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I checked the sun again and winced. It was already half-past eight.
I'd lost track of time last night pouring over the mission briefing and doing what little research I could. So I'd barely even had enough time to pack my things.
Ahead loomed a large, red brick guard tower for the Fae district. Four flags waved lazily at the top, representing the four Fae courts.
Working solely within the Empire's borders, I had little experience with Fae. I'd never even been to the Fae district before.
Curiosity bubbled up inside of me, but I pushed it down.
This wasn't a sight-seeing trip. I was there to board a Fae merchant ship and get on with the mission.
Focus, Kaiya.
Nodding to myself, I strode up to the counter and passed the guard my entry forms. "I'm headed to the port for a ship leaving at 0900."
The man's eyes widened as they slid over my face, then body. He motioned for another man to come over, this one taller, with narrow eyes and a large scar crossing from his chin to his ear.
"Sir. Papers say she's cleared to enter," he said, shrugging as he passed over my documents.
The tall soldier scoffed, then ran his finger over the Empire's seal and held it up to the light. "Eh — must be another clerical error. Paper pushers would let a Fae rob 'em blind, then thank the bastard to boot. Send a runner to clarify —"
I gritted my teeth and leaned forward on the counter. "I am an agent in the Science Division, Soldier. And the last time I checked, that means I outrank you. So, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me through without delay. I have a ship to catch."
The man clicked his tongue and continued staring at the papers. "Sorry, miss. Can't have no lady, 'specially a pretty scientist like yourself, gettin' robbed or worse. I think you bein' sent alone was a mistake. Not the first time it's happened. We'll just send a runner to get confirmation you're supposed to be here. If you are, I'll escort you myself."
My jaw grew tighter with each word out of his condescending mouth.
"I don't have time for all that," I growled.
"Sorry, miss. It's my job to keep you safe, even if you don't like it. That's how it is." He turned to the other man and gestured toward a door in the back of the guardhouse. "Gerin, get the runner."
The shorter man nodded, and the other put down my papers and turned back to the newspaper he'd been reading as though I wasn't even there.
Fists tight at my sides, I stared in disbelief.
They weren't going to let me in! And unfortunately, I didn't have all that many alternative options.
If I waited, I risked missing the ship entirely.
Could I walk away, then attempt to sneak in?
No. I discarded the idea immediately. The Fae area had high walls and was tightly locked down to "keep the Empire's citizens safe from Fae dangers."
The tall man noticed I was still standing there and winced. "Sorry, miss, but glaring at me isn't gonna change the Fae." He offered me a condescending but apologetic smile. "The last thing we need is the Investigation Division breathing down our necks. You understand, right? Staying under the radar is better for everyone."
Groaning, I rolled my eyes. The Empire loved pushing the narrative that mages were evil, and Fae were 'other,' but I knew better.
"Look," I said, trying to force a patient smile as my temper lashed wildly inside my chest demanding I pull out my dagger and show him why he shouldn't be worried for me. "You don't have to worry. I know for a fact that charisma doesn't work on me. Plus, I AM APPROVED TO ENTER … and I outrank you." I forced myself to breathe slowly as I leaned further over the counter until the tall soldier and I were almost nose to nose. "My mission is of the highest priority, and if you continue to impede my progress —"
"Don't worry, gentlemen." Long fingers wrapped around my shoulder, tugging me backward as a tall figure stepped in beside me. "I'll escort her."
The roll I'd eaten sank like lead in my stomach.
I shook off the offending hand and turned to see Prince Jaiel, his hair loose around his shoulders — one side braided back over his pointed ear. He carried a pack slung haphazardly over one of his broad shoulders, and grinned at the guards, blue eyes warm.
Did he think that I needed saving?
Ha. I crossed my arms and leaned back. Good luck.
