—.—.—

I snuck out to the village in the early hours of the morning with my cloak wrapped around me tightly. Taking a horse would cause too much noise so I simply walked along the familiar roads.

Of course, I carried my trusted knives with me. They were thin blades strapped to my arm. A sword on my waist would be too conspicuous.

Gwendol had placed a warm wool jacket and a grey scarf for me. I'm sure she disapproved of me leaving without my guards.

The village was lovely today with the early morning fog drifting away.

Everyone was getting ready for the autumn festival as the harvest started. It was a time to celebrate as winter would start and summer came to a bitter end.

Grain was scarce here and what little we grew, we kept for ourselves.

I headed in to get my breakfast stopping at the village's only bakery, my mouth watering at the smell of fresh bread.

I picked up a crate and handed it over to the baker who was a middle-aged man with bad knees but gifted hands.

"You really shouldn't bother, Miss Miranda," he said, rushing to take the crate from my arms. His face was flushed. "We can take care of this."

I smiled at him. "It's not that heavy."

His forehead shined with a thin layer of sweat. "But—"

I laugh and set the crate down. "If it bothers you then You could give me two slices of sweet bread. I think that's a fair trade."

He sighs. "I can't win against you can I, Miss?"

I picked up another crate from the cart. "I don't even know why you even try."

Thirty minutes later I popped a piece of sweet bread into my mouth as I tucked myself into a cost corner near the heart, savouring it as two young ladies came in.

They giggled to themselves as they clutched their baskets close. One was wearing a dark blue dress with blonde hair and the other had green ribbons in her brown hair. They were barely into their teenage years.

"Did you see him?" The blonde girl asked, nudging her friend with her elbow.

"Who?"

"Lord Stephan," she said, failing to lower her voice due to her excitement. "I saw him as he arrived."

"You're so lucky," the girl in the blue dress bemoaned, her cheeks dusted pink. "My sister and mother were able to catch a glimpse. Is he as handsome as they say he is?"

I roll my eyes.

It must be nice to be so young and have no idea what an absolute bastard he really is.

I wanted to ruin their image of him out of pure pettiness.

"He seems so handsome and sweet. You should've seen him helping around the village." She sighs dreamily. "He must be like a prince."

I nearly spat out my bread. I clamp my hand over my mouth so I don't burst out laughing.

A prince, my ass!

Wait till he tries to cut your head off and then see if he's princely or not!

I leave the bakery, still laughing under my breath as I pull my hood over my head.

There's a commotion on Main Street. I risk a glance from the corner of the street, catching Stephan and his knights Being swarmed by the adoring masses.

He looked absolutely confused, forcing on a smile as people gather around him. It must be nice to be a war hero. You could hide your personality behind your good deeds.

It should concerning how much the people of Florentia like him but after all those years on the battlefield, he deserved a hero's welcome. Even if he was a complete iackass.

A threat is still a threat.

I laugh and escape, making my way down the street towards the vendors who call out to me, waving their wares.

It's tempting to go on a shopping spree but I bought only a few coins for something else.

I stopped by a stall selling jewellery, little hairpins, and tiny pendants. I picked up a blue stone that had been buffed and polished, holding up to the sunlight.

They reminded me of Stephan's eyes. I scowled and put it back down, reaching for something else.

"Does the pretty lady want anything?" the vendor asked. He drummed his ringed fingers on the wood. "We have all sorts of things. They may not be precious stones but they're still beautiful."

He was dressed in bright blue robes with a black sash around his waist. The hem of his robes was fur-lined, probably sowed on to keep away the cold.

A merchant in Fauna wasn't unheard of. This was a port town, after all, we get all sorts of people here.

Even the suspicious kind.

"What about the kingdom of Halon?" I asked, picking up a hairpin and inspecting it.

He grinned, showing off a gold tooth. "The lady has good taste."

"I have good ears too," I said, bracing my hand on the wooden table. "What else would I buy along with your trinket?"

He eyed my wool coat. "Depends."

