#@ rich men who lived all their life in luxury: i am BEGGING you to research

[corokoro]

so im reading the sf6 prequel comic

[thewritingstar]

Enchanted For A Moment: Reds

Pairing: Blossom x Brick (Reds) 

Fandom: PPG 

Rating: Teen and up..slight cussing

Royal Au

Im literally dying for this au and i dedicate this to all the lovely people in our discord and im in love with our fandom. 

I know I know ive been on a ppg high lately but im riding this one out for a long time. Also I did little to no research, idk the time period but its old so have at it. I hope that you enjoy!

Chapter One: Golden Doors and Spider Silk 

She hated this castle, this stupid kingdom and all above, her. Princess Morbucks. The girl was so spoiled that her father, the king, named his daughter Princess as if she wasn’t going to be addressed like that otherwise. She didn’t know why she kept coming back to teach her these lessons. French, English, History, she didn’t bother to learn or practice in the slightest.

“Princess, not many women know how to read and write. Imagine how extraordinary that would be to be such a diverse leader.” She had told her, but at last, she never listened.

The only thing that could interest her was gowns and gems and of course the many suitors who came begging for her hand in marriage. Pathetic. She never believed that a love like that could be real. Affection starved from greed and looks was not something she wanted, nor should anyone. Maybe that's why this life of luxury disgusted her. Yes living in a giant palace with the fluffiest pillows and the freshest fruit sounded lovely, beats her small bedroom that she shares with her sisters, but was it worth it? Okay maybe she would become a royal for the library, maybe.

Her thoughts came back to her as Princess slammed the book shut. If she bends that book I swear. “I am done for today.” She huffed.

“We started ten minutes ago.” Blossom sighed and smoothed the headache that was starting to form. “Let's do history, today is about the different types of clothes and fabrics. Maybe you’ll enjoy this.”

“Why would I?”

“Because if you see something you like, you can have it custom made, plus i'll tell you where the most expensive silk is.” Got her.

Princess stared at her. Even though she was older than her by a year, she seemed to resemble more of her students she taught at the schoolhouse. Aka she was a brat.

“Fine but make it quick, the newest batch of suitors is coming today and I want to see my options.”

Blossom rolled her eyes. Princess was turning 20. She should have been married off at 18 but after complaining about wanting to have a little more freedom, dear old king daddy gave in. She always got what she wanted, those poor men.

“Okay well. Let's make a deal. I’ll leave you these two book, don’t make that face they are mostly pictures, and I’ll leave you for today. However when I come back tomorrow, you better be able to tell me five different fabrics and where they are from and we won’t have class for the rest of the week that way you can focus on the ball that's been held on Friday?”

The smile that grew on Princess' face was wicked. “Deal!” She stood and took the books. “I’m just happy I won’t have to see that hideous outfit for the rest of the week.” She pointed at Blossom's gown.

It was a light brown skirt with  leather belt and a white blouse, Blossom thought it was rather lovely considering her little sister Bubbles had made it.

“Alright then.” She rolled her eyes, gosh she hated her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Princess was already out of the door before she could blink, but she didn’t care. She turned and placed the rest of the scrolls and books on the proper shelves of the private library. The king, who had never spared a single expense in his life, made sure that practically every title written was stuffed inside the room. And he gave Blossom personal access to any of the books since she was one of the few who could read and bothered to do so as well.

She skimmed the shelf, her fingers tracing over the many velvet blinds. So many stories to be read. She grabbed three different ones before slipping them into her satchel. She blew out the candles and pushed in the chairs before leaving the grand room.

The king had offered her a key to her own private quarters but she would rather stay with her father and sisters than let Princess yell at her at any hour she decided. Yes, much rather.

-- Princess could hardly contain herself as she stood next to her father in the courtyard. Before them,a dozen or so carriages were pulling up, each one containing a handsome suitor. Some are princes, others are men from rich families. Either way, they were all lining up to see the Princess and hopefully marry her.

“I don't know why we are here.” Boomer complained.

“Why the fuck do you care?” Butch asked. “You’re the youngest, you are off the hook.” He laughed.

Boomer laughed. The carriage stopped as it was in line to enter the gate. Boomer grabbed the handle and opened it up, ignoring the protests from his brothers. “Sorry boys but I’m going to ditch the collar and go see the local girls.” He winked and strolled off.

Butch propped his feet up on the empty space. “So big bro.” he slapped the back of his brother. “You think you’re gonna be the hot piece of ass to win the princesses heart?” He laughed. Brick rolled his eyes as the carriage rolled forward.

“She is rich.” he mumbled. “I mean I'm probably the best candidate.” Arrogant.

The carriage stopped once more and Brick looked to his brother who was impatiently tapping his leg. “You can go too. It's probably best that you don’t embarrass us and the entire kingdom.”

“Thanks bro.” Butch wiped a fake tear from his eyes. “My lady said she was docking at these ports so im gonna go try and get some by sundown-”

“Goodbye Butch.” And he was shoved out of the carriage.

