Page 33 of Maneater

“Move forward! Next!” a voice rang out from a distance.

The carriage lurched forward as the box driver gave the command.

Not long before, as we approached Falhurst, Leya and I had seen the first carriage pass through the gates.

After, we’d closed the quarter light quickly, hearing only the second one pass, and then returned to our places as the third followed. Ours was the fourth to be inspected.

Gadriel’s had passed without delay, while the second and third were held up slightly. Thankfully, no one had entered any of them, and I felt a slight release of tension. I could only hope our inspection would go just as smoothly.

We came to a stop, and the exchange between our driver and the inspector began.

There was no risk I was willing to take, so I buried myself in Leya’s furs, hidden away in one of her chests. Though I had seen her fear earlier, she had regained her composure quickly, moving with the grace expected of a courtesan.

I trusted Leya to handle the inspectors if something went awry. In the brief time we had spent together, I had come to understand a little more about the woman I had lived beside for a year. We weren’t quite friends, but there was a quiet understanding growing between us.

“Is there a passenger inside the coach?” The inspector’s voice came through, muffled from outside.

“Yes, sir. The prince’s courtesan,” the driver replied.

“Do you have the proper papers? Her documentation?”

“Right here.”

“And what brings you through Falhurst?”

“The king’s orders. Royal business. We’ve been traveling for nearly twelve chimes. Once we reach the carriage station, I’m to switch riders and horses.”

There was a rustling of parchment, followed by a brief exchange about the coach’s condition and the state of its wheels.

“All right, the papers are in order. You’re cleared to pass, and no tolls are required. The carriage station is just ahead. Follow the other coaches, and you’ll find lodging there. The next caravan to Hyrall leaves tomorrow at eighth chime.”

“Good day, sir,” the driver replied.

And just like that, we were through Falhurst.

The coach jolted forward again, and my pulse quickened. Everything was going too smoothly, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. I quickly pulled myself from the chest, staying hidden behind it. Cloaked and hooded, I waited alongside Leya.

We had two potential plans. The first was for me to step out as we approached the carriage station, when the driver would be distracted by the rider change. The second was for Leya to ask for a moment of fresh air just before we set off again, providing a brief window for me to slip away unnoticed.

We were fortunate. The city’s streets were alive with activity.

The market was bustling as we passed, the air thick with the scent of food and the chatter of vendors calling out their goods.

Men, women, and children filled the roads, laughing, bargaining, shouting to one another.

It struck me as strange after a year of silence within Hyrall.

I had almost forgotten the noise of a lively marketplace.

I was reminded of how far removed I had become from the world outside.

The sound of the marketplace faded as we entered the carriage station. Leya peered out through the quarter light, silently evaluating whether we could proceed with the first plan, the one that required no action from her. But as soon as the coach came to a stop, she shook her head.

“We’re near the market, but not close enough for you to get there unnoticed,” she said. “I’ll talk to the driver. Tell him I need to step outside to clear my mind.”

“If you think that’s best,” I replied. “I could still try to run. I could make it.”

“No,” Leya said firmly. “I’ll speak with the driver and let him inform the carriage master.

When the rider leaves, you’ll step out and head toward the market.

We’ve stopped by the corner of a building.

If you leave in that direction, you won’t be visible to the other carriages.

I’ll keep watch. Once you’re lost in the crowd, I’ll follow and walk around the coach like I’ve been pacing.

By the time the new rider arrives, they’ll likely bring the stable master to switch the horses. No one will suspect anything.”

“That’s... a clever plan,” I agreed, nodding. “Thank you.”

Leya shrugged like it didn’t matter. I looked at her again, more seriously this time. She met my eyes, and we both seemed to understand. This was it. We wouldn’t see each other again. Once she returned to Hyrall, I would be gone.

“Wait until the rider’s left,” Leya said, pausing at the door. “I’ll signal you somehow. Just don’t mess this up.”

Then she stepped outside.

“Driver,” I heard her call calmly, “please find Master Wilkin. I need a moment to stretch my legs.”

“I understand, my lady,” the driver said. “Master Wilkin is currently occupied with another carriage master, and your new driver will be arriving shortly. We’re under a tight schedule, so an escort into the city isn’t likely. You’re welcome to step outside, but I’ll need you to stay close.”

Leya didn’t flinch. “I asked to stretch my legs, not leave the grounds. Let your replacement know I’ll be outside. If Wilkin is unavailable, send Sir Regis.”

“Please accept my apologies. It’s been a long journey, and I’m certain a bit of rest will do my mind some good. I’ll inform Sir Regis right away, Lady Leya.”

Their voices trailed off, muffled by distance. Then three soft knocks tapped against the carriage door. Leya’s signal.

I drew my hood lower, tightened the cloak around my shoulders, and eased the door open. With careful steps, I slipped out, keeping my body hidden behind it. Just beyond, Leya stood waiting, her posture calm, eyes fixed ahead.

“Hurry,” Leya urged. “Turn the corner. The market’s not far now.”

I paused only to grasp her hand beneath the carriage door. The gesture was small, but it felt like a farewell.

Then I slipped around the corner, heart pounding, chasing the chance I had waited a year for.