I hold up three gold coins. "My information is simple."

"What do you need?"

"The capital," I stated. "What do you know?"

"Other than that that place is  nothing but trouble." He glanced at the gold coins and then at me. "But if our lady wants me to investigate, I'd be more than happy to oblige. What exactly can I provide you?"

"Rats," I say.

I placed the three coins down. He reached his hands towards them but I covered the coins before he could snatch them away.

"How long?" I ask.

"Add five more and I'll let you know by the evening."

"Three."

"Five."

"Fine. Two coins."

He blanched at me. "That's not how this works."

"I'll just take my business elsewhere then."

"Wait!" He grabs me by my sleeve and pulls me back. With a glare from me, he lets go. "Fine, two more gold coins."

"Deal."

I uncover the coins and he snatched them away quickly. They disappeared into the endless pockets in his robes.

"Now that you've swindled me...what rats are you looking for."

I grin, leaving forward. He leans back. "The rats that stink of magic and money. The type that likes to sneak into places they don't belong and gobble up everything. The particularly royal kind."

He narrowed his eyes. "I'll let you know soon."

"A pleasure as always, Saris."

"You never make it easy for me, Miss Miranda."

"And I don't plan to," I said. "A pleasure doing business with you, Saris."

"I wish I could say the same, Miss!"

—.—.—

I walked down Main Street once more, watching the villagers as they bustle about trying to get their errands done.

I stopped by one of the stalls, inspecting some of the products the vendors were selling as I heard someone squeal in fear.

As I turn my head, I could see a carriage barrel down the road. I hear the roar of the hooves and the sound of wheels on paved stones as people tried to get out of the way.

A haphazard driver isn't unusual but I couldn't abide by such recklessness.

"Watch out, sir!" Someone called out.

I followed their eyes to see the dark-skinned man standing in the way of the barreling horse and cart.

I leapt forward, pushing myself past people and hurling myself at him.

Our bodies collided and my arm burned with pain as we went down in a heap of limbs. I heard the cart brush past us, spurring up dust and dirt.

"Asshole!" I yellow out, grabbing a rock and throwing it at the cart for good measure.

"As much as I agree with your assessment, Miss," the man beneath me said. "Perhaps you can curse him after you've gotten off me."

I glared down at him. "And you can offer me a thank you."

The dark-skinned man grinned despite having mud on his face. "I know that this forward but—"

"Miss!" Someone called out.

I felt someone yank me up onto my feet. I was about to reel my fist back for a punch until I spotted a familiar mop of sandy brown hair that came into view along with a pair of worried brown eyes.

"Tomas," I said stiffly. "Please tell me you didn't follow me. Or more precisely...a certain meddle some Duke?"

The upward curve of his mouth was all I needed to confirm my suspicions. "I can neither confirm nor deny, Miss."

I dust the dirt off the hem of my trousers and sit up. I needed to talk to Charles about speeding carriages.

"Mind giving me a hand, Miss?"

The same dark-skinned man from yesterday was still on the ground looking up at up. His green eyes seemed delighted as they shifted between us.

Tomas beat me to it. He grabbed his outstretched hand and hauled him up.

"And who may you be, fine sir?"

"Tomas Gray. I'm a knight of Florentia."

I watched as he leaned down to press his lips to the back of Tomas's hand, hazel eyes dancing mischievously.

"It is fortunate that our paths have crossed, Sir Gray. The goddess of fortune has smiled upon me."

I lifted my scarf to my face, hiding my laughter.

Tomas looked as if he had swallowed a glassful of pond water as he snatched his hand away.

"And you, sir?" I asked. "I'd like to presume that standing in the way of the fast cart isn't your pastime."

"Danver," he said, returning his focus to me. "My name is Sir Danver of the Knights of Florentia. At your service."

"We've met."

"Not officially," he pointed out, dropping Tomas's hand.

"I believe that was intentional, Sir."

"I have to admit, this isn't how I expect our first meeting to go."

