I could feel Sam’s stare digging into my back as we gathered to examine Cael’s prizes. It felt like a long, angry lecture was in my future.

  At least Cecil hadn’t joined in. Yet. He was still returning the morningstar to whatever corner he’d found it in.

  I did my best to ignore the stabbing between my shoulder blades and turned my attention to the evidence we’d managed to recover.

  Asher slowly flipped through the notebook, Locke staring avidly over his shoulder. It was a cheap thing, made of loose scrap paper sandwiched between cardboard and held together with twine.

  “Hells,” she breathed. “I think it’s all here. Dates. Transactions. Everything. All of these, they’re small amounts. Drugs, stolen goods maybe? But this one and this one?” she tapped the page. “For that much? Has to be slaves.”

  Asher hmmed and flipped back through the notebook. “The larger transactions go back… six months or so?” He glanced at Cael. “How long ago were you recruited?”

  “Dunno.” He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Four, five months?”

  “They started expanding after their first sale… a small gang that was introduced to something more lucrative?” Asher tapped one particular line. “Whoever this first sale was for. Did they act as an intermediary?”

  “Except it’s all in damned shorthand.” Locke reached over and leafed through it to the newest page. “There’s a few initials… Maybe we can start there.”

  She took the notebook and turned it to face me, tapping on the second-last line. “I’m sorry to ask, Lord Violet, but… I think this one’s for you. Does… anything look familiar?”

  My stomach lurched as I looked the line over. I’d known someone had ordered my kidnapping, but to see my initials listed next to a price was… disconcerting.

  Cael leaned over my shoulder and whistled. “That’s… a lot of zeroes. Who the fuck d’you piss off that bad, Princess?”

  I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. “I really wish I knew.”

  “Is it possible someone else knows about your…” Asher’s eyes flickered behind me, and he lowered his voice. “Abilities? They would be well worth the price to the right buyer.”

  I shook my head. “Only two people knew,” I told him quietly. “My oldest brother and my magic tutor, both of whom have had far better opportunities if they meant to harm me. I trust them both.”

  “I guess that would’ve been too easy.” Locke ran her fingers through her disintegrating bun, dislodging a pen.

  “Then it’s lucky that wasn’t all we recovered.” Putting the notebook to the side, Asher picked up the large, grubby envelope. He carefully opened it and tipped the contents onto the table. A stack of papers slipped out, fanning themselves across the tabletop. Just under twenty of them at a rough count.

  “… Shit. She kept the orders.” Locke pulled out five of the letters and laid them side-by-side. “I recognize the writing on these — it’s that Trefore bastard. We’ve got him dead to rights. His House won’t be able to scheme him out of these.”

  Cael reached out and teased another letter free, dangling it between his fingers. “Princess. Think this one’s yours.”

  My name seemed to jump off the page as he held it out to me. I took it with trembling fingers.

  “‘… the price is irrelevant,’” I read aloud, “‘as long as you deliver the spoiled little wretch to me.’”

  “Princess? You good?”

  “… I … don’t recognize the writing. It’s not Tempest’s or Thea’s.” I quickly put the letter back down and surreptitiously wiped my hand on my sleeve. “I do have an idea that might help though. I have a stack of invitations sitting on my desk to various parties and gatherings.”

  Asher quirked a brow. “You believe we might be able to find matches among them.”

  “Slaves cost money. Nobles have money, and the influence to get what they want. What are the odds Earl Trefore was their only noble customer?”

  “I suppose that’s—”

  I jumped as a door at the front of the warehouse slammed open.

  A loud bellow shook the dust off the rafters. “What in the Blessed Saints’ fucking shit pit have you morons done now?!”

  ——————

  The Watch Commander’s haranguing was… thorough, covering everything from the exploding desk all the way back to his decision to assign Locke and Asher the damned case in the first place. When he found out that they had allowed civilians to get involved, he nearly hit the roof.

  Cael and I got quite the earful from where we’d been coolly asked to wait in the Commander’s parlour.

  It was nearly fifteen minutes before the inspectors stumbled out, pale, carrying a stack of papers as thick as my wrist, and chased by promises that they would have a full report on his desk today — or so help him every god he could name, he’d bust them down to constables and fucking leave them there.

  Asher quickly slunk off with the forms, his head bowed, while Locke apologized profusely — and loudly — before swiftly escorting us out.

  “I am sorry,” I told her as she led us back downstairs. “I hope I didn’t get you in too much trouble.”

  “It’s fine. The Commander’s pissed, but he’ll get over it. He respects results.” She sighed. “Eventually.”

  “I… take it we won’t be hired after all?”

  “You are. Just… try to keep a low profile until we’ve got everything signed and filed. I’ll send the paperwork to…” she quirked a brow at me in question.

  “Wren’s office please,” I said firmly. “You’re hiring his agency, not the Earl of Southsea.”

