Page 66 of A Lie so Pretty and Poisonous

Our ride into the city was filled with Gabriel’s chatter about his favorite places and anecdotes of growing up here. I laughed at the appropriate times and gave him shy smiles when I caught him looking at me, my noble mask tightly in place for this outing. The citizens of the city didn’t flee in horror as they did with Darragh, but they moved out of Gabriel’s way when he rode by.

He paid to stable our horses in the city center so we could walk around without worrying about any horse thieves. I pulled my cloak around me and over my head as much as possible, showing only a rim of pink peeking out at the bottom and a sliver of pink in the front.

Gabriel pulled me into him. “Cold, darling?”

Darling?

“A little,” I lied.

He grabbed my chilly hands, pressing his lips to the backs of both of them. “I can keep you warm.” His eyes glinted, and he smirked.

I cleared my throat. “Now, now, Your Highness. We must maintain our decorum.”

Gabriel chuckled and hooked my arm into his, walking us through the streets. “You said you wanted to get some things from a bakery. What else would you like to do? You can get whatever you want.”

I shook my head. “I am not sure.”

“I want to look at some weapons a local blacksmith makes. He is the best in Tironaill but only comes to the city once every few months. I tried to get him to work at the castle as the royal blacksmith, but he declined, much to my surprise.”

“Whatever you wish to do, Your Highness.” I internally shuddered at my phony tone.

Gabriel walked us down an uneven cobblestone side street with smaller vendors selling fruit and various wares, flush with seraphs going about their day. Shops lined the pathway, boasting services like a financier, a bookshop, and an orphanage. Shouts from vendors rang through the street, trying to garner attention and make a sale. A daemonite called out from his stand. “Apples! Last of the season! Harvest depleted!”

“A pretty lady deserves a pretty necklace. Your Highness, her neck deserves adornment!” Gabriel paused and smiled at the merchant calling to us.

“You are absolutely right,” he said and led me over to the jeweler.

“Oh, Your Highness. I couldn’t. Please,” I pleaded.

He smiled brighter. “Nonsense! I want to buy you a gift. I insist.”

I had never been much of a jewelry person. I only ever put on jewelry when I was expected to dress for noble parties or meetings my mother arranged with a potential suitor that I knew I would turn down. Jewelry was beautiful, but I never had a use for it.

The vendor's eyes lit up as we approached. If nothing else, I could give this seraph a sale and help her provide for her family.

“Choose,” Gabriel said simply.

An array of gemmed necklaces, bracelets, and rings glittered in the sunlight. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds were inlaid in her craftsmanship. “Everything is lovely. It’s a difficult choice.” I looked up at the merchant. “You are truly talented, ma’am. A credit to your craft.”

Her eyes widened, and she pulled in a breath. “Thank you, my lady! Truly. Thank you.” She smiled widely.

I selected a simple gold necklace with a small teardrop-shaped sapphire. It was dainty and understated, just how I liked it. Gabriel smiled at my selection, and I smiled back at him, playing my part as the appreciative lady.

He turned to the merchant. “I will choose another piece for her as well.”

Her eyes bulged. “Your Highness, it would be an honor. Themis is blessing me today with your patronage!”

This felt similar to what peacocks do to impress their potential mate. Become flashy and show off. Instead of pretty feathers, Gabriel was flashing me his wealth. How dull.

Gabriel quickly selected a large pearl with a pinkish sheen that hung from a velvet black choker. It wasn’t my style at all and, of course…pink. I held my tongue, Gabriel looking quite pleased with himself. A choker around my neck felt symbolic—a statement of chattel.

“Box these up for us, madame,” he ordered the merchant.

“Of course, Your Highness. Let me package them beautifully for you.” Her excitement was palpable.

Gabriel took out his purse, counting out his coins, and I took a few steps back as he paid and waited for the merchant to package the jewelry. Delicate fingers snatched my wrist, and I turned to face an older daemonite woman, hunched over and studying my palm close to her face. She wore a simple black dress, and her long, scraggly silver hair hung loosely down to her waist. I was stunned for a moment, but I didn’t pull my hand away. There was no malice or aggression in her touch. She traced her finger down my palm and looked up at me. Her eyes were a dazzling indigo color.

She spoke with a soft, melodic voice. “Clotha certainly has plans for you. A path of diverging and converging with that of deities long since faded from their divinity. You have collided two worlds together, bringing change.”