Page 97 of A Shard of Ice

“I suppose you are right.” Elsie returns the necklace to the display table. She sighs. “We need to be practical. With that in mind, let’s head over to the food section of the market, or there won’t be any supper on my table tonight.”

We navigate through the market, passing stalls selling an array of goods, from fruits and vegetables to freshly caught fish and loaves of bread. The vendors call out their wares, their voices blending with the hum of conversation and the laughter of children playing nearby. We stop here and there so that Elsie can buy the things she needs.

I’m shocked at how humans and fae seem to live together in such harmony. They laugh and joke together.

We’re at the cheese stall. There are dozens of different types of cheeses on display.

Elsie grabs my arm. “Sindy.” She laughs. “Where were you just then? I’ve been calling your name.”

“Sorry! I’m intrigued, that’s all. I’ve never seen so much cheese in all of my life. I was lost in thought for a moment.”

I realize that I’d heard Elsie calling the name “Sindy,” I just didn’t register that she was calling me. I need to get into character. I can’t mess up. Elsie must never know who I really am. I agree with Merna; it’s too dangerous.

“Oh! Don’t you get cheese in Hollyoaks?” Elsie frowns.

I almost ask, “Where?” but realize at the last moment that I am supposed to be from Hollyoaks. “Not in abundance like this. Even then, a tiny piece of plain cheese is rare and considered a treat. It’s not like this out there.”

Elsie takes a package from the cheese vendor, and we keep walking. “I had heard about the hardships outside of the court,” Elsie says. “Is it as bad as they say?”

“It’s terrible. The sky is hazy. So hazy that you can’t see the sun or the moon. It’s hazy and cloudy and rains all the time. The plants and trees are mostly dead or dying. Nothing really thrives. The animals struggle and die easily.”

“That sounds awful. I’m so glad you came here to live with us.”

“Me too.” I force a smile.

Elsie deftly negotiates with a fishmonger, selecting a few plump fish for our evening meal. As she pays for our purchase, a sudden commotion at the edge of the market catches my attention.

A group of fae guards are ushering a cloaked figure through the crowd, their expressions stern and watchful. The figure is tall.

No!

Is it?

Then his hood falls open, and I can breathe. It isn’t Damon. It’s a fae with dark hair. He looks straight at me.

I’m so busy watching the scene unfold that I don’t watch where I am going and walk straight into someone.

They grab my arms. “Watch it!” they growl. It’s a fae guard. He’s dressed in uniform.

“I’m so…um…so sorry.”

“Kyrie?” someone says. I recognize the voice. “Is that you?”

“Apologies, gentlemen.” Elsie grabs my arm. “I’m so very sorry. My cousin is terribly clumsy.” She laughs.

“Your cousin, you say?” Hali asks. I can feel his eyes raking over me. “Are you sure you’re not Kyrie from the salt mines?”

What is he doing here?

It can’t be.

Stay calm. Keep your cool.

“Quite sure.” I laugh.

“This is my cousin Sindy from Hollyoaks. You have the wrong person. We must be on our way. Good day to you both.”

“You look just like her,” Hali grumbles. “I guess I’m mistaken,” he says, still sounding unsure.

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