The ground was covered in snow as the carriage moved slowly to avoid breaking down on the road. Lysandra adjusted her hood to protect her head from the harsh weather. Beside her, Albertina couldn't stop staring out of the window in awe.
The street depicts rows of houses and shops built side by side, each with a charming flower bed at the front. Across the street, a mix of houses and shops were built, creating a lively atmosphere. A pathway ran down the middle of the street, separating the two rows of building.
It was evening when they finally rode into the capital of Everia. A busier and more lively city filled with assorted buildings and shops. Carriages rode about and so were the people moving around. The scent of spices and food filled the air, making Lysandra's mouth water.
All the people were wearing different shades of dresses, pants, and tunics which were topped with a very thick fur coat to prevent the cold from sipping into their bones. Their hands were gloved too. It had begun to snow again until the coachman finally got to a spot.
He jumped down from his seat and rushed to open the door. "Welcome to the heart of Everia," he grinned as he stepped to the side of the door. Lysandra stepped out carefully as her boots dipped into the snowy ground.
Albertina exited the carriage and pulled down her hood to feel the coldness of the city. "Lysandra," she breathed. "This place is beautiful," she whispered in awe as she smiled.
"It is beautiful," Lysandra agreed as she started bringing out the sack of jewelry and supplies. Handing one of the sacks to Albertina, she turned to face Lionel. The coachman wore a thick woolen coat and a fur cap on his head. "Thank you, Mr. Lionel Holmes, it was a pleasure riding on your carriage," she said to the man.
Lionel smiled before shutting the carriage door. "Thank you, ladies. It was a pleasure too." He then marched towards his seat in front of the carriage. "Do well to stay out of trouble young ladies. If you are put in a tight spot, don't hesitate to inform the Lord," he replied with a wink before riding away.
Albertina sniffed and rubbed her eyes. The coachman was a good man undoubtedly. "I think we have grown on him" she said to Lysandra, who nodded.
"Yes. Perhaps, we would meet again," she replied as she stared at the back of the carriage which soon disappeared from her sight. Lysandra sighed in relief and nudged Albertina's arm. "Let's seek a place to rest." With that, they started walking towards god knows where. Lysandra was still wearing her hood. She would rather not draw unnecessary attention which might put them in further trouble.
Remembering that her mother had given her a piece of paper which was an access grant letter, Lysandra stopped Albertina.
A frown appeared on Albertina's face at the sudden halt. They were so close to an inn, and she could see a burly looking man with scars on his face at the door. "What is it?" She asked as she looked at her sister.
"I think we should look for the nearest royal guard," she replied and changed direction. Now that her father was looking for them, words might have spread to Everia. "Albertina," she called.
"Yes," the young princess replied tiredly. She was famished as well. What she needed right now was a warm bath filled with rose fragrance, a hot meal and a warm bed.
Lysandra then stood to think about it. "Where do you think people from different places get to meet and spread rumors?" She asked. This was a tricky question. They didn't know anyone around here so it was best to be careful.
"Hmm," Albertina frowned as she thought about it. "Won't that be a marketplace?" She drawled.
"No. Although rumors can start spreading in a market, only one person is needed to spread it. An inn is the answer dear sister," Lysandra answered.
"You think so?" Albertina asked in curiosity. "An inn?" She thought, letting her gaze zero on the scary man at the door. According to stories she had read, an inn was usually a lively place.
Lysandra nodded and began to walk. "Yes. An inn. People from different places meet there. Travelers like us, merchants, adventurers, just name it. It is easier to spread rumors. Especially juicy ones about princesses. That is why we won't be staying at an inn," she said matter of fact. Giving no room for objection.
Finally understanding her sister, Albertina nodded. "Has anyone told you that you are clever?" She grinned. "Then the places where royal guards might be stationed are either the castle walls or street entrances. Where they watch people going and coming."
"Exactly! Now that's a smart one Tina," Lysandra praised her sister, who smiled so brightly as if she had won a medal.
