Page 14 of Glass Hearts
All I can think about are blue eyes that spoke in promises of mischief and games as we make our journey southward.
“Here you go, sir. I will wait at that cafe right there for your return.”
I give Wallace my thanks as I make my way out on foot towards the crumbling city and pull up my hood. Even though I am mostly hidden, I still seem to catch attention. It’s as though people instinctively can feel when a dangerous predator is within their midst, or at least someone who has the power to turn about their lives. Which may be a problem if I am trying to find the little thief.
I desire to continue walking around until I find her, curious looks be damned. But a logical person on a mission would realize that people talk with booze flowing. In my desperation to find her, logic wins. I stopped at a few taverns with no luck.
Until I seeThe Lucky Barn.
Here is hoping this establishment lives up to its name. Maybe my duchess is even there with a glass of wine waiting for me. But as I enter, I realize my dream will remain just a dream. Mostly, many rough-looking men fill the tavern. A few drunkards and men from high society are making shady deals. I go up to the bar where a large ogre pours a few ales for the gentlemen on the other side of the bar.
“One minute,” he gruffs.
“I think you will give me more than one minute, I am in a bit of a hurry.” He meets my eyes, his eyes widening in shock.
“My prince—”
“Shh. I don’t want others to know I am here. My search is for a young woman. I do not want trouble” I raise my hand and call to my flame and put it out before anyone else notices, “so pleasebe of assistance so I don’t have to burn your whole tavern down with your patrons inside. I am not a very patient man right now.” Without my fire-glass heart, a meagre coin-sized flame is all I can produce, buthedoesn’t need to know that.
He gulps and nods. Walking over to hand the ales to the two men, who scamper off to a dark corner before turning back to me. It’s just the two of us.
“How can I be of service, my prince?”
“Do you know of The Shadow?” He tries to hide it, but I see the recognition in his eyes as they slightly widen. He knows her. Of that, I am certain. “Ah, it appears you do.” I smile, Bingo.
“Look, she is a good girl.” He lowers his head in resignation. “She is just a little lost.”
“What’s her name?”
“I do not know. Our community only knows her asThe Shadow. I know she doesn’t live here in the slums, probably on the outskirts of the suburbs. But again, my prince, I beg you not to imprison her. She is like a daughter to me.”
“Ogre, you silly fool, I wouldn’t imprison my future wife.” This has his eyes widen comically, even more in shock than initially seeing my face. Why is it so surprising that I would want the little mystery!? “Now, where is my little shadow thief?”
The ogre doesn’t reply, thinking of how to answer. He is hesitant to disclose the whereabouts of my duchess. I appreciate how protective he seems to be of her. For that, I won’t kill him and burn down his bar… yet.
“I will not hurt her, Ogre. But I need to see her. And I won’t stop until I find her. My brothers may be honourable, but like I said, I am an impatient man and will burn Eldor to find her. Starting with this bar.”
This seems to be exactly what he needed to hear. He sighs and replies, “She is doing a job in the Pleasure District, right onthe other side of Harsekeep. Her mark this evening always leaves the gambling den at 11 pm. I bet she is currently waiting.”
“Thank you, good sir.” With that, I plop down a bag of gold coins. I didn’t order a drink, but with such grand news, I am feeling quite generous. “I hope for your sake this isn’t a false lead.”
I turn to head towards the Pleasure District, but I catch him saying under his breath as I leave, “What has that foolish girl gotten herself into now?”
* * *
The Pleasure District is exactly what you would imagine it to be. Brothels, gambling dens, fighting clubs, taverns, and more fill the area. In my desperation for release, I have even explored the offerings. As a prince, I don’t have to pay for sex. But there is something about hiring a professional who won’t try to pin you down so they can be a queen.
The magic-infused colorful signs aiming to grab attention fill the streets with partially clothed folk who seem to glow from the light. It smells of sex, smoke, and sweet notes from the incense at the brothels.
I wonder what my little duchess thinks of the Pleasure District? Is she turned on by the sights and sounds? Would she join me at the club for an evening of fun? Or join me to watch Sylas beat a fucker to a pulp at the fighting den across the gambling den? He thinks we don’t know about his love of the fighting rings. But one of us always follows him to watch. If I were sappy, you could say it’s so that we can take care of him if he has a nasty fight. Or maybe I just like seeing the uptight prick get shoved around a bit. Both can be true at once, I suppose.
I hide in the dark alley across the gambling den, not spotting my little shadow yet. After a few minutes, I start to worry theogre had given me a false tip, only to catch a glimpse out of the corner of my eye, movement of blonde hair in a ponytail.My duchess.
She is wearing dark black clothes, quite similar to mine, yet more feminine. And holy fuck does she ever fill out those tight pants. A stupid bandana covers what I expect to be a stunning face. I have never hated a piece of fabric more than I do right now. There is a bow and arrow set at her back and a golden dagger strapped to her deliciously thick thigh. She is a dangerous wet dream I can’t wait to sink my teeth into.
She stalks the shadows too, waiting for her prey. Patrons come and go as she watches the doors. While I watch her.
She keeps looking down into her pocket. I am not sure what she is doing exactly, yet it appears she is talking. To herself? But I can’t be sure. She may be a little unstable. I can work with that.