  “You think people don’t know it’s the same thing? Your identity’s public knowledge now.”

  I hmmed. “Yes… and no. It’s not a secret anymore, but that distinction tends to stick in people’s minds. Keeping the two roles separate is useful.”

  She laughed wryly. “I guess it would. I’ll send everything there, along with copies of the reports. If you need anything else, let us know, and we’ll see what we can do.”

  “… What will you write in your report about what happened in the warehouse?” I asked quietly, fidgeting with my once again spotless sleeve. Louise had forced several magical stain removers on Cael before we’d left — along with dire threats. “About us, I mean.”

  “The truth.” She shrugged and grinned as I stiffened. “You’re Wren’s apprentice, and Mattis has contacts that gave us good information.”

  I let out a relieved sigh, trying to relax my still-tense shoulders. “Thank you.”

  Our horses were waiting for us as we left the building, through a guarded side door this time. A good thing — I wasn’t up for being gawked at again.

  I gratefully stumbled over to Giselle, and dug through my saddle bag, downing one of my spare fever potions in one go. My head had started to spin a little, and I was feeling a bit weak. It may not have been as bad as yesterday, but it had still been a stressful morning.

  Cael raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment.

  As I mounted Giselle, Locke stepped forwards, placing a gentle hand on Giselle’s shoulder. “Sorry, Lord Violet, but … do you think I could ask you for a favour?”

  “Another one?”

  She grinned tiredly. “Nothing big, I promise. Now that we’ve talked with you, we’ve got almost everyone’s statements. The only one we’re missing is from the elf you rescued. He won’t talk to us. I want you to try talking to him. Nothing official — I’m just hoping he’ll open up to you.”

  I blinked in surprise. “Why me?”

  I’d been as bad with witnesses as I was with kids, if for different reasons. It was part of the reason I’d ended up working cold cases.

  “Gut instinct. I think you’ll do better than you think you will.”

  “…I’ll try,” I promised. “Where is he?”

  Locke grinned. “The Free Hospital. I’ll let them know you’ll be coming by. Thanks for this — I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. Just… if you can send me a report anyway? Just in case?”

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  I chuckled at her nervously hopeful look. “Of course.”

  She stepped aside as I clicked my tongue, and Giselle started moving. We left the yard and I turned down King’s Road.

  Cael rode up beside me, frowning. “You wanna see him today.”

  “The elf? …Yes? I mean, the Free Hospital isn’t that far.”

  His frown deepened. “No. You’re not feeling great, right? Think it’s time to go back.”

  “It’s only lunchtime,” I pointed out. “I’ll be fine if I get something to eat.”

  “You promised me no arguing.”

  I deflated a little. “I know… but I really think I just need a lunch break. Please. If you still think we should go home afterwards, I won’t argue.”

  He watched me silently. Then his stomach grumbled.

  I grinned as mine rumbled in response. “I know a great place, and we’re not far.”

  He smiled ruefully and sighed. “Fine, you win. For now.”

  “You won’t regret it,” I informed him cheerfully.

  “Bet I will. Anyone ever tell you you’re a pushy little ass?”

  “That’s your job now,” I told him with a laugh.

  ——————

  I hadn’t yet visited Marlene’s little cafe personally, but I’d ridden past it often enough to know where I was headed.

  We left our horses at a busy livery stable on King’s Road — not Emily’s; that was farther than I was willing to walk in the cold — and crossed over to a narrow, cleanly swept alley crammed between two shops.

  The alley led to a small, secluded courtyard formed by the mismatched buildings. A massive tree grew in the centre, its bare branches sheltering the snow-covered tables beneath it. It felt like stepping into a postcard.

  A path had been cleared through the snow, winding through arbours wrapped in dormant vines to the cafe’s front door.

  A tiny bell tinkled overhead as I pushed open the door and stepped inside.

  The smell of baked bread and fresh herbs enveloped me. It felt like summer: the bright winter sun streaming through the windows was warm and welcoming, and pots of blooming plants graced every tiny table. Small flowering trees and bushes separated the tables, turning them into little private oases.

  Cael pushed in behind me, looking around with evident interest. “How’d I not know about this place?” he murmured, his question nearly lost beneath the hum of conversation from the crowded tables.

  “It’s a bit of a well-kept secret, I think. Most people just sort of stumble over it. I wouldn’t have known about it at all if Louise hadn’t told me.”

  He hmmed. “How’s that?”

  I pulled off my cloak and draped it over my arm, basking in the warmth. “The owner’s her aunt.”

  “… Damned House’s got connections all over the fucking place.”

  I chuckled quietly in response.

  With how packed the cafe was, it took a few minutes before a server approached, a harried-looking older woman with a bright smile. I didn’t mind; the quiet bustle was a nice change of pace.

