Page 15 of The Stolen Kingdom

Isen shrugged. “I am not sure. I don’t know many mated couples that are not together. Eyphah had a heart mate and when her wife found her soulmate, well—” he scoffed and waved his hand. “It was horrible. I would’ve thought she was actually going through one of those sicknesses.” Isen smiled and offered the orange again. “You must eat, Your Highness.”

Valda rolled her eyes at the mention of Eyphah. She didn’t like her, and knowing that she had access to Maris whenever she wanted without her being around didn’t sit well with Valda. Her stomach turned again, and she willed the need to puke away as much as she could.

She grabbed half of the orange again, pulling a piece and popping it in her mouth.

“If it makes you feel better, you can always try to talk to her in your dreams.”

Isen’s words did not alleviate her heavy heart. Valda hunched over the saddle horn, finding it to be the most comfortable she could be with her wounds. She looked pathetic, but it would have to do for the time being.

***

Cressida City was completely different from Ophelia. Ophelia was a center for economic activity, always buzzing with life and busy with merchants and eateries, whereas Cressida wasn’t. The city wasn’t in ruins. Not one city in the Sky Kingdom was, but Cressida was a slow city with slow living.

Before Valda and Isen arrived, they walked through the less populated streets. They kept their faces covered with dark cloths. Only their eyes were visible to the strangersaround them, which wasn’t something odd to the people living there. Many travelers covered their faces to prevent sunburn. Isen had wanted to keep their identities hidden for as long as they could.

They stopped at the city tavern and inn. They left the horses with a young man, who took them to the stables as they walked in. Cerberus jumped on Valda’s shoulder, keeping her neck warm as they looked around the inn.

“I am going to get us a room for the night, and some food,” Isen said, pulling the piece of cloth down to his neck, his blue hair hidden from any prying eyes. “I will ask them to bring the food upstairs.”

“No.” Valda shook her head and grabbed his arm. “We should eat here.”

“Are you sure? We could be seen.”

“I am sure.”

Valda walked to a dark corner. She sat near the bar, where a group of men drank and laughed loudly. Cerberus jumped from her shoulder, balling up her feet, while Valda watched Isen stop a young barmaid. He spoke to her politely, then pointed in Valda’s direction. He held two fingers to the server, who smiled and nodded at him, obviously transfixed by his handsome looks. He moved his hands to his belt, taking a couple of golden coins, but the woman shook her head and patted his hand. Isen touched his chest, bowed to the maid, and then walked to Valda with a prideful grin.

“I got us the best room in the inn and free food,” Isen chuckled and patted Valda’s knees under the table. “I hope you like lamb stew, Your Highness.”

“I fucking love lamb stew,” Valda answered back, laughing before removing the cloth from her face enough to be comfortable.

“Once I get you settled upstairs, I will head out and buy us some supplies. I am going to need more salve and clothing. Rations for the road and a new waterskin.”

“Sounds good,” Valda said, as the young maid brought their drinks. She settled two large pitchers of ginger beer on the table, winked at Isen, and left.

“She likes you,” Valda mumbled.

“I like the fact she brought us free drinks.” Isen didn’t waste a second, grabbing the pitcher and drinking.

“She will ask for something in return.”

“She can ask all she wants; I am not giving her anything.”

“Fair enough,” Valda chuckled and turned her attention to the three men at the bar.

They didn’t seem like soldiers. They appeared young and tired. Valda determined they were city workers who wanted a drink before heading home. They spoke about their bosses, their spouses, and how delicious the lamb stew was.

She felt Isen’s gaze on her, and she momentarily turned to him when she took a sip from her beer. He jerked his chin towards the men and asked, “Collecting information?”

“Drunk men always talk,” Valda whispered, her head slanting to the side, paying close attention to what they said. Another maid moved over to the bar area, picked up the men’s empty cups, and turned to fill them again.

Suddenly, Valda heard just what she was hoping for.

“Did you hear? A girl who used to work here is now wanted for treason.”

“Treason? What for?”

Valda turned to Isen with a questioning look.

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