Page 98 of Forcing Fate

I pulled the laces tight and tied them securely. Tonight I would sew it closed, only allowing room for me to get in and out of the tunic. One less thing to worry about with the uniform. I didn’t exactly have a buxom chest, but I was still woman enough to worry about the lacing coming loose at inopportune times.

“I don’t know if it’s possible to tailor it to yourself. Those trousers will be a nightmare,” Elenor mused, circling me.

“They’re uncomfortable.” I shrugged.

“They’re different. You’ll get used to them.”

Niehm turned, tilting her head as I laced on my boots. “I have to say they’re far more immodest, in my opinion.”

“I feel more exposed and I don’t understand why. I’m more covered than before.”

“Your skin is concealed. Even if they’re much too big, they expose your outline. It’s more suggestive, in a way, than a dress.”

I stood and looked down at my baggy trousers. I could see Niehm’s point. One knew a woman’s shape, but it was shrouded in mystery when hidden by skirts. Trousers revealed every curve, even if they covered more flesh.

We returned to the clearing, where Willhelm stood watch. I braided my hair as we went, offering him a smile. Off in the distance, I heard the seventh chime ring. Curfew being at the eighth chime, I had to hurry.

Willhelm and Elenor settled into a conversation concerning the couples that snuck between the barracks and women’s dorms. Soldiers could join the women in marriage, though, once they were joined, the woman had to move out of the dorms. They were allowed to purchase a cabin or room in one of the surrounding hamlets or villages. However, the man still had to live in the barracks.

It was not an ideal situation, and more than one couple had to be separated and moved. Elenor was adamant that no soldier should marry while in the service. Willhelm favored the idea of establishing an apartment or village close by where the couples could live while the man served his years.

I listened to the conversation idly as we walked. Glancing around for the bounty hunter, I didn’t have to search long. He leaned against a building, head tilted and ankles crossed, watching a group play a game of dice on the ground beside him. His face was sober, and he was set apart from the others gathered to watch, clearly disinterested.

“I so dislike gambling,” Elenor said in a sour tone.

“It’s frowned upon, though not against the law,” Willhelm replied with a shrug.

“That one?” Niehm asked me, jerking her chin at the bounty hunter.

“Aye.”

“What about him?” Willhelm slowed, watching me with sharp eyes.

“He’s helping me buy a blade. Niehm offered to go with us,” I said.

Willhelm frowned and studied the bounty hunter again.

“Ready Niehm?”

I avoided Willhelm’s gaze, not because I was trying to be rude, but because I didn’t want to see the disappointment in his eyes. He disapproved of my closeness with the stranger, yet Willhelm could not always be there to watch out for me. The bounty hunter could be there when he was not.

“I hope you know I’m only doing this for you,” she replied, glaring at him.

I grinned at her before starting his way. The bounty hunter lifted his gaze and pushed off the wall, heading toward us.

He flashed Niehm a sly smile, tilting his head as he eyed her up and down. “Avyanna, would you introduce this fine lady?”

I raised a single eyebrow in skepticism, looking at Niehm and waving my hand at him.

“Master Niehm of Fenor,” she bit out, raising her chin to meet his gaze. Her red hair whipped around dramatically, and she gripped the pommel of her sword.

“Ah, a Master. It’s a pleasure, Lady Niehm,” the bounty hunter said with a slight bow.

“And what is your name, soldier?” she asked.

I searched his gray eyes as he smirked at her curious question.

“Darrak.”

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