“Varga,” she whispered as she turned to face him. “You came.”
He did not meet her eye. “I came out of honour, out of respect for your family. I did not come for you.”
Samia nodded, looking down at her feet.
“I have a safe place we can go, follow me.” Varga’s voice was abrupt. He turned and walked down an alley, and Samia followed.
The narrow alley was dark and contrasted with the grandeur of the city above them. Samia felt **** but she had nothing to lose.
They walked in silence, keeping low profiles as they progressed. Varga turned into a small door that blended in with the rest of the alleyway. He pulled her inside and shut the door behind them.
“I have a plan,” Varga said. “I came up with it as soon as I left.”
“Excellent.” Samia removed her hood, then sat at the table.
“There’s the summer ball next week, as a captain, I am allowed to attend. I can bring a date.”
“But they’ll recognise me.”
“Don’t worry about that. I have something that will help.” He placed something down on the table. A silver ring. “This will change your appearance whenever you wear it; I could have had a mage do a temporary change for you, but I knew you wouldn’t want to involve anyone else.”
“That’s a good plan. Thank you, Varga.”
“I’m not doing it for you, Selena.”
She sighed.
“Once you’re inside, you’ll need to sneak off towards the safe to get the tiara, I’ll try and keep the guards distracted while you do.”
Samia nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. It was a risky plan, but it was the only chance she had of getting the tiara without arousing suspicion.
As the night progressed, Varga and Samia continued to strategize. They went over every possible scenario, trying to anticipate the guards' movements and plan their escape routes. Eventually, the night grew late and Samia yawned.
“You may take the bed, Samia,” he said. “I shall sleep on the floor.”
“But it’s big enough for both of us.”
“Please do not try to tempt me. You have broken my heart once before; I do not wish to feel it break again.”
Samia admitted defeat and headed off to bed, while Varga settled down on the floor in front of it.
