A Kingdom of Hidden Betrayals || Dreamnotfound

9

Clay's POV

Clay was walking through the streets in Emberfall the next morning with Punz and Patches.

Clay decided to take a visit into the city for the first time in a while. Punz had offered to come with him and Clay agreed. It was nice to spend time with friends outside of their duties. Sure, Punz was technically Clay's guard when he was in public, but Clay didn't mind.

Patches followed behind them, meowing softly every once in a while. She was the source of attraction for many young children in town.

Clay and Punz automatically drew a small crowd because of who Clay was, but the people were polite enough to give them space.

Clay and Punz had stopped on an errand and were currently examining several possible horses for the army at a small stable owned by a local breeder. They studied the horses' stature and reaction time to make sure they were sound. After about an hour of discussion, Clay and Punz agreed on buying the horses.

"We'll send a group of soldiers here later to test them under saddle. Is that alright?" Clay asked the breeder.

The man nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! It's an honor to provide horses for Emberfall's army!"

Clay left Punz to talk out the details with the breeder and headed to the market. Patches followed him as he walked to a familiar shop.

A small bell rang as he opened the door to the flower shop he had gone to with George all those months ago.

A woman―the same one as last time―came through the back door and smiled in greeting.

Her smile faltered and she scrunched her nose in distaste. "How can I help you today?"

Clay noted her stiff tone, but he replied nicely, "Could I get a bouquet of cornflowers please?"

"Of course."

The woman went to the back quickly. Clay looked around the shop as he waited. The place was a little dimmer since the last time he was here. There was still many varieties of flowers and a few pots sat on several shelves.

The woman came back out, a frown on her face. She handed the bouquet to Clay quickly.

"Thanks," Clay said and went to hand her a generous tip of silver.

She backed up and glared at Clay, "I don't want your money."

Clay's mouth dropped, taken aback at her venomous tone, "I'm sorry?"

"I don't want any money from people like you."

Clay frowned as she realized what she was referring to; his and George's relationship.

"I'll just leave then," Clay said stiffly. "Thanks for the flowers."

He turned around and opened the door.

"Good riddance," the woman hissed at his back.

Clay's step faltered, but he plastered a smile on his face and left the shop. Guess who just lost a customer.

Punz saw Clay and jogged up to him. "There you are!" He eyed the flowers and grinned. "For George I'm assuming?"

Clay smiled softly. "Yeah, these are his favorites."

"Are you okay?" Punz asked, seeing something in Clay's eyes.

"Yeah!" Clay said a little too brightly.

Punz's eyebrows furrowed. "Did something happen?"

"Punz, I can handle myself."

Punz nodded slowly. "...Alright. Whatever you say."