Brick could finally take in the piece and quiet. They had only been traveling for three days and it was a miracle he hadn’t killed his brothers yet. Sometimes he hated this lifestyle. He was no prince but he and his brothers were adopted by an extremely rich guy who wanted to make a name for himself and create three prodigies. In the end he created a walking disaster who breaks everything and wolf whistles at anything with long legs and the other one is like a puppy constantly running around and yapping constantly. For Brick he is just an arrogant asshole who actually does what she's told, if there's something in it for him.

Which is why he was on his way to try and get married. He didn’t want to be because frankly, no woman ever met his standards. They could be beautiful and nice and chatty but there was something missing a certain depth. But with a princess at stake, he was hoping for a lady who was well off and smart.

--- He was wrong. She was nothing like he thought. Sure she was pretty but she was mean to her staff, which he understood cause he could be a pain in the ass. But her voice, that high pitched squeaking, he was sick of her already. The moment he stepped out of the claustrophobic nightmare of a ride, she was in his face already fanning over him.

Those bright yellow dresses clashed with her hair and the light beaming off of her crown almost took out his eyes. She had said about forty different things to him but he was done. He wanted to grab his brothers, turn around and escape this hell hole.

After a short conversation and her rushing to the next dopey guy, he was shown to his quarters, of course Princess, who names their child Princess? Was their tour guide.

“And this is the library. It's plain and boring but if you ever need a quiet space or to watch me brush up on my French, you are more than welcome to go there.” Her arm was looped between two men and Brick was happy he was at the back of the pack, what was there, twelve, ten boys? He was really doubting his chances but at this point, he didn’t care.

They began to pass those doors and as the last one there, they opened. The group ahead had turned the corner but he was taken down by that massive door. He fell with a thud and was about to scold the living daylights out of whoever dared to do that.

“What the hell is your-” he looked up. Pink. Vibrant pink like the sunsets and soft like a rose. He gulped as he lost his voice completely.

“Oh I am so sorry!” the woman said as she helped him up. “Usually no one was in these halls but perhaps I should be more careful.” She began to ramble.

All that hostile rage had dissipated as he watched her lips move. She was much different from Princess. Her hair was ginger like hers but it was softer and had more copper tones. She was taller than her too and matched his height better. Her voice, it was like butter and she spoke in such a way that he couldn't describe.

He looked down to see books laying there and picked them up, handing them to her. Why would she have books? Especially these titles, even from the looks of them they were difficult to read, even for him.

“Do you read?’ he asked. Of course she didn’t.

“Oh yes. I am actually Princess’s teacher.” She said but didn’t seem thrilled.

He was in awe. She was already something more than that damn spoiled brat. She didn’t wear anything special like the maids did. In fact they were more like commoner's clothes than anything.

“You don’t look like you belong here.” He blurted out and she scoffed.

“I beg your pardon.” She crossed her arms. She was used to Princess insulting her any chance she got but it would be a cold day in hell before she would allow someone else to do so. “Do you not think I could possibly be the royal teacher?” He felt her words like a threat.

“No it’s just, this is a high piece of literature.”

“It’s a simple book really.”

Oh. So she could read. Read well.

“Well yes but-”

“But nothing.” her words were like ice as she grabbed the books from his hands. Blossom looked at his badge. “I am so sorry I didn’t realize that you were a man of importance.” She sounded bitter. “I shouldn’t keep you. I wouldn't want the princess knowing that a peasant interrupted time with her boy toy.”

She turned and stomped off. Even as the pout sprouted onto her face she looked, dare he say stunning? The sophistication and elegance rivaled that of Princess and even though she had just destroyed his ego for a good few moments, he never felt more alive and thrilled. A woman standing up to his level when everyone was beneath him? Never heard of before but this new piece that has entered his game, he was loving every second of it.

He turned on his heel and found his way back to the group. He wasn’t here for the crown anymore.

-- Sometimes she wondered what would happen if she just left. Run away from this village and go see the world. Of course that's what her sister did. Kinda. She was a captain of one of the kingdom's ships, basically her job was to travel and trade with other places, she liked to call herself a pirate. Blossom gave up trying to change her mind.

She could join her sister but she hated ships anyways. Plus Buttercup had gotten hitched last year to some random guy she met at a port stop, Blossom had met him once before and thought she was crazy for marrying someone. But after a delightful five minute conversation, she decided that he was best for her. If anyone could handle her rebellious lifestyle and the seven seas, then he must be good.

She was thankful that today would be her last day with Princess, well until the next week, but she could catch up on reading and maybe take her students to the docks or the forest for a lesson. Her mind was wandering to far off places and before she knew it, she was entering the library.

She furrowed her brow as she noticed the chairs arranged facing her table. She dismissed whatever thought that was and began to set up Princess’s test as promised. She had pictures, drawn by Bubbles of course, and she placed them on the table.