I rolled my eyes and grabbed Tomas' arm, ready to take our leave. "Always be ready to expect disappointment from me, Sir Danver. Have a nice day."

"That's a bit harsh, don't you think?"

"It was perfectly cordial."

"Perhaps you could use an escort, Miss." he glanced at the paved road. "It's a bit dangerous."

"Oh yes, a speeding cart," Tomas muttered scathingly. "Absolutely terrifying. Whatever would we do?"

I snort, my hand tightened around the hilt of my dagger. If Sir Danver had any sense he would leave me alone. Instead, he fell in step next to me humming a tune.

A young woman in plain clothes with dirt on her knees next to a knight of house Sable in his best clothes and another knight that looked as if he wanted to murder the former. It was an odd picture that people noticed.

I sighed, knowing that what anonymity I had was gone.

"I'll take it your commander sent you here to keep an eye on me, Sir Danver."

I didn't ask, there was no use. A statement is quick and effective, straight to the bitter point.

He grinned at me. "Miss, I would never resort to anything as uncouth as spying."

I returned his grin although in a more twisted way. "I never said you were spying," I said. "Bit thank you for clarifying."

"Perhaps you could use some company."

Tomas stepped in, putting himself between us. "Perhaps you could mind your own business."

Such a sweet boy. He pretends that he's so tough when his heart is soft. I didn't need protecting. Tomas has seen me take down men three times my size but I allowed him to play my guard dog.

The man he was supposedly guarding me against had no interest in me.

"No need to be so prickly, sir." He placed his hands in front of himself. "We've simply met by fate. Destiny has thrown us together on this fine day."

"The day is still young," I said in a matter-in-fact tone. "Destiny is a fool."

"I think we've gotten off to the wrong start!" He held his hand out. "I am Sir Ven Danver, the third son of—"

"—Count Faye Danver of the northern mountains." I stopped in the middle of the road and turned to face him. "You have two older brothers, the eldest who will be the future count and the second who is a merchant. You wouldn't be able to inherit anything so joined the royal army when you were fifteen and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. You're the hero of the green river where you drowned the enemy by breaking the dam. And currently, you're annoying me and my knight as I conduct my patrol of the village."

I took a step back and lifted my hood, satisfied at the taken-aback look on his face. I like it when people underestimate me, it makes it more satisfying when I prove them wrong.

Tomas snorted behind me.

"Is there anything else you want to say?" I ask.

"What about me?" Somebody asked behind me.

Sir Danver stiffened, his face slack. Tomas turned so pale that he resembled a ghost. I just felt all my energy drain from my body.

This morning was starting to become tiresome.

"G-Good morning, Captain!" Sir Danver said, saluting. "It's a lovely morning."

I sighed and turned around. Stephan was on top of his horse with his men. He was dressed in a black doublet, gold cords sowed into his shoulders and across his chest.

At his waist was his sword, the hilt gleaming in the mid-morning sun.

I wondered if the girls from the bakery saw him now, would they still think he was like a prince?

I could hear the whispers of villagers around me. We had made a spectacle and it wasn't even my fault.

Stephan looked at the three of us, eyes narrowed. "You didn't answer my question. what do you know about me?"

I kept his gaze, my arms crossed over my chest. "I know enough."

Sir Danver was stiff as a board, his eyes staring at his captain. He swallows thickly.

"Why—?"

"I'll go ahead," I said, bowing half-heartedly. "Thank you for the escort, Sir Danver."

"Wait!" Stephan moved his horse forward to stop me.

I stepped around his steed. "Is there anything you want, My Lord?"

"We'll go back together."

"I respectfully decline." I fired back.

He scowls. "Do you think I can let you out of my sight now?"

I stopped and turned around to look at him incredulously.

"I'm not pulling a sword out on you, My Lord," I say, smirking. "Or are you so eager for a rematch?"

"It's not that," he said, pulling the reins of his horse. "We've gotten reports of bandits. And you're alone."

"Am I?" I glanced at Tomas.

Stephan looked around, ignoring him and then looked at me.

