CHAPTER TWO: STRANGER IN THE DARK

Ravenna pressed herself between two pillars, her heart racing. The rain pattered softly against the stone, a gentle melody that seemed to build her tension.

She peeked out, her eyes scanning the courtyard. Two armored soldiers marched by, swords at their waists. Ravenna's head snapped back, her breath catching.

"Oh grapes!" she cursed silently, sucking in air.

She waited, listening to the soldiers' fading footsteps. The rain's steady beat filled the silence.

Finally, sure they were out of sight, Ravenna slipped out from between the pillars. She pulled up the hood of her flowing black cloak, the fabric swirling around her.

With quick steps, she hastened toward the back gate. The guards' voices carried from the front entrance, but Ravenna knew this gate would be less guarded.

Reaching the gate, she pushed it open, wincing at the faint creak. She slipped through, merging with the rainy darkness.

The scent of wet earth enveloped her as she breathed in deeply. The feel of freedom, even for a little bit, coursed through her veins.

Ravenna vanished into the shadows, her steps fast, and eyes constantly looking around to see if someone was following her.

As Ravenna approached her destination, the tavern, she could hear the flute music and the laughter of drunk men. She kept her cloak disguise, wary of recognition.

As she walked, a purring sound caught her attention. Ravenna stopped, slipping out her dagger. "Who's there? Show yourself. Don't be a coward!"

The bush rustled again. Ravenna moved closer, patting the bush. A black cat emerged, its greenish eyes scanning her. The cat mewed.

Ravenna's heart melted. "Aw, just you. What are you doing out here?" She bent down, but the cat hissed, flashing claws.

Ravenna laughed. "You're feisty, aren't you?" She returned her dagger to its place. "It's alright, come on."

The cat approached, rubbing against her. Ravenna stroked its shiny black fur, noticing a collar. Ravenna looked around for a possible owner, but no one was in sight.

"Your master isn't around, huh?" Ravenna thought, wanting to keep the cat.

"Where do you think you're going with my cat?" a baritone voice asked from behind. The voice made her jump.

Ravenna turned, her eyes meeting the most blue eyes she had ever seen. They looked like they could see through her, see her soul. Her heart skipped a beat. The stranger's face was chiseled, like Eragus, the Valtoria god of attraction. Her eyes left his face and went to his body. She could tell just how broad his chest was through his wet clothes.

And his arms.... They could hold anything... They could hold her...

"Miss, where are you taking my cat?" he asked, towering over her, snapping her back to reality.

Ravenna's face tightened. "How do I know she's yours? You're not some petty thief?"

She held the cat with one hand, dagger pointed at him with the other.

The stranger chuckled. "That's a beautiful blade, like its wielder. Beautiful maidens shouldn't play with weapons."

Ravenna's heart froze, face heating up. Someone aside Percival had called her beautiful. She shook it off. "Don't come closer."

The man laughed, whistling a tune. "Reina, come here."

The cat jumped off Ravenna, trotting to the stranger.

The stranger smiled, scooping up the cat. "She's quite loyal, isn't she?"

Ravenna sheathed her dagger, eyes locked on his. "You're her owner, I presume?"

He nodded. " And you are?"

Ravenna hesitated, not wanting to reveal her identity.

"Nobody... I am nobody."

The stranger's gaze lingered on hers, the night was cold and wet, but she could suddenly feel hot. Ravenna's heart raced, her senses overwhelmed by this captivating stranger.

"I should go now." She said turning to walk away.

"Thank you for saving my cat." The stranger called after her.

Ravenna didn't stop walking. She could still feel him watching her walk away and it made her body heat up in a way she didn't understand.

"Come on, Reina, let's go." She heard him say.

She glanced back and saw him walking away.

Ravenna entered the tavern, the door creaking shut behind her. The air reeked of ale and unwashed bodies. Men stumbled, laughing and grabbing at the tavern maidens.

Her gaze scanned the room, searching for one face. Ser-Arik sat at the far end, nose buried in a book.

"Ser-Arik!" Ravenna approached him.

He quickly shut his book, eyes darting around before grasping her arm and pulling her down.

"What are you doing here, my lady? What if someone sees you?" Concern written on his face.

Ravenna reassured, "No one saw me leave the castle."

Ser-Arik's brow furrowed. "You must be careful. No one must see the future queen of Cestria consorting with a ragged alchemist."

Ravenna's eyes widened. "You know about the marriage?"

"Yes, my lady. Percival told me earlier today."

Ravenna's lips curled in distaste. "That Percival!"

