Page 24 of Vicious Princess
If thugs are brave enough to attack in broad daylight, I don’t want to imagine what happens when those streets are shrouded in darkness.
The eerie emptiness that settled in my bones right after my family’s death has been my most loyal companion for a long time. I’m so used to it breathing down my neck at all times, Ican’t imagine living without it. Despite that, it’s never been as painfully obvious as it is tonight, how alone in the world I am. With V and his ship gone, there is nobody here but me and the muddy grief that hangs above my head like a heavy storm cloud.
The streets are so empty, my steps echo in the quiet street, bouncing off the earthen walls. I pass a building with boxes stacked high against the wall. My steps halt.
I turn and inspect the tower of boxes. It doesn’t reach all the way to the roof, but it’s high enough that I can manage to get myself up there.
With one glance around to make sure no window shutters are open and nobody is watching me, I climb the wooden boxes. It’s so easy, I don’t even break a sweat. Once I’m standing on the last box, I reach my arms up.
The very tips of my fingers reach the end of the roof. I inhale, bend my knees. With an exhale, I jump.
The end of the roof is sharp, the clay digging into my fingers painfully. I ignore the discomfort and pull myself up over the edge. The roof is slanted but comfortable enough.
At least here, nobody can touch me.
I sigh and toss my bow and backpack next to me. The sky is clear. A heavy moon hangs above the sea in the distance, its reflection dancing on the surface of the dark water.
The sea, at least close to the shore, is calm. As if even the waves decided to rest until the sun comes back up.
A cool breeze caresses my face. The sight of the moon blurs. I blink. Tears leave hot trails down my cheeks. I bring my knees closer to my chest and hug them tight while I rest my chin on them.
Three bad years don’t mean a bad life.
I repeat those words in my mind over and over again, hoping that if I think it enough times, I’ll believe it.I just have to hang on tight for a little longer, I tell myself.
Just a little longer until I can ruin King Fracis’s life the way he ruined mine.
Once I’m powerful, thingswillbe better. There won’t be any more lonely nights spend sleeping on the roof under the sky full of stars.
At least that’s what I tell myself.
Fortunately,I manage to get a few hours of sleep until sunrise. Unfortunately for me, sleeping on the hard clay roof while trying not to roll off the side is extremely uncomfortable.
With a huff, I land on the steady stone pavement. Groaning, I stretch my arms and shoulders and then my stiff legs. My back is still stiff as I round the corner and exit the alley.
The bird chirps are joyous, filling the streets with the most beautiful music. With fae filling the streets and all the establishments open, it’s a very different visual from last night.
I walk around until I find a café that looks decent and has available tables. My stomach rumbles while I wait to order some breakfast and a coffee.
This morning, I desperately need coffee.
While I wait for my food, I sit at the table next to the window and watch folks in the street. Mostly merchants, workers, and an occasional well-dressed young fae pass by.
I’m not sure who those people are, but they stand out in the crowd like a sore thumb. They must be performers or artists. Maybe even nobles. Many eyes turn towards them, wide with awe.
“Interesting,” I murmur to myself.
When a slim fae dressed in a tailored purple three-piece suit emerges from around the corner, the crowd even parts, making way for her.
I lean closer to the window, not believing my own eyes.
Sure, she’s stunning as a goddess, with glowing light-brown skin and long, thick braids weaving over her shoulders and down her back all the way to her hips. They hypnotize with each sway.
From the way a few fae smile and bow their heads at her, you’d think she’s an Ezkai General herself. I can’t take my eyes away from her until she finally disappears farther down the street.
There’s so much I don’t know and don’t understand about Ekios. So much Ineedto know and understand.
Once I have my coffee and a hearty breakfast, I’m on a mission to find a place to sleep tonight. Tomorrow, is my first day at the Ezkai Academy. I can’t excel at my training and nail this academy bullshit if I’m sleeping on Jaakii’s rooftops.
