Rubbing her temples, Allyssa tried to force herself to focus on the present instead of the memories of the past. When she looked over at her friend sitting across the table from her at the tavern, she gave him a reassuring smile. Grevik had worked hard for this position—he’d gone to school, took his exams, and passed all the physical trials. Not many were lucky enough to have their first choice of professions, especially when it came to the coveted jobs of the City Guard.
“You must be excited,” she said, trying to sound happy for him.
“I’d be happier if you’d gotten in with me.” He scooted his chair closer to hers.
Ignoring the fact that he was now invading her personal space, she said, “I’m proud of you. Congratulations. You certainly deserve it. Your mother must be proud.” She tipped her cup back and finished off her drink.
“She is.” He leaned on the table closer to her. “What profession did you choose?” he asked.
Allyssa had told him she didn’t go to school—even though it was free for all children, regardless of class—because her parents needed her to help work at their shop. He’d asked on more than one occasion where their store was located, but she’d always been vague and quickly changed the subject. “I chose my family’s business,” she said. She hated lying to her friend but didn’t know how he’d react if he found out she was the crown princess, and the family business she was running was the entire kingdom of Emperion.
“Why are you sitting so close?” she asked.
“If you were in trouble, you’d tell me, right?”
“Of course,” she replied, totally offended he was even questioning her in the first place. “We’re best friends. If something was wrong, you’d be the first to know.”
Grevik nodded. “I just have the feeling that, sometimes, you keep things from me.”
She playfully nudged him. “Are we going out tonight or are we going to just sit here gabbing like sissies?” She needed the freedom of running through the city. There had to be a thief out there who deserved to be in jail. It was her duty as Grevik’s best friend and the heir to the kingdom to make a positive difference. And this was her way of doing it.
How much longer would Allyssa be able to do this? In a few weeks, her friend would be an official City Guard. Where would that leave her? She couldn’t track down thieves on her own. And one day, when she married, she’d never be able to slip out of the castle. She shivered, hating the idea of growing older, having responsibilities, and not being able to do whatever the bloody hell she wanted.
“You sure you’re okay, Lilly?” Grevik asked, his eyebrows pulling together with concern.
“I’m fine,” she assured him, curling her hand into a fist. While she appreciated him caring, she wished he would leave it be.
He chuckled. “Are you mad because your parents wouldn’t let you apply for a position in the City Guard?”
“Sod off,” she snidely said.
He laughed and then finished his drink, slamming the mug down on the table. “Rumor is that a supply wagon carrying expensive fabric arrived early this morning. Two men, both in their thirties, robbed it, stealing almost everything inside.”
Excitement coursed through Allyssa. This was the part she loved. The thrill of the hunt. “Let’s go,” she said.
Most likely, the thieves were in one of the seedier taverns, trying to lay low. The two friends headed to The Lion’s Den in search of their newest targets.
“Ready?” Grevik asked as he shouldered the wooden door open.
Reaching down, she made sure all her weapons were in place. “Yes,” she answered.
“Remember the plan.” He gave her a pointed look.
“What?” she innocently asked. “What happened the last time we were here wasn’t my fault.”
“Regardless,” he said as he headed to the bar, “I’d prefer not to fight everyone in this tavern tonight. Stick together, find the thieves, follow them, and when the chance arises, we take them down together.”
“Which won’t be a problem as long as no one touches me.”
Grevik looked at her with raised eyebrows. As a princess, no one ever touched her—especially strangers. How was she supposed to know the man was simply patting her shoulder as he squeezed behind her? If she’d known, she never would have attacked him—and most of the patrons who came to his aid. She and Grevik were lucky to have gotten out of that scrape alive.
Grevik ordered them two mugs of ale since they couldn’t be at a tavern and not have a cup in hand. Allyssa turned and leaned against the counter, surveying the room. There were several games of cards going at different tables. If the men had already sold the stolen goods, they’d have money to burn.