  She bobbed into a shallow curtsy. “I’m so sorry for the wait, milord. Welcome to the Hearthbloom Café. I’m the owner—”

  “Lady Marlene!” I finished in delight. I took her hand and bowed over it. “Your apricot jam tarts are my favourites.”

  “Apri- Ah! You’re Louise’s young Lord.” She laughed lightly. “She always insists I send those. But she failed to tell me what a charming young man you are. Please, let me find you a table.”

  I ignored Cael’s snickering as she led us through the tight space to the front window.

  The conversations dipped briefly as I passed other tables. The café was right off the city’s main thoroughfare, and nobility on errands wasn’t uncommon. Unlike my earlier visit to the Watch station, my presence was noticed, but other than a few side glances, I was quickly dismissed.

  “It’s a bit small,” Marlene said apologetically, gesturing at the tiny table. A little pot of lavender decorated the white tablecloth. “It’s normally meant for two, but I don’t have another table right now.”

  “It’s fine,” I assured her lightly. “For your cooking, I don’t mind the tight quarters.”

  “Flatterer,” she tsked with a little grin. “Do you all know what you want already?”

  Marlene took our orders with brisk efficiency, and the four of us crammed ourselves around the table to wait.

  As Cecil and Sam bickered silently over who sat where, Cael gently nudged my arm. “You sure you’re good Princess?” He asked quietly.

  “Hm?”

  “Just… we dealt with some serious shit, and now you’re all sunshine? I don’t buy it.”

  “I haven’t forgotten.” I sighed, pillowing my chin on my arms. The sunlight warmed my back, but it didn’t reach the icy ball that still tightened my gut. “It’s nice here. Peaceful. So… I want to lie to myself.”

  I reached out and stroked a stem of lavender, letting the scent wash over me. “I want to pretend that I’m just some fancy little noble. That there’s no one trying to kidnap me, and that we’re not a year away from our deaths. Just for a little while.”

  It wasn’t a healthy coping mechanism. But it was what I needed right now.

  Cael leaned back in his chair, frowning thoughtfully. After a moment he nodded.

  “… I get it.”

  I let out a long, deep breath. “Thank you.”

  It took Marlene only a few minutes to return with our drinks. Water for Sam, berry juice for Cecil, and small beer for Cael. As she was setting down my cup and a pot of jasmine tea, a loud slap tore through the shop, followed by the crash of falling crockery.

  “You filthy little peasant! How dare you! Do you have any idea who I am?!”

  I shot out of my chair and pushed past Cecil, craning my neck for a better view.

  A young noblewoman in an expensive cloak stood near the door, her arms crossed as she sneered haughtily at something at her feet. Her hair was styled into long ringlets, and the dress beneath her cloak was simple, but tailored and expensive. Behind her stood an absolutely massive man in a House uniform. I didn’t recognize the crest.

  “I-I’m sorry, milady,” a girl’s voice trembled. “I’m just… If you could please wait—”

  The noble girl’s sneer grew sharper, and she sniffed in disdain. “You will serve me at once! I’ve deigned to patronize this shabby little pit, and I expect to be treated with the respect I’m owed.”

  Beside me, a wooden tray creaked.

  Marlene had gone pale. Her lips were compressed to a thin line, her knuckles white and bloodless where she clutched the serving tray. Anger simmered in her eyes.

  Without a word, she shoved through the silent audience and put herself between the noble girl and her victim. The girl took a step back, her hand to her chest and her eyes wide.

  Marlene crossed her arms. “I’m sorry milady, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

  The noble girl’s jaw fell open.

  As did mine. Marlene had balls.

  The girl clenched her jaw, and beneath her makeup, she went an ugly, blotchy red. “I — how dare you! You have no idea who you’re dealing with. I will not allow you to treat me with such utter disrespect, you stupid commoner. This is —!”

  “Absolutely disgraceful.”

  My voice cut cleanly through the silent café.

  She blinked, her outraged snarl curling into an ugly grin. “Exactly! It’s absolutely disgraceful. My House will—”

  “Not her. You.”

  Her mouth snapped shut, and she glared around the café. “How dare you?! Who do you think you are?”

  “I think I’m the Earl of Southsea,” I snapped back, surging forwards. Enough was enough. “And I — I’m sorry, could you please scoot forward a little? Thank you — I most certa — sorry — do dare!”

  … How had Marlene moved so damned fast?!

  She’d basically teleported over there! Meanwhile, I kept bumping into people, and nearly took out a small tree while I was at it. I managed to catch the damned thing before it tipped over, but it was a close call.

  Behind me, I could hear muffled swears and the occasional crash of something breaking.

  The entire café watched me in complete silence the entire time.

  I stopped beside Marlene, only blushing slightly as I straightened my silk jacket and brushed a few stray leaves off my sleeve.

