Page 28 of Luca

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An hour or so had passed. I wasn’t really tracking the time, but the air was cooler and the sun sat lower in the sky. We’d managed to look through almost every trader’s goods, some for longer than others, depending on what caught my eye, and I’d even been persuaded to buy a few things. Cair had arranged for the bigger items to be sent back to the palace, while the others—books and more cakes—were stowed away in my pack. I’d even picked up something for the twins: a constellation pin for Josyah and a little bug carving for Reyna.

They’d warmed up to me since I’d moved into the palace. Sy especially seemed to enjoy sneaking into the library when he was supposed to be doing lessons, to tell me all about the stars or ask me about human traditions. Rey was harder to crack, and though she’d silently joined me in the garden once or twice, showing interest in the creepy crawlies, she still seemed a little standoffish, but we’d get there.

The gift was absolutelynota plan to win over her affections, no siree.

It was safe to say, I was all shopped out, close to that stage where my skin felt too tight and smiling was a chore, but there was just one stall left at the very far end of the settlement. We’d somehow missed it between meeting Ivar and having lunch. I’d debated leaving without knowing what it sold, but that felt kinda rude, so we headed on over, hands still entwined.

As we approached, the first thing I noticed was that the stall was chaotic, but somehow still neat. There was no rhyme or reason to the items displayed, from handcrafted birdhouses to crocheted monster stuffies, but they were all lined up perfectly and in their own little sections. It made me smile. Organized chaos was a concept I knew all too well, and I was already glad we hadn’t skipped coming here.

The sign above the shop door read Everything and Anything, and from what I could see, that statement tracked. There were even swords, the blades hidden inside their scabbards, but the hilts visible… and they kind of looked like dicks?

I knew it was time for us to find somewhere to stay for the night before it got dark, but I was fascinated and wanted a peek at what else the shop had first. I turned to Cair. “I’ll just have a quick look inside, then we can go, yeah?”

“Whatever you wish, pet. Take as long as you need.”

With a grateful smile I slipped in through the tall yet narrow doorway, my eyes widening at what greeted me on the other side.Stuff.Shelves upon shelves ofstuff. It was a maximalist’s wet dream. An antique store, a thrift shop, and a dragon’s hoard, all rolled into one. Similar to outside, each pile of mess was contained in its individual section, with a clear path snaking through them all. I fucking loved it. There was something familiar about these types of places. They made me feel comforted and emotionally regulated, as odd as that may have sounded. I was curious by nature, and being surrounded by a wild assortment of things had my dopamine levels shooting through the roof.

I was happy.

I started at the rack closest to the door, skimming through the selection of novelty coffee mugs, some molded into the shapes of animals while others were painted with intricate designs. I didn’t dare touch anything breakable, knowing how clumsy I was, but anything more durable I would pick up and inspect, before moving leisurely on to the next section. There were backpacks in one corner, paintings in another, and nothing short of a crane could’ve prised me away from the selection of potted plants.

It really was a bizarre place, and given the chance, I would’ve spent days combing through every last square inch.

I couldn’t have taken a guess at how long we were in there, but with only a few shelves left to browse, I suddenly became aware of the unfaltering shadow blanketing mine on the floor. I peered over my shoulder at Cair, who was looming barely one step behind, not looking at anything except me.

Guilt welled in my belly. “Are… are you bored?”

He reeled back, seemingly offended that I’d even suggest such a thing. “Of course not! How could I be bored watching my mate find such joy in simple trinkets?”

From anyone else, that would have probably landed as an insult, but Cair did seem genuinely smitten with my behavior. I turned back to face the rack of crystals I’d been examining, hiding my blush. “That may be, but isn’t there anythingyouwant to look at? Don’t you need anything?”

I caught his shrug from the corner of my eye. “Wing moisturizer wouldn’t go amiss, especially now that they are exposed to the elements more often—they need the extra care. But I am in no hurry. I am content to wait until your curiosity has been sated.”

“You’ll be waiting a while,” I said with a slight snort. “Why don’t you go and grab what you need, and I’ll finish up looking here?”

Cair hesitated—unsure about leaving me alone, no doubt—but having him hovering over my every step made me feel rushed, even if it wasn’t his intention. He was protective, and I loved him for it, but a few minutes to browse alone would also be welcome.

“I don’t?—”

“I’ll be fine,” I cut in, twisting around to place my hands on his chest. “I promise to stay in the shop until you come back. I won’t wander.”

He studied me, his jaw clenching and unclenching. It took a pleasing look and an eyelash flutter before he finally relented. “Alright.” He sighed, though it had an amused edge to it. “There was a stall not far from here that sold what I need. I’ll be very quick.”

“I’ll be here,” I assured him again. “Take as long as you need.” He seemed to read between the lines as he smiled knowingly and, without a hint of offense, kissed my forehead before striding out of the shop, leaving me to my own devices. I was under no illusions that he wouldn’t speed through his errand despite my encouragement. He’d be out there guarding the shop by the time I was done, and for all that I appreciated the space, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I carried on walking through the shop, stopping to inspect the rows and rows of vases as I passed. It was funny, because in any other store, the most logical item to expect in the next section would be some other type of decorative homeware, but no. It was clothes. Well, on closer inspection, it waslingerie, to be exact. There was a table display with several sets laid out on top. A torso mannequin wearing a seductive black bodysuit stood to the left, while a wooden clothing rail was positioned to the right. I drifted closer, reaching out to trail my fingers over the different fabrics. There were webs of lace, drapes of satin, and strips of latex. I picked up the piece at the end—a corset of red leather, embellished with buckles, and accompanied by a collar of the same material. The diamond lettering on the front read KITTEN.

My face grew warm.

“Wow, this place really does have everything and anything,” I mumbled, putting the corset down. It was a beautiful piece, and well-crafted, but leather was definitely a step too far out of my comfort zone.

“That color would look absolutely stunning on you.”

I whirled around, caught completely off guard by the shopkeeper—a super tall, red-headed naga—who stood three feet behind me. She cringed in embarrassment.

“I didn’t mean to startle you, Your Highness,” she said, her voice a soothing purr. “It was only that I saw you looking, and couldn’t help but offer my compliments.”

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