Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 23: Beneath the Disguise

The ship's gentle creaking as it docked was a soothing contrast to the chaos of the past few days. I gazed out over the bustling port, the salty sea breeze tugging at my hair, trying to reconcile the serenity of the scene with the tension that still gripped my heart. Our mission was clear.

To find Meredith and Nikolai before they slipped away from us.

The urgency of it had been pressing heavily on me, a constant weight that seemed to follow me from St. Ives to this new port town.

As Lord Darius and I disembarked, we were greeted by a British soldier, his uniform immaculate and his demeanor respectful. He saluted with practiced precision before extending a courteous hand to both of us.

"Lord Darius, Lady Scarlett," he began, his voice steady and professional. "I am Sergeant Bennett. I've been instructed to escort you to our briefing room where we will discuss our strategy to capture the fugitives."

I followed Darius, the cool night air mixing with the faint sounds of revelry from the nearby pubs. My thoughts raced. The sight of a full contingent of soldiers prepared for action made my heart ache. I couldn't help but think of Meredith and hope she wouldn't be hurt.

Once we reached the briefing room, I was struck by the sight of a large, well-organized force. Tables were scattered with maps and intelligence reports, and the soldiers moved with a practiced efficiency. My heart clenched as I took in the sight.

"Lord Darius," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the anxiety swirling inside me. "Please, don't harm Meredith. I know she's made mistakes, but she's my sister. I can't bear the thought of her being hurt."

Lord Darius's expression softened, but his eyes remained serious. "Scarlett, I understand your concern. But I can't make promises. If Meredith poses a threat to my men or our mission, I have to act accordingly."

His words were a harsh reminder of the peril we faced. I felt a knot of worry settle deep in my chest, knowing that despite my plea, the situation was out of my hands.

With the plans laid out and our next steps clear, we prepared to move to the pub where Meredith and Nikolai were rumored to be. Mr. Ralph, ever the attentive guardian, made sure I was taken care of despite my protests.

"Lady Scarlett, you should stay behind. You're injured," Mr. Ralph insisted, his concern evident in his tone.

"I'm fine," I argued, though my leg throbbed with every step. "I need to be there. I can't just wait."

Mr. Ralph's eyes were filled with a mix of exasperation and respect. "Very well, but if you need anything, don't hesitate to let me know."

As we approached the pub, I could already hear the wild energy from within. The building was a classic British establishment, its wooden facade and flickering lamps casting a warm glow in the dim evening light. The sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and raucous singing spilled out into the street. The interior was packed with patrons—men in their working clothes, women in lively dresses, and the occasional soldier taking a break from duty. This was my first ever time visiting a pub and as much I hated to admit, I wanted to witness the place.

Inside, the pub was alive with the pulse of the night. The air was thick with the scent of ale and the warmth of the crowd. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering discomfort from my injury. Darius and I had to blend in, so I adjusted the headpiece that hid my hair, effectively disguising my appearance.

We found a secluded corner where we could keep a low profile. I watched as Darius scanned the room, his gaze intent. He was in his element, commanding yet subtle.