Just as they bent into another street of bustling people, someone pushed past Lysandra and disappeared into the crowd. Feeling the weight inside her coat reduce, her eyes widened. "A pickpocket," she seethed and passed the bag to Albertina. "Stay here," she said and moved from there quickly.
"Huh?" Albertina tilted her head in question as her sister ran into the crowd. Finding an empty spot beside a shop, she reached it and leaned against the wall. "This is so tiring," she mumbled. "Where did Sandra run off to now?" She sighed tiredly.
Meanwhile, Lysandra chased after a running figure feet away from her and the snowy ground made it hard for her to run. Unlike her, the thief was running smoothly as he was used to it.
"Hey!!!" Lysandra's shout got people looking as she chased the young boy who was running through the crowd.
Her breath was coming out short as she tried to catch up with the thief. The pouch contained the coins she gained from selling the horses and also the letter.
"Give it back!" She yelled and moved through the crowd, bumping into people.
"Watch your step!" A lady shouted.
Lysandra bumped into a group of men who were discussing in the middle of the road. "Sorry!" She yelled. She instantly fell backwards, sliding on the thick snow.
Screams filled the air as some people who were walking or standing got caught up in the chase. They fell in sequence, causing a ruckus in the city.
When Lysandra thought she was finally gaining on the thief, he took a left turn. Her eyes turned wide as saucers as an abandoned shop came into view. She quickly shielded her head and slammed into the wooden body of it. "Ouch!" She groaned and fell flat on the ground. Staring into the dull sky.
Everyone was left speechless at the scene before them as they stared at fiery red hair on the ground.
"Red hair?"
"Weird. Who's she?"
"I have never set eyes on such a color of hair."
"Where did she come from?"
"Where is the girl? Look at the chaos she caused!"
"Red hair in Everia? How come?"
"She's young."
Different voices and questions were being blasted on Lysandra who was laying helpless on the ground. She tried to regain her breath and let go of the pouch of coins. A face suddenly came into view, silver hair.
"Bad luck, I suppose?" Arin grinned evilly as he stared at the girl who was laying on the ground.
Lysandra frowned and forced herself to stand up. There would be a bruise on the left side of her rib and she was sure. Facing the man, she replied, "coincidence? I suppose not."
Arin smiled. Revealing his perfect set of white teeth. "You are smarter than your sister. She was so tired," he thought as he recalled the girl's expression when she saw the warm bath.
Her body stiffened upon hearing the man talk about Albertina.
Before Arin could comprehend what was about to happen, the girl grabbed him by the collar. "What did you do to my sister?" She puffed angrily at him. Gasps of onlookers filled the air, but she cared less.
Albertina. She hoped nothing had happened to her. Anger pulsated from her body as her grip on the man tightened. "Where is she?!" Lysandra screamed. Tears gathered in her eyes as she glared at the man who wasn't moved by her questions.
"Who is that girl? She's so feral," someone said loudly from the crowd.
"Like an animal. How could a lady act in such manners?" Another voice asked.
Arin grinned when he heard the people badmouthing the princess. "How could a princess act in such an unrefined manner?" He whispered to her. "Kindly let go of me little girl and I will bring you to your sister," he negotiated but Lysandra refused.
The man wasn't to be trusted. "Don't think I don't know that you were spying on us at Groove town," she seethed. "If you hurt my sister, I'm going to kill you!" She growled fiercely.
A pleasing yet malicious laughter escaped his lips as he stared at the girl. "Perhaps I'll have the guards drag you to her," he thought loudly.
Lysandra was getting impatient and at the same time, she was trying to tell if the man was lying. "Don't tell me she's with the other man," she replied.
"Ahhh," Arin replied with a small laugh. "You mean Kael. No. He would prefer to squeeze you between his fingers. Now let go princess, and please keep in mind your hair is exposed to everyone watching," he grinned. "And don't forget that you don't want people to figure who you are, isn't it?" He chuckled wickedly.
Lysandra's hands on his shirt immediately loosen. She quickly covered her hair with the hood and glared at the man. "Take me to my sister."