10. The Dress Shop

The moment I returned, I threw the money onto the table and immediately confessed my transgressions to Isobel and William, both of my meeting with Theo at the clocktower in Midwaden and my conversation with him last night.

“And you let him live both times because?” William asked, the warmth of the rising sun peeking through our window did nothing to soften the harsh scowl on his face.

I bit my lip. “I don’t know.”

He shook his head and left the room in a huff, refusing to say anything more to me.

“He’ll come around,” Isobel said reassuringly. “He doesn’t realize how much Theodore meant to you before.”

“Yeah.” My breathing was unsteady. “But he isn’t wrong. Theo isn’t just a part of the Council. He’s the next Kingmaker. It’s absolutely inexcusable that I didn’t kill him the past two times I’ve seen him. Three really if you count the meeting in Penichros.”

“The world isn’t quite as black and white as people like William and Ulfric try to make it, Cat. You aren’t the hardened killer they are, and it’s alright to have conviction.”

I shook my head. “It’s not. Not for who we are. Not for what we do. Anyway, we need to find a new place to stay. Temporarily, at least.”

“Honestly, with the money Theodore gave—”

“I took it. He didn’t give it to me.” I corrected Isobel as I massaged my cheeks to stop the redness from rising, though I knew that wouldn’t work.

Isobel grinned. “With the money you ‘stole,’ we won’t have a problem both relocating and purchasing nice enough attire for the upcoming ball.”

I shook my head and sighed. “Well, you can take care of that. I’m going to get some rest.”

“Of course. Sleep well, Cat.” Isobel smiled and pecked my cheek. I found myself alone in our small room—in an inn owned by Theodore—with nothing more than my bird to keep me company. I laid there until the sun was midway into the sky. Sleep evaded me the entire morning. I groaned in frustration and flung myself off the bed. If I can’t sleep, I might as well make myself useful. No doubt, William and Isobel were out being productive.

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I dressed myself in my riding clothes and bit the inside of my cheek as I thought of all the eyes that would no doubtedly turn to gawk at the pink-eyed woman in pants. No matter, there’s not much I can do about that right now. I sighed, slid my daggers into a small bag I intended to carry with me, and made my way out of the inn. For such a small town, Rodenwhal was lovely. Even with the chipping paint, the varying shades of blues, yellows, reds, and whites were a sight to behold, and the rolling hills in the distance were a luscious green despite it being the end of winter.

When my eyes landed on a quaint dress shop, I looked around to see what other people may be visiting this establishment before making my way inside. When a silver bell hanging over the door alerted the shopkeeper of my presence, I grimaced. The last thing I wanted was to be noticed, especially in this outfit. Thankfully, with so much gold at our disposal, I wasn't here to steal anything—though I was sure one of these dainty noblewomen would accuse me of it regardless.

An old, frail woman with white hair, round glasses, and a large smile that caused her entire face to crinkle greeted me. She looked my appearance up and down but made no rude comment about my not being fit for her store, which was nice. “Hello, miss. Is there anything I can do to help you?”

I flashed a kind smile and did my best to keep my nose up ever so slightly while my back was perfectly straight just like the other nobles. “I’d just like to browse for now, if that’s alright.”

“Of course,” her warm presence truly seemed out of place based on the hostility of the three women staring at me from their huddle to the side. When she walked away, I let out a short breath and permitted my shoulders to relax. I turned my attention toward some of the less extravagant wear, searching for a dress that would be appropriate for everyday appearances in such a regal country.

“They just let anyone in here, don’t they?” One of the noble ladies behind me said. I rolled my eyes and paid them no mind, pulling out a lovely, pale green dress and holding it up to myself to see if I’d like it.

“Right? I bet she can’t even afford it. Should one of us guard the door? I’d hate for her to steal from poor Mrs. Catherine.”

I scoffed. If only these nobles had any idea who I was. In all honesty, they should be thankful I’m the one in Opoulsios and not someone like Martha who runs the guild in Piscine with her husband Paul. Martha would have slit all their throats and then paid the nice shopkeeper triple the price for any dresses ruined by their blood splatter. I chuckled a bit at the thought.

After I found a nice, light blue dress that would be fancy enough to help me blend in but comfortable enough for me to run or climb a building if needed, I turned to make my way toward the shopkeeper. My eyes flicked to the noble ladies still standing in the corner, and I frowned when I only saw two instead of three. Where did the third go? When my eyes scanned the room, I caught a red-headed lady in a purple dress walking brusquely toward me. Here we go.