  The noble girl had gone an odd pale-grey, her powder standing out starkly against her skin. “Earl Dusk.” She dipped into a low curtsy. “I apologize. I wasn’t aware you were here.”

  That… was a more extreme reaction than I’d expected. Was Past-Violet’s reputation that bad?

  … It didn’t matter. Roll with it and figure it out later.

  I sighed, not bothering to hide my irritation. “I’m going to assume no one bothered to teach you that breeding is not a substitute for manners. No one is impressed. Your behaviour is an embarrassment to both your rank and your House.”

  “Earl Dusk, I–”

  “I’m not interested in excuses.” I waved her words away, the diamonds in my rings glittering coldly. “Lady Marlene has asked you to leave. Please do so. I came here for a peaceful meal, not to deal with… whatever this was. If you continue to ruin my lunch, I will take it personally.”

  She bit her lip, looking from me to Marlene and back, her eyes a mixture of confusion, anger and embarrassment.

  Her uniformed mountain troll grumbled, scowling at me and pulling himself up like he could sense her distress.

  I casually twitched my wrist, allowing one of my throwing knives to fall into the hand at my side, and shifted my stance. I was no longer Detective Daniel Logan, but I could still feel him in my soul. If this turned ugly, I wasn’t going to give this man the chance to hurt Marlene or the girl she was protecting.

  Instead, the noble girl spun, nearly smacking the troll in the face with her imperious wave, and flounced out the door. “Fine!” She tossed back. “I wouldn’t be caught dead in such a tacky little shop anyway.”

  The door slammed behind them with enough force to knock the little bell off its hangar. It bounced on the floor, jingling loudly, and rolled to a stop beside my foot.

  The entire room seemed to let out a deep breath. Chairs creaked, and people began quietly whispering to each other.

  I let out a slow breath of my own. I carefully tucked the little knife back into its sheath at my wrist, and turned to check on Marlene and her girl.

  Marlene looked a little shaky, but otherwise unhurt. Her furious glare at the the door and angry muttering assured me she’d be fine.

  Behind her, a girl in a waitress uniform was kneeling on the ground, surrounded by broken dishes. The tub sitting on the floor beside her told me she’d been bussing tables when she’d been ambushed. Her wavy, strawberry-blonde hair was dishevelled, and there was a large, red welt on her cheek.

  I held out a hand to help her up. “Are you all right, miss?”

  She stared at me for a moment like a deer in headlights, but she slowly took my hand and let me to pull her to her feet. “I-I’m fine,” she said, wiping away a few tears with her sleeve, leaving a streak of dust behind. “Thank you, milord.”

  “Here.” I offered her my handkerchief.

  She looked maybe a year younger than me, and was a little bit shorter. Not by much — just enough to let her glance up at me through her lashes as she took it, blushing prettily.

  Her eyes were the deepest shade of blue I’d ever seen, like a pair of sapphires. Freckles danced across her cheeks and over her pert nose beneath a fine dusting of flour. Her lips were a soft pink and looked kissably plump.

  She wasn’t just cute, she was … magnetic.

  She smiled shyly, and I felt my cheeks reddening in response. The café fell away, and the world narrowed down to this moment.

  I found myself leaning a little closer.

  Her eyelashes fluttered. “Milord…”

  “Damn it Princess!” Cael roared, making me jump.

  I pulled sharply away from her, dropping her hand and accidentally kicking the bell with my foot. It rolled away and fell into a floor vent, jangling violently the entire time.

  The wide-eyes waitress went bright pink. She quickly looked away, stuttering incomprehensibly about a broom, and fled through a door behind the counter into the kitchen, her head down.

  I turned around slowly.

  Cael was standing right behind me, seething with anger and panting lightly. There was dirt smeared across one cheek, and leaves caught in his hair. Behind him, Cecil was rubbing his shin and swearing under his breath, a big coffee stain soaking into his shirt. And Sam was carrying a potted shrub by the stem like she planned to throttle it.

  “The fuck, Princess! You crazy? You do NOT go picking fights with godsdamned ogres. Especially without backup. Got it?”

  “… but … I thought you were right behind me? I heard you.”

  He groaned and facepalmed. “Princess…”

  I wilted. “I’m sorry. But you said it yourself: ‘Commoners don’t cross nobles. It ends badly.’ I had to be the one to deal with her.”

  He sighed, dropping his head and placing his hands on my shoulders. “It was awesome.” His hands slid down my arms, circling my elbows before letting go. He crossed his arms, and his eyes met mine. “Pull that shit again, and I tell his Lordship to lock you in a godsdamed tower and toss the key.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  “Try me, Princess.”

  “…I’ll be good.”

  Cael snorted, his stern expression melting into a grin. “As if.”

  There was a sudden burst of applause.

  I flushed, looking over in surprise. In all the excitement, I had completely forgotten we weren’t alone.