The Saintess and the Villainess

Chapter 17

Much to her surprise, Anne actually ran into Eva in the square outside the palace. It looked like she was heading back towards the cathedral.

Anne ran a little to catch up to her and grab her shoulder. "Eva!"

Eva turned, looking surprised. "Saintess! What are you doing here?"

"Oh, well," Anne rubbed the back of her head a bit sheepishly. "After tea with Lady Corvina, the Crown Prince suddenly called me to have tea with him, too."

"The Crown Prince?!"

"Yeah, he's right over there," said Anne, pointing.

Prince Sebastian was standing a few feet away, flanked by a couple of royal guards. When Eva and Anne looked back at him, he waved with a smile.

"And where is Agis?" asked Eva.

"Right here," said Agis, suddenly appearing behind Eva. "I thought it was better to lay low with the human prince around." He glared at Sebastian.

"Hey!" said Prince Sebastian. "I don't know why you're saying the words 'human prince' with that tone, but I don't appreciate it!"

"Well I don't appreciate your people oppressing my people!" said Agis.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" said the Prince. "What people?"

Agis was still wearing his hood that covered his elf ears.

"Who are you anyway?" asked Prince Sebastian.

"I'm Anne's brother!" said Agis. "And she doesn't need any hateful human princes hanging around her, so you can just go back to your dumb palace right now."

"Why, I never!" said Prince Sebastian. "I'm not hateful! I just want to be her friend!"

It was like a chihuahua fighting with a pomeranian.

"Shut up, both of you!" said Anne. "Or neither of you will get to come with me!"

Eva cocked her head inquisitively. "Come with you—?"

"We're actually on our way to the Artisan Quarter to meet an alchemist named, uh, Edrea Baines," said Anne, patting down her pockets. "I have her address written down somewhere..."

"The Artisan Quarter..."

"I'll explain later, but you can come along if you want."

Eva looked around at the strange bunch before coming to the obvious decision.

"Of course I'll come with you," said Eva. "Someone is going to need to do damage control."

Edrea Baines was one of the most skilled alchemists in the capital, although her shop was still small. It was tucked away in a small alleyway in the twisting and turning avenues of the Artisan Quarter, which was hard to navigate through at the best of times.

By the time Anne and her group had managed to find the shop, Edrea was already locking up for the night. Anne was exhausted from the walk over, partially because Agis and Sebastian had spend the whole walk bickering and trying to get Anne's attention while she mostly tried to ignore them. At least they had managed to catch Edrea before she left.

Edrea Baines was a short and stocky woman, with ordinary dusty blonde hair and plain clothing. Her face showed her age and her expression showed her hostility as she barely glanced at Anne's group. "Shop's closed," she said, matter-of-factly, turning away again.

Eva pulled off a perfect curtsy. "Madame, we do not wish to disturb, but I think you will find this is something of a special visit. I am pleased to present to you Anne Coris, chosen of the Goddess, the Saintess."