Page 109 of Stars in Nova

Acting like eager travelers taking in the sights of the best shopping in Rivina West, a larger municipality to Trivina, the threesome ambled. Spooning gelato from recyclable paper cups, yet eyes peeled and alert for any sign of a problem.

They strolled past an assortment of outlets, from independent boutiques to exclusive stores, haute couture retailers, and trendy restaurants. These were all designed to please the tourists who flocked to the picturesque town.

In the distance, they spotted the spires of the Royal Palace and the replica Paladian temples, which stood next to the planet’s foundation stone and remembrance monument.

Sax glanced down at his wrist tab to confirm his location, then turned into a narrow lane that led over a bridge and into a darkened street.

‘This way,’ he murmured to his two companions.

Kisan tugged Samira close to him as they headed towards Vitostraat, also infamously known as Gem Street.

The charm of this avenue was the variety of diminutive independent stores with one specialized offering of rare gems and jewels.

It was the epicenter for the Vito Quarter, Galicia’s, and perhaps even Pegasi’s largest concentration of jeweler traders, designers, and hallmark offices.

Several glitzy storefronts clustered at the top of the street. However, most jewelers off the principal strait worked in a rabbit warren of small workshops. Up to ten workers fashioned stunning designs from xentium, gold, emeralds, and rubies.

The trio passed establishments that were masterpieces of understated luxury. Their polished black facades were inlaid with elaborate filigree and symbols above the doors, from stylized gemstones that shimmered as though alive to discreet numbers carved from exotic ebony wood embedded with real jewels.

The location marker on Kisan’s wrist comm vibrated, marking that they’d reached their destination.

They settled into the cafe table seats diagonally across the jeweler’s address, orderingkahawaand cakes as they surveilled the site.

Identified by just three numerals and two letters, the I.E. Artelier was an institution unto itself if one went by the subtle elegance of its access point.

It was also under heavy guard, with four brawny, swarthy-skinned, bejeweled men patrolling its front entrance.

Samira stared at the sign, hit with the enormity of what they were attempting to accomplish.

She took a shaky breath and then jolted as Kisan’s arms wrapped around her waist from beside her, pulling her back against his chest.

‘Don’t overcook it,’ he rasped, soothing her nerves. ‘We can do it.Fokk,Sax, and I have done it many times before.’

She huffed, leaning into his warmth. ‘Just so much to think and work through.’

‘Says the woman who stole my mask without a second thought.’

‘I was dealing with one man. From what I observe, the Iccythrians are fierce and many.’

‘Stop stressing,’ he said, resting his chin on her shoulder. ‘Just breathe.’

Sax served the couple a raised brow. ‘You two go in. I’ll scout the outside. It’d be suspicious that a monk walks into a jeweler shop with you unless I plan to marry you on the spot.’

‘Can you do that?’ Samira wondered out loud.

‘I have taken the orders. Any interest in said service?’ he smirked, giving Kisan a wink.

‘Fokkoff,’ his friend growled, rising to his feet, tossing down the dregs of hiskahawaand pulling an amused Samira away.

At the door, the thuggish guards examined their Sys-IDs and gave them the once over.

Satisfied they appeared loved up enough, they waved them in.

An old-fashioned bell tinkled as the couple entered an interior that exuded an understated, discreet class. The gray slate flooring, leather, and brass fittings exuded refinement.

Above was statement lighting with tones of navy and copper and a vintage Ghuxian collector rug under their feet.

Despite the traditional high-end feel, the design also integrated cutting-edge retail technology.

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