Page 37 of A Broken Promise

“Annoying little pests, aren’t they?”

No, they are anything but annoying. They are smart and beautiful and unless you were blind, that raven wasn’t little.

“Um…” was all that came out of me instead.

He chuckled, his mouth stretching in a satisfied grin.

“I have to give it to them. They always find the most sparkly thing around.” He winked at me, and my stomach twisted with unease. Before I could object, he plastered himself right next to me on a small bench. The smell of his strong cologne ran like acid through my nose.

Too close. He was too damn close. I inched a little closer to the edge.

“Couldn’t help but notice you today on the pier in your sultry dress. First time in town?”

The red polka dot dress was definitely not sultry, and neither was I.

It was time for me to go.

“Yes.” I wrapped up the rest of my apple, shoving it in my bag.

“Traveling for pleasure or business?” he asked, still grinning while extending his arm over the bench as if to wrap around my shoulders.

My body ricocheted against his not-so-subtle brush against my back.

“Oh, just visiting my uncle. He is the town's constable,” I quickly lied. I knew it was a terrible lie, but I didn’t have time to come up with anything else.

“Oh really?” He was surprised and taken back a bit. Good.

“Yes. Well anyway, nice meeting you but I have to go, my aunt will worry sick if I don’t get her scones soon. Bye.”

I stood up, picking up two large boxes filled with my newly purchased leather boots and some clothes.

“No need to hurry. It’s still light outside.” He stood up right behind me, following me.Following. Me.

“Oh, but I do have to go. I insist. My uncle takes tardiness quite seriously.” I politely chuckled, though my face didn’t show amusement and my steps hurried. But in a few long strides he caught up with me. Though my heart was racing, I forced myself to take a few deep breaths not letting panic slip through.

“I’ll walk you home. I was going that direction anyway. It wouldn’t make me a good gentleman if I let a damsel like you get lost in the city,” he murmured, just inches away from me. But I didn’t turn to look at him.

Crowds were thinning out in the late afternoon, yet we were still surrounded by many people.

It’s going to be fine,I tried convincing myself as I rushed past a large road into oncoming traffic of carriages and buggies. Carrying flimsy boxes made my escape harder but I ran as fast as I could, mingling with the little crowd still out, switching paths. Only once I turned back to see his blue and white tassels flayed on the wind far behind. My heart eased a bit.

Thank Gods.

I had to get back to the townhome, find Priya and get on that ship to take us to Svitar tonight. Late afternoon was now turning to early evening with a soft river sunset. I finally made it to the right street. It was quieter, emptier. Twilight reminded me of the upcoming night, as if urging me to hurry.

“Just right around the corner. Easy,” I whispered out loud, trying to calm my throbbing heart. I was only a block away from the blue door leading to safety. Familiar brick and moss mixed townhomes lined in neat rows. I walked through a cobblestone alley. A shortcut, or so I thought. Until a shadow of a man appeared in front of me.

“You are quite an escape artist, I have to say,” he seethed, his chest rising in paced breaths after what must have been a run. I recognized him immediately. The Royal sailor. Thoughts flooded my brain. No, I can’t panic now.

Play it nice. Maybe he will let you go, I tried to convince myself. Meek and kindness.Meek and kindness.

“Oh, you startled me.” I fake laughed, trying to justify a few back steps I took.

“Going somewhere?” He crossed the distance between us in his few quick steps.

“Just going home,” I replied, eyeing the lightless alley.

“You are a little liar.” He came close.Tooclose.

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