while continuously drawing nearer. Now within an arm's reach, he leaned against a post so as not to startle the woman.

Arms crossed over his chest, Dorian surveyed her slender figure once more then made his presence known. "Have you seen anything interesting?"

The woman whirled around at the voice, poised with a cocked fist, as if her frame could actually do any damage against a trained fighter like Dorian.  His lips curved upward contemplating how her fiery spirit would be in bed.

Her chest swelled with a deep breath before answering. "I-I am not spying!"

" Sure you were not," Dorian hummed, smirking at how boldly her eyes traveled over him completely from head to toe. "Forgive me, I have forgotten my manners. I am Dorian Orzhov," he introduced, bowing politely and then smiled.

"A pleasure," she replied, "Dorian Orzhov." Her cheeks blushed.  She gave  a polite head bow from her seated position.

For most, it would seem farfetched to expect Vanessa would be recognized. After all, Ely had been the one more in the public eye. Dorian was not most people.  He recognized the older princess but needed confirmation.

Dorian's shoulders shook slight with his low, rumbled chuckle.

"Yes, but I prefer to stay in the shadows where I am more difficult to see."

His attention shifted almost immediately to her unique, bright hazel eyes that immediately entranced his own. "You have beautiful eyes Miss-  uh, I do not think I caught your name."

Shifting uncomfortably under his gaze and comment, Vanessa turned away. 

"My name is Van...V-Vane," she stumbled.  Vane smiled to cover her slip but Dorian caught it. "My eyes are merely a tool for observing."

"Well, I suppose that is true," he smirked, leaning against the post. He crossed  one ankle over the other and both arms across his chest. "All the same, they are quite beautiful."

Lips pursed, eyes narrowed, Dorian wondered if she had recognized his name. She probably hadn't but did stumble when giving her own name. Vanessa was obviously attempting to keep her identity a secret. Dorian decided that he would play along for now and see what would happen.

"Tell me what information you are after?"

"It really is none of your busi-" Vanessa paused, narrowing her eyes at this strangers reflection in the window. Her eyes flicked down, landing on the mark on his wrist.  "Why does your name sound familiar?"

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him.  It did not surprise or offend Dorian.  According to his intel, Vanessa had endured the last few years in Kildare Castle's dungeon with the lowest of criminals attended by the least trustworthy guards.

"Does it sound familiar?" Dorian mused, his lip quirking. "I am from a wealthy family.  Perhaps you have heard of me?  Other than that, if we had met before, I would remember those eyes."

"I," she rose from her seat, "I should be going. "  Vanessa stumbled slightly at the first step.

Reaching forward, Dorian  caught her. "Are you alright? You are very pale.  Let me help you home." Scooping the  woman into his arms, she immediately began flailing.  Dorian smirked down at her, "Where to?"

"No! Let go of me!" She pounded her fists into his chest.  She squirmed  to get out of his hold.  When she saw his mark more clearly, she froze. "You! You are...one of Dakarta's men!  What are you doing here?"

"Not here," Dorian hissed, his demeanor turning cold.