Page 11 of Kingdom of Crowns and Daggers

“Hand over your money and we will let you live,” one in the middle calls. I cannot see their faces due to the hoods and masks, but the voice sounds distinctly male.

“Very well.” I pull out my pouch and ignore Orion as I step closer. “If you tell me where to find Alyx, you can have all my money.”

Another chuckles. “We will just take it.”

“See him?” I nod at Orion, who is double their size. “He will kill you first, so save yourself the trouble and take the money for services rendered. Where do I find Alyx of the Daggers?”

One of them pulls his mask down and grins. “You want to find Alyx?”

I nod eagerly as the others chuckle.

“Fine, we’ll tell you. She will eat you alive, noble.” His hand darts for the money, but I step back. “Find her at the tavern by the docks. She is hunting.”

Throwing the pouch to him, I watch his arm dart out and catch it effortlessly. “Good luck, noble. You will need it, even with the big man.” They fade back into the shadows as effortlessly as they appeared.

Smiling brightly, I turn to Orion. “To the docks!”

“You are going to get us killed, Joha.” He sighs but does not try to stop me as he tucks his sword away.

“Only you, my friend, only you,” I tease.

The docks are very different from what I imagined. I do not leave the palace often, but Father took me with him to greet some dignitaries from the Rising Sun Islands once. The docks, however, were on the other side of the Lanide River, which splits the Lowers from the other provinces where the nobles reside.

That side of the docks gleamed with brand-new warships and ferries, and it was so bright and colourful, it was like a celebration. The taverns there overflowed with nobles and riches, and the shops sparkled with jewels and delicacies. The road is even made of stone, leading right to the peaceful blue water of our bay.

Here, on this side of the river, the docks are very different indeed.

It’s another stark reminder of the split in our lands. The port on this side is an old, floating wooden dock with smaller ships, mainly fishing vessels, in dire need of repair. Men throw barrels of fish and nets from the boats to the dock, the fragrant smell of fish, sewage, and mouldy food assaulting my senses.

The shops here are boarded up, but I see flames inside, indicating people live there. The one bright spot here is the tavern. No wonder they did not tell me a name. It is the only one in business. It looks to be built over the river, and it’s at least four stories of towering dark wood with windows cut out on each level. A wooden sign, hand painted with a naked mermaid and a ship blowing in the ocean breeze, hangs above the open doorway spewing laughter, music, and frivolity.

Tables are spread across the street and docks, overflowing with people. Some are passed out, some are eating, and some are drinking. It is a shock for the senses. I see men and women touching, flirting, and dancing, breaking every law we have in the palace. There is no careful distance here, no courtly bows and conversation.

This place exudes life in its filthiest and barest form.

I like it.

It is then I see a concealed merchant vessel at the far end of the dock. The men working on it and the flag give it away. I do not understand why it is hidden, but I watch two men in silk cloaks disembark, their faces hidden as they hurry towards the tavern, clearly trying to hide.

They shine so brightly with wealth, I am surprised a bandit does not appear.

However, someone else does.

Alyx slinks from the shadows, wearing the same, skintight black suit as the other day, only this time I see the brown harness hugging her bust, overflowing with weapons. Her sword hangs at her side, the one she saved me with and also used to steal from me. Hanging around her throat is my father’s necklace, my necklace, as if to dare anyone to try and take it from her.

Her bright hair is plaited back and hanging over her left shoulder as her blazing eyes search the road she crosses, following the two rich men silently. Boots with silver latches reach her knees as she splashes through puddles without a care.

My breathing stops, and my heart skips as I watch her slink from shadow to shadow, her targets none the wiser. A cruel but amusing plan comes to mind.

“Alyx!” I yell rather uncouthly.

She turns, as do her marks, her eyes narrowing at her name.

Chapter

Eight

ALYX

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