Page 35 of The Goblin Twins
“It’s across the city,” Lai said as a covered multi-passenger carriage drew near, pulled by two horses, both black with white boots. “Half a day’s carriage ride or a full day’s walk.”
Shi’chen sighed. “So, we won’t get there today.”
“No,” Lai said, giving him an apologetic look. “But I promise we can leave first thing tomorrow morning.”
That would have to do, he supposed. He was not about to go rushing through the city on his own, in the dark, with no guide and no idea where he was going. He followed Lai aboard the carriage, taking in everything he could as it started through the streets. He had never had much chance to travel outside Er’hadin, and if he ever did again, it would likely not be as an unknown citizen who could come and go as he pleased.
The carriage eventually pulled to a stop, and several passengers got off. Lai hopped down as well, and Shi’chen followed. Lai led him down several streets and more than a few turns before stopping in front of a modest-looking shop. He headed inside, and Shi’chen followed. The shopkeeper seemed eager and friendly, helping them find a few longer shirts and trousers for Shi’chen, as well as a warm cloak, gloves, and a hat. Lai moved to pay, but Shi’chen held out his hand and shook his head. “I can pay for my own things,” he said. What other use were his sailor’s wages going to be good for?
Lai shrugged. “Up to you.”
Shi’chen did not bother to try to explain to Lai that he had never paid for anything in his life; if he ever went somewhere that required money, there were servants or secretaries who took care of it. The act of handing over money he had earned on his own was entirely new to him. He realized as he did so how quickly money was depleted. It made no sense that he would not be able to get things he needed because he did not have enough coins in his purse. He was going to have to talk to A’bbni about this in more detail.
After that, Lai led him down a few streets to a nearby inn. “Do you want your own room?” he asked as they made their way inside.
Shi’chen tried hard not to roll his eyes, knowing that Lai was trying to be respectful of his space. “No, I’m used to sharing.”
“I suppose so,” Lai said with a laugh, moving over to talk to the woman behind the bar. After a few moments, he handed her some coins, and she pointed up the stairs. Lai tipped his head for Shi’chen to follow him, and they made their way down to the empty room.
The room only had one bed, which, while spacious, was still not going to be large enough for them to both spread out. “You take it,” Lai said, closing the door behind them and turning the key securely in the lock. The fire in the hearth crackled brightly, casting dancing shadows over the wall. “I’ll sleep on the floor.”
“Absolutely not,” Shi’chen said with a frown.
“No arguments, Your Highness,” Lai said, already moving over to grab some of the blankets off the nearby chair. “I’m sure you miss sleeping in a proper bed.”
He did, but he was not about to tell Lai that. “You’ve been at sea longer than I have.”
Lai shrugged. “Yes, so I’m used to it.” He was already undoing the belt that held his rapier at his side and nudging off his boots.
Shi’chen set his things aside. “May I ask you a question?”
“You just did, but yes.”
“Would you be doing this if I wasn’t royalty?”
Lai blinked and turned to him in confusion. “What?”
“If I was just a sailor looking for my brother, would you be helping me?”
Lai gave him a small smile. “I’m not doing this for a reward, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Shi’chen felt himself flush at that, realizing how he must sound. “I… Why? Why are you helping me?”
Lai gazed at him for a long moment, so long that Shi’chen wasn’t sure he was going to answer him, before Lai exhaled softly. “Do you remember on the ship when you asked me what I live for now, with Talen gone?”
Shi’chen nodded slowly. “You said you didn’t know.”
Lai shrugged, sitting down on the floor and leaning back on his hands. “I have no one waiting on me. Nowhere I have to be. You have someone who loves you that you need to find. If I can help you get to your brother, I have something to live for.”
“Lai…” Shi’chen moved over to kneel next to him by the fire, taking Lai’s hand in his own. Lai glanced down at it, then back up at him.
“I still forget how much goblins touch each other,” he said with a small smile.
Shi’chen laughed, giving his hand a squeeze. “If you’re going to come with us to the palace, you better get used to it.”
Lai raised a brow at that. “Am I coming to the palace?”
“Aren’t you?” Shi’chen asked in surprise.
