The Thief and Prince

Chapter 5: Save Some Coin

I spend the rest of the night watching the dying fire, contemplating if this job was really worth it. Who knows how long I'd be out here, forced to endure Crispin's abuse. Of course he has never physically struck me, but at times his tongue can be sharper than any sword and now I can believe it first-hand.

When the moon begins it's decent, signaling I have only a few hours to sleep, I push myself up and slip inside my tent. Sliding off my boots I crawl into my makeshift bed, trying my best to get comfortable on the hard ground. I drift in and out of a dreamless consciousness, and when I hear Amiri's voice I know it is time to rise.

Not bothering to have undressed last night, I slip my boots on once again and wiggle my toes, feeling the cushioned sole that has now molded to my feet. Adjusting my hair, I push the canvas flaps open and step outside. Amiri shoots me a grin that contrasts with his copper skin and holds up a small cast iron pan, "Cora, any eggs this morning?" he asks me.

Shaking my head, I take my usual spot next to Laria who is already biting into her last strip of venison. She nods her head in acknowledgement at me which I return. Just then, Crispin emerges from his tent as well and surprisingly greets all of us by name. I'm tempted to respond, but think against it and turn to Amiri as Crispin sits a few feet away, warming his hands by the fire.

"Do you ever feel guilty about robbing nests?" I ask, tilting my head to the side. "With the mother returning only to find out that her eggs have been stolen?"

Amiri chuckles and cracks an egg open, draining the sticky golden contents into his mouth before chucking the shell over his shoulder. "Well you're the thief out of this lot so you tell me," he says with a sly grin. He means well by it but I can't help but to roll my eyes and dig into my satchel, only to remember that I gave my last strip of jerk to him yesterday.

"Drats," I mutter, closing the flap in disappointment.

"I'm guessing you are out as well?" Laria asks, looking over to me.

Nodding, I sigh but shrug a shoulder. I've gone longer without eating, a day wouldn't hurt.

From the corner of my eye, I see a figure I've been trying to ignore stand up and walk towards me. Looking over, I notice that Crispin is holding out his hand and in it is a small apple and leftover meat from last night that he saved. As best to my knowledge, this is the last of his food as well. It's not that big of a deal of course, considering that we can always get more food tonight, but it's the notion in itself. The prince—high and mighty as he pretends to be—is offering me—a girl he can hardly stand—his breakfast.

He looks down at his hand and drags his evergreen gaze back up to mine, motioning for me to take it. My stomach grumbles and I debate whether or not I should accept his offer. Was he trying to be nice? Was this a way of him apologizing to me about last night? Did he actually care if I went hungry for a day or was this some way to show he holds a form of power over me? Regardless, I refuse to accept his offering.

Wrinkling my nose, I turn away and stand up, heading towards my tent to break it down. As I do, my stomach protests my decision and I know it'll be a long day.

We ride with the rising sun in our faces for the majority of the morning until we make a slight turn and head north. The day starts off normal, with the usual banter back and forth between Laria and Amiri while he and Crispin joke around muttering innuendos to each other. They even begin to sing a few bawdy tavern songs that makes my face turn a deep red though I have to admit, they both can carry a tune.

While Amiri begins to teach Crispin a new song—referring to Laria as his beautiful drunken maid—I am exhausted from lack of sleep and begin to doze off. My head dips up and down slowly and the sway of my stallion is comforting. Having confidence that my Paevian steed will continue to follow suit of the others, I allow myself to take a nap.