Ser-Arik leaned in. "Why are you here, my lady?"

Ravenna's voice dropped. "I need new goods. I'll take them to Cestria."

Ser-Arik glanced around, producing a leather bag from beneath his cloak.

Ravenna peeked inside, eyes widening at the colorful liquids. "How much for all?"

Ser-Arik shook his head. "No price, my lady. They're my wedding gifts to you."

Ravenna's smile held a hint of sadness.

Ser-Arik, her secret alchemy master for five years, understood her unspoken gratitude.

"Thank you, Ser-Arik. I won't forget this."

"You should leave now, before someone sees you."

Ravenna rose, bowing her head slightly.

As she tucked the bag under her cloak, Ser-Arik whispered, "May the gods protect you, my lady."

Ravenna nodded, disappearing into the crowd.

The tavern's noise swallowed her departure, leaving Ser-Arik facing his book again.

Ravenna sneaked back into the palace, heart racing. She heard footsteps approaching.

She hid behind a wall, holding her breath. Her mother, Queen Elyria passed by, lamp in hand.

Ravenna knew her mother was checking on her, a ritual since her midnight ride.

Panic set in. "Oh, what do I do?" Ravenna muttered, eyes scanning the hall.

Her chambers were at the far end, inaccessible without detection.

The window was her only chance. Ravenna tied the bag firmly around her waist, ditching the cloak.

She prayed silently not to be caught by guards as she edged along the wall.

Reaching her window, Ravenna pushed herself up, her dagger slipping off.

"Grapes!" she cursed silently.

With a grunt, she fell inside her chamber, landing softly.

"Made it," she breathed, slipping into bed.

Ravenna hid the bag under her bed, laying on it, pulling sheets to her face.

The door creaked open, and Queen Elyria flashed the torch around.

"Ravenna, asleep, thank the gods," her mother whispered, sighing.

The door closed, and Ravenna sat up, a mischievous smile spreading.

She quickly changed into sleeping garments, heart still racing.

Just as she settled in, a faint mewling sound came from outside.

Ravenna's thoughts drifted to Reina, the stranger's cat. She could see the stranger's eyes boring deep into her soul.

His words echoed in her mind; "Beautiful maidens shouldn't play with weapons."

Ravenna found herself smiling at the words and quickly shook it off.

She would play with as many weapons as she wanted.

__________________

Queen Elyria paced Ravenna's chamber, her silk gown rustling.

"Isla, how long has she been gone?" Elyria demanded.

Isla bowed. "Two hours, Your Majesty."

Elyria's frustration boiled over. "By the gods, Ravenna will not be the death of me! The King of Cestria arrives, and she vanishes?"

The doors burst open, and Ravenna entered, dressed in riding attire, hair, a complete mess from the wind.

Queen Elyria's eyes narrowed. "Where in the gods' name have you been, Ravenna? The King of Cestria awaits!"

Ravenna's tone was blunt. "I went riding, Mother. Or is that forbidden now?"

Elyria's expression darkened, but urgency took over. "Quick, Isla, prepare the bath. Someone needs scrubbing. You reek of horse!"

Ravenna rolled her eyes, undressing.

Elyria ensured Ravenna's scrubbing left her skin red.

She selected a yellow gown, which Ravenna hated but didn't protest.

"Tighter, Isla, tighter," Elyria ordered, Ravenna's corset constricting her breath.

"Mother, I can't breathe," Ravenna managed.

Elyria's voice stern, "Tighter!"

Ravenna stood, face pale, in the off-the-shoulder gown revealing cleavage. Ravenna felt naked. Yellow was not her color, she would have fared better if it was black or red.

"Isla, tame that mane," Elyria commanded, gesturing to Ravenna's hair.

Isla nodded and went straight to work.

_______________

The throne room doors swung open, announcing Ravenna and Queen Elyria.

"Presenting the Queen of Valtoria and Princess Ravenna!" the announcer declared.

Ravenna's expression was blank until her mother whispered, "Smile, child, smile."

She forced a smile.

"The King of Cestria, His Highest Majesty, King Zariel Blackthorne." The announcer said again.

The air froze as Ravenna faced the king.

It was the stranger from last night.

His piercing blue eyes.

His broad arms.

"A pleasure to meet you, my lady," King Zariel said in his deep voice. The voice that had sent shivers down her spine. He reached for her hand and kissed it.

"You are so beautiful." He said again.

Ravenna suddenly forgot to breathe, panic setting in. The gown wasn't helping matters.

Their eyes locked, the air thick with tension.