Magros Epic

There was a reason that Jess appeared to be looking out the carriage window with an eagle eye, looking as the trees passed by at a speed one after the other. Hearing the carriage stop, Jess knew they had arrived at Magros Epic.

The tavern was dimly lit, with torches on either side of the street, making the area bright and lively enough.

Only a few people sat on long benches on the first floor, drinking and playing games.

Jess looked back to see whether the brown horse and carriage tailing behind them had arrived, but they were nowhere in sight.

Where did they go? She thought

Simon came down from the horse and came to the carriage door to open it for her. He stretched forth his hands for Jess to take so that she could come down with ease without stepping on her gown.

Jess looked at him with a frown etched on her face. She wondered why he was trying to be a gentleman but was following the instructions of a traitor.

She swapped his hands away and held onto the side of the carriage to get down.

Just because I am a woman does not mean that I cannot help myself off a carriage.

Forgive me, My Lady, I never meant to insinuate you were weak. I was only trying to be courteous as is expected of me. Simon said apologetically.

Jess was stunned by his apology, and part of her felt guilty for pouring her frustration out on him, but she found it hard to believe that he was not part of the criminals.

Why are you doing this? Why follow the instruction of a traitor with no heart? She quizzed.

Simon knew that the crown prince was cold and distant, coupled with his years in the military, which had made him tough and hardened.

Many feared him and thought he was not easy to approach, but he was kind and cared for the people he loved.

Lily, my sister, was in an accident that left her paralyzed, and he offered to pay for her treatment. It was the only way I could repay him, Simon stated with a smile.
Oh! Jess said, speechless.

You can ask him all these questions once he gets back.

You came at the wrong time, and I know things are confusing for you, but please give him a chance to clear your doubts, Simon pleaded.

Jess understood that Simon was doing this for the money and his sick sister, but how could he expect her to stay and wait for the man who claimed her as his before criminals without her consent?

She felt pity for Simon but did not want to partake in the criminal activity that they were involved in.

What about my parents and sister? She inquired.

On hearing her question, Simon bowed his head, not knowing how to tell her of the incident that took place just hours ago before her arrival. He had made a mistake and scared her sister to make her run away. Who knows what she must think of him now? He wondered.

The expression she saw on his face made her heart skip, fearing for the worst.

She was looking for a way to run away and head back to the castle to see if her parents were there, but before she could execute her plans, she heard a familiar voice that made her stop in her tracks.

Why are you standing outside the tavern when it is cold? The person queried.

Jess turned her gaze to look at the person who spoke to see that it was Walker Lane, who had swooped down from a horse with a man by her side,

Jess, I thought you changed your mind and decided not to come. Walker Lane said.

Jess furrowed her eyebrow at the mention of the deal that she had missed because of Mia, but at the same time, she was wondering what she was doing at this hour in Migros Epic instead of being at the castle.

A sense of relief washed over her, seeing another woman with whom she was familiar. Her presence calmed her, and she relaxed.

I did not change my mind about the offer.

There was an unexpected matter that needed my attention, she explained.

I hope the crown prince can forgive me and give me another chance. Jess said aloud, hoping Simon would catch the drift and have the decency to leave her alone.

Mentioning the crown prince was a strategy that Jess thought of, as nobody would dare hurt anyone associated with the Royal family in any way, as it would be considered treason.

This is not the place to discuss such issues, stated Walker Lane.

She beckoned Jess to follow her inside so that they could discuss further. The wind continued to blow, sending chills to those outside as it was the time of winter.

Jess was hesitant, not understanding what was going on.

I know you must be confused and have questions you would like to ask; I am here to clear up your doubts and answer your questions.

Jess looked intently at Walker Lane. She saw no deceit in her expression and decided to hear what she had to say.

Even if she wanted to escape now, it was impossible as she saw four shadows with arrows and swords parading the area. She picked up her pace to catch up with Walker Lane and the man she was with.

The savory smell of tantalizing aroma that instantly awakened her appetite welcomed Jess as she stepped into the tavern.

The aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, mingled with the fragrance of herbs, spices, and sizzling dishes, adding sweetness to the atmosphere.

Her stomach growled when she sensed the aroma that waffled through the air. She had hoped to taste the delicious delicacy.

She would love to try some of their cuisine with her family one day, but it was out of her range. She loved tasting different delicacies, but money was the only thing limiting her from exploring this part of her passion.

Please have a seat, Walker Lane said.

We have to head back to the castle in a while, as your family must be worried by now, seeing that you have not yet arrived at the ball after two hours.

Jess, whose eyes were on the man sitting by Walker Lane, turned her gaze to Walker Lane on hearing her words.

She was glad they would join the rest of the guests at the castle.