Charades

Chapter 5

     I was walking through the town, heading towards the market. My cloak was wrapped around me protectively as I made my way towards the busy market. People would glance at me, questioning why I looked so unkempt, and I lowered my gaze. Wishing I were invisible, I rushed towards the market.

     The market contained rows of baskets filled with fruits, vegetables and meats. Sellers guarded the baskets and people would give them coins in exchange for some food, and a deal would be made. I barely had any money left, but I hoped there would be something for me.

     And at the thought of barely having money, I realized this was my last day at the Inn. My money had run out. After a week, I was done. And glancing around, I wondered what I would do. Without money or a job, I would be homeless, and I wondered what would become of me.

     Sighing, I went over to baskets of fruits and began to pull out some apples. I grabbed a bag and placed them in there, and as I stood there, I overheard a group of ladies speaking.

     "Did you hear the news?" a maiden with blonde hair and bright blue eyes whispered. "The princess of Narakha ran away! Apparently she left her kingdom to be with some horrible man."

     My eyes flew wide. The woman surrounding her giggled, their eyes lit with amusement.

     "I heard her uncle is furious," another lady said. She had brown hair hidden beneath her blue bonnet and brown eyes. "He's preparing a search for her! The one who finds her will probably win a grand prize."

     The women spoke feverishly to each other and they were giggling, thrilled at the chance of winning big. I grew cold at their words. At the thought of my uncle searching for me, hunting me with the rage he tried so hard to hide, I deflated. Everything was falling part and I didn't know what to do.

     Sighing lightly, I grabbed a few potatoes and carrots as well, and placed them in another bag. And going to the man who stood behind a desk, I pulled out the last of my coins. My hands shook as I handed them to the man.

     "Thank you, my lady," the man said. "Have a good day."

     I forced a smile before I whirled around and walked off, ready to to go to the inn and pass out. Ever since I ran away from home, I was bedridden. I would lay in bed and wonder what to do, and whenever I had an ounce energy, I would run around town, asking for a job. But unfortunately, most people weren't hiring. Or, they either preferred a man. And with every day that passed, I grew worried about how I would survive.

     I left the market with my head hung low. Misery rose in me as I wondered what I would do. How would I survive and how would I make Edolas my home? I had nothing and it seemed like I would have nothing for a long time.

     "Careful Ronan!" a man shouted.

     My head shot up to where the voice came from. A man stood beneath a wooden ladder and Ronan was up on a roof. He was hammering away at a dark brown tile, placing it over a hole and I gaped at him. I stopped walking to merely stare at him, unable to believe he was up on a roof.

     Ronan's jaw was clenched as he hammered away at the tile. His eyebrows were furrowed and there was a look of concentration on his face, a look that had him glued to the tile he set in place. And for a moment, all I could do was watch him, mesmerized by the man with broad shoulders and a prominent jawline. His skin was glowing. As the sun beat down on him, he looked stunning. And at the memories of how kind he'd been to me, I watched him. My heart pounded as I prayed. Please be safe.

     "Looks like the tile is in place," Ronan said.

     He turned to look back and my heart jolted when his eyes landed on me. His eyes flew wide at the sight of me and I blushed madly, embarrassed I'd been caught. But unable able to help it, I held his gaze.