The Stolen Prince

Chapter 9

Arden

Everything was quite literally darkness.

The rough fabric itched my eyelids from the tightness in which it was wrapped around my eyes.

I didn't know how I felt about the whole blindfold situation.

Yes, I trusted Jade. Something of which made me consider my choices, she could most definitely kill me without breaking a sweat. It didn't matter I got height and weight over her, she was dominant in our relationship. I believed she could beat anyone.

And yet, the loss of not necessarily my eyesight, but my eyes made me pause. My blue irises were what made me special. They told me who I was every time I looked in the mirror. They gave me standards and the attention of anyone whom I sought.

I didn't know who I was without my lineage and the irises that told the world who I was, what I belonged to.

Jade's small hand squeezing my own brought me back to the present. Now that I had lost one of my senses, everything was more enhanced. I could feel each ridge and callous of her hardworking hands, and found myself drifting a finger over every small raised scar that was scattered about her palm.

It was crazy to me that Jade could have lost something as small as either handling her own knife, or a fight. She only seemed like a winner.

I felt her breath caress my cheek as she leaned in towards me. I think I was going mad. "Arden, there's a market up ahead. Lots of noises, lots of people. We're turning right in 15 steps and then entering. OK?" I tried to breathe out my nose. Why was I imagining what she looked like? I was the second in line to the Avriel Throne, with prospects to rule. My duty was to my country, no girl would make me feel different.

Suddenly a sharp shove sent me flying to my left. "I thought we were going right?" I whisper-yelled at Jade. I had no idea where she was so I projected my thoughts all around me. Something I got punished for later.

"Will you shut up you big oaf!" A sharp stab to my left side caused me to let out a low moan as I winced from the action.

"What is it? Are we in danger?" I questioned towards my left. My hands roamed around me, searching for contact with Jade's body. I finally felt the cold leather of her corset and roamed onto the soft linen on her arm. Jade was the epitome of an assassin in the all black I knew she was adorned with, and the night black corset I watched her deftly get into before we left camp.

The skills of this woman amazed me. My sister has always complained about the difficulties of her corset, and she had 7 people help her into it. Jade had done it without asking for help.

We have been on the road for 2 and a half weeks, I was told it would take us about 4 more to reach the capital city of Mordic, Valorfall. And yet, Jade had looked refreshed in all of her appearances while I was confident I looked like a peasant.

I waited what seemed like hours for Jade's response until she finally said, "No, I've got it under control. We're heading right and then another left. It will take us to a separate entrance to the market." I smirked at Jade's obvious knowledge of this mud pit people called a town.

I would fix these conditions if I was king.

"Have you brought a lot of stolen princes about these parts?" I said with a cat's smirk gracing my lips. And soon regretted the remark from another swift stab to my side. On the same damn place.

It was most definitely going to bruise.

She didn't deign me with a comment. The uptight bastard.

Soon enough, however, I smelled and heard the sounds of an ongoing market. I also smelled an obscene amount of body odor. Could these people not bathe? It was putrid here.

Jade dragged me around from stall to stall. I intently listened to her haggling for new prices. She always won the fight. I would love to know if she pulled a dagger on them.

Although, something gave me pause. I knew we were at a weapons stand from the metallic smell in the air. Blood was on this person's hands. A person I soon learned was a woman as I heard her alluring voice drop to a whisper as soon we walked up, Jade guiding me.

"You are not welcome in this town, Eyes." A pause. "It is not safe. If you have any mind for your companion you would leave. The last time you were here it did not end well." I herded a couple more mumbles, but couldn't make out the words, only the voice. Jade's. 

_______________________________________

Author's Note:

Thanks so much for reading!! 

Sorry for the long break in between chapters, I was on a break from writing for my mental health. But I am back where I was before, and will be posting regular chapters now. As always please like and comment! 

Remember these are all drafts to see if I actually wish to publish, so if you see any errors, please comment and I will fix them!!

What do you thing will happen next??