Was he toying with me? Or was he trying to threaten me? Because if it was the latter, we'd end up duelling in front of the villagers.

Sir Danver peers out from behind his captain, his eyes pleading with me. Tomas was pleading with me too, he didn't want extra training because I failed to control my temper.

I could just ignore both of them and continue my inspection of the village but then who knows how Stephan would react to my defiance.

I sigh loudly. "Fine," I say. "Bring me a horse."

Stephan and I end up riding next to each other.

One of the knights stepped off their bay-coloured horse named Daisy.

The sound of the woods lingered between us as we headed back to Florentia Hall. Stephan didn't say a word to me but I could feel him glancing at me. Whenever I turned to look at him, his eyes were straight ahead on the road.

Sir Danver was the only one who bothered to talk to me. Commenting on everything from the weather to the woods.

It was annoying but at least it wasn't so awkward with him walking next to me.

"So, I've always wondered if the trees in Florentia were enchanted. You know I heard a tale about it."

"A tale?" I intoned. "I didn't know your time in the army permitted that?"

Sir Danver grinned. "You'll be surprised, Miss."

"Do you have nothing better to do?" Tomas griped.

Danver found his tone amusing. "Why, my fine sir? Do you know anything else?"

Tomas's face turned red. I wasn't sure if it was because of anger.

I listened to them bicker as we slowly came up to a bend in the road. I could hear the sound of voices, rising in the air.

"My lord," I said, signalling Stephan. "Look."

A group of wagons was stranded on the road. Men, women, and children milling around. I could hear the cries of the children and the raised voices of the men as they argued.

I brought Daisy to a halt and hopped out of the saddle before Stephan could stop me.

There was an older man barking orders at the merchant. His purple robe was torn and stained with mud.

"Is everything alright, Sir?" I asked, lowering my hood.

The elder man in purple roads sighed, looking at the empty and torn wagon.

He could barely hide his despair. "Unless you can return our stolen goods, my dear." He sighed. "What shall we tell the Duke?"

I inspected the carnage. Thankfully it looked as if nobody was dead, truly a miracle. There were some cuts and bruises though.

The old man was still muttering to himself.

"How long ago was this, Sir?" I asked.

"Not too long, Miss," the elderly man said. "They came from the woods on foot and threatened to turn us into ash. Thankfully they spared our women and children but they stole all the goods."

Stephan glanced at the people around him, his eyes seemed distant. "You may take your people to Florentia Hall. My knights shall escort you, Sir. There we'll figure out what to do about the bandits."

I have to admit. It was strange to see him act so noble as a proper knight would. I thought it belonged in the pages of a fairytale with beautiful princesses and dragons.

All those years on the battlefield would leave any other man bitter and jaded.

Maybe he wasn't as cold as a bastard as I thought he was. Or maybe...he was hiding it very well.

Stephan sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "What do we do now?"

"You go back and tell His Grace," I said, getting back up onto Daisy's back. "I'm going after them."

"Are you mad?" He hissed, grabbing my reins to prevent me from leaving. "You can't go alone! Look at what they did to them! It's a miracle that they've survived."

"Don't be silly. Of course, I can. I know these woods well, My Lord." I tugged on the reins. "I've dealt with bandits for the past five years."

Stephan scowled, clearly displeased. Nothing was going his way and I'm not making it easier for him.

He glanced at the merchants, at his men, and then at me. I was growing more and more impatient as he debated with himself.

I was about to open my mouth to urge him to hurry up.

He growled and swung himself back onto his black horse, the muscles in his jaws clenching.

There was no mistaking the look in his eyes, Stephan couldn't allow himself to let me go.

"I'm coming with you."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Are you sure, My Lord?"

"Don't get it twisted, Imposter," he said, turning back to look at me. "The only person that has the right to kill you is me. If you died because of a few stupid bandits, then you would only be disappointing me."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't worry, My Lord. I have just as much as a right to kill you."

I give him one last crooked smile and spurred Daisy on, charging into the woods.

—.—.—

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