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“Hello, Nora. Nice to see you,” he said with a friendly smile.

I rested my fist on my popped hip. “You’re not a regular here.”

He chuckled, reaching for the ale. “No, you’re right about that.” He took a sip, peering out over the rowdy crowd as he did.

I glanced at his company and recognized the man to his left, the one sporting a face of blues and purples. “You were in the town square today.”

He grinned, leaning over to Alejo and gently punching him in the shoulder. “You were right about her. She’s attentive.”

“Right about me? You were talking about me?” My eyes danced between the two men, hoping this wasn’t about to go somewhere unwanted and sour my relationship with the baker.

“Will you join us?” Alejo gestured at the spare chair.

“Oh, I’m on the clock.” My thumb pointed over my shoulder, referencing the unruly crowd I was solely in charge of picking up after.

“It’ll just take a moment,” Alejo insisted.

I could stand here and continue giving explanations as to why I couldn’t, or I could simply walk away. But something struck me as oddly curious between these two keeping company together, and what they could want with me. “Fine. One moment.”

I pulled out the chair and sat. If Helena caught me, I’d be mopping the floors by hand for a week, during busy hours. “Go,” I demanded.

The man from the stage display that afternoon leaned in closer so he wouldn’t need to shout as loud. “You’re aware of the injustices going on in this town?” He cut right to the chase.

“Yes. You’d have to be blind and deaf not to be.” I crossed my arms over my chest, bothered that I had to be reminded.

“What if we told you there was an opening. A chance to change things.” Alejo pinned me with his stare, a new life sparking to life behind his brown eyes.

An obnoxious scoff propelled from my lips. “No one can change things. Not really.”

“They can with the right people who have an in,” the stage performer said.

I attempted to size him up with my scrutinizing glare. “Who even are you?”

A cocky smirk tilted his lips. “The man with the in. But you can call me Gregory.”

I glanced back at Alejo who didn’t seem to question the statement. In fact, he nodded, backing up the sentiment.

Uncrossing my arms, I leaned over the table, clasping my hands together. “Alright, I’ll bite. What’s this ‘in’ you have?”

The small group of us kept quiet, tucked away in the back corner of a busy tavern. It was then I learned how destiny could be forged in the shadows by everyday people who craved a change.

4

Nicholas

An unmarked carriage used for deliveries brought me to the edge of town. The driver called the horses to a stop, and I could hear him unhooking their reins. Once he and a horse walked out of earshot, I dropped from the bottom of the carriage where I’d wedged myself between the frame and base of the cabin.

Keeping to the shadows, I crept between homes and shops down empty alleyways. The cold mud squelched beneath my feet whenever I wasn’t careful with my footing. Tula's outfit molded perfectly to my body, allocating give where I needed in order to keep my presence stealthy. A bulky hood hung over my forehead, and a black fabric mask covered everything beneath my eyes. I kept my hair tied back so no loose tendrils would reveal the coloring.

Completely protected from recognition.

One with the darkness, I could roam in secret far from the castle and the role of playing prince. Here, without the crown adorning my head, I held the same value as anyone I’d pass on the street. A man redefined.

A man with a purpose.

Tucking myself between buildings, I waited for a horse and buggy to pass along the street. When the coast was clear, I crossed.

168 Unison Way.