INDULGENCE - KILLER X READER (Medieval AU)

CHAPTER TEN: Conditions

"Keep your cloak hood up, and hair tucked back. We cannot risk your identity being known as we move through the streets."

I was vibrating with nerves and excitement as Marco pushed my hair into the depths of my patched cloak, which matched his own. Killer, having insisting on coming, wore the same, and had abandoned his armour in favour of leathers, which suited him far more.

Marco had once told me of the pathways beneath the keep, but having just seen them for myself, I was blown away. Deep, dark tunnels, lit only by carried torches, spreading in every direction. Perfect for quick escapes or secret dealings.

I can finally see the city I will one day protect..!

"Stick close by us, no matter what. Have you instructed your handmaiden to keep visitors at bay-yoi?" The Lord asked me, adjusting a large back that was slung over his shoulder.

"Perona gladly agreed to turn away any who may wish to see me. For all they know, I am simply taking a lengthy bath." I smiled, proud of my risky deceit, however minuscule.

Nodding once, Marco turned and opened the stone door before us, revealing a loud, busy street, shadowed and dank. The sudden eruption of noise caused me to shrink back, bumping into the figure behind me.

"I'll be right behind you, Your Grace." Killer spoke to me in a hushed tone, and I felt a quick relief. It was funny, how easily he could calm me with so few words. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out behind Marco and braced myself.

The first thing that hit me was the horrific stench. A brew of shit and decay that assaulted my senses to the point where my eyes began to water.
"M..Marco, why does it smell so foul..?!" I hissed quietly, making sure I stayed almost sandwiched between the two men.

"I told you the reason. Poverty. Did you think the common people were blessed with maesters, baths, or even fresh water-yoi?" He turned to look at me, unphased by the stink. "Poor diet leads to distressed bowels, alcohol to drown their sorrows leads to vomit-streaked gutters, and when someone dies, it could be days before bodies are removed."

This cannot be true..?

Oh, but it could be. I was seeing it for myself. My shoulders bumped others as we made our way through the overcrowded street, and my borrowed boots stuck to thick, gunky puddles of gods knew what.

"Watch it, daft fucker!" A man barged my shoulder with his own as he pushed past, and I fell backwards into Killer, who caught me against his chest.
"You okay, Your Grace?" He whispered through his helm, but I could feel the faint warmth of his breath and it sent a tingle down my spine. One that rivalled the shudder of fear.

"Y..Yes..." I stammered in reply, gulping as I rushed to keep up with Marco, even though he had slowed to ensure we wouldn't be left behind. "I...would feel much safer if you were to perhaps hold my hand, Killer..?"

I felt a fool to ask such a thing. I was a grown woman, after all, but I had never experienced anything beyond the castle walls. I was scared, and he was my homely comfort. Without a word, Killer took hold of my hand and kept my close by his side, guiding the way so I could focus on not succumbing to panic.

"Where are we going?" He piped up once we got closer to Marco again, and the hooded Lord motioned ahead, down a narrow side street.
"Firstly, a safe place-yoi." He turned to me as he patted the bag he had brought along with him. "I have told you that I work around the city, but today I shall show you one of the many things I do without the crown's knowledge."

All I could do was follow. I was definitely curious about what Marco had been up to for so many years, whenever he ventured out into the world, but I still kept my hand tightly gripping Killer's. The leather of his gloves was warm, and I clung to it.