“This should be easy.” And soon the doors opened. Blossoms eyes widened as the Princess walked in with that snobbish strut as a group of men followed behind. “Oh no.” Blossom whispered to herself. She agreed to test Princess, not the entire population of suitors.

“And this woman right here is my teacher. She's a poor peasant girl so ignore her scrap of clothing.” The room erupted in laughter as Princess’s annoying voice trailed through her ears. Princess was already testing her patience, who makes fun of someone with less money? An awful person that's who.

Blossom bit her tongue as Princess took her seat. The rows of men were now staring at them, whispering. She let her eyes rake over the small crowd when her eyes landed on a familiar pair. The man she hit with the door. She completely forgot that he was here for marriage purposes. Blossom shook her head and slammed a book shut, capturing everyone's attention.

If Princess wanted to be a bigger brat than usual, fine, she could play that game.

“Alright your majesty, are you ready for your test.” Blossom turned towards the group of men. “You see I believe it is important that a leader understands even the simplest things about other countries, especially the ones that could be potential partners. So this fine lad is incredibly bright so her test is simple. I laid our pictures of fabrics from many different places, some even from your own kingdoms. I have no doubt that she can match all twenty five.” She turned on her heel towards the princess who looked angry, good.

“You said five!” Her tone laced with fire.

Blossom was one good actress. She paused and took a step back, masking her voice. “Yes five for a warm up but you my soon queen, you must be able to name all of them right? I did teach you them after all.” She smirked. “But if you can't, that's okay, why don’t we do your five and the rest of these fine gentlemen can finish, after all, a leader should know these things.” If they wanted to be rude, then a challenge they must complete.

“Princess go ahead and match five and then will have the rest join.” She looked at the men. Scared looks were on their faces except for one, door man. He seemed relaxed and had a poker face on.

Princess huffed and walked up to the table. She recognized a few of the easy ones and placed them. Blossom watched as her hands shook and she looked up at her as she placed one down. Blossom saw she was moving to the wrong one and decided to play nice.

“Emerald kingdom is the same as the jewel.” She whispered and the princess moved the name towards the green one. She took a step back and smiled proudly.

“See easy peasy.” And she returned to her seat.

Blossom clasped her hands together. “Alright then, if any of you would like to try go for it, but if not, then you may be excused.”

None of the men stood and Blossom's polite smile fell. “Very well-” She watched as the door man, she should learn his name, stood and walked over.

“Quite a shame you could only name five your highness.” He said towards the princess who was now staring at him with a gaping mouth. Blossom raised her brows as she could not believe he would disrespect her like that. He quickly took the names and placed them in record time before their matching pictures.

He turned to see Blossom watching him. Her eyes held this twinkled that he couldn’t quite place and he made sure to switch two of the names last minute.

“Care to check my work Miss…”

“Blossom.” She finished and walked over to him. She stood next to him and looked over the table. She could feel his stare but unlike the others, she didn’t feel small or meak. She smiled softly as she picked up two of them.

“Very impressive but Camilla has velvet and Widows Valley has ivory silk.” Her eyes met his. She almost let out a gasp as she stared at a breathtaking deep red. She had never seen such enchanting eyes before.

“Silk like a spider. Forgive me for my mistake.” He took her hand and placed a delicate kiss to the top of her hand. She felt the flames rush to her cheeks and heard a gasp come from Princes mouth.

Her eyes shot open and she took her hand away fast and returned to her teacherly poise. “Yes well that is alright but very good. Princess you should learn something and apply yourself more, I'm not going to tell you again but a promise is a promise so i will be seeing you next week for your next lesson.” She quickly walked to the other table and grabbed her bag and shoved everything in it.

She knew the princess was going to throw a fit. How could he treat her like that? In front of Princess nonetheless. She was thankful to hear the sound of feet exiting. Someone had come up behind her and whispered in her ear.

“You’ll be lucky if you make next week you meddling whore.” Princess sneered and Blossom turned around to yell at her but the group of men were waiting by the door just watching to see the peasant girl slip up.

“I have no interest in your games Princess, maybe if you tried harder, you wouldn’t have to rely on your crown or body.” She could play dirty and the princess turned with a scoff.

“No man would ever love a woman like you, even if you can read, you are no prize.” She stomped off and let Blossom with a clenched jaw and matching fists.

The door slammed shut and now she was alone. “Stupid bitch.” She sneered. She rarely used foul language but in times like theses, she allowed it.

“She sure is.” Blossom dropped her book and her head snapped left.

Brick was still standing here as if he never moved but she swore she saw him leave. “I-I would never-” He held his hand up.

“I see the way she treats you Miss Blossom, it's okay to curse out the villain. And my apologies for causing such a scene.” He said bluntly.

“Somehow I don’t believe you.” She narrowed her eyes. “You seem like you know what you’re doing, no matter the consequences.”

He bit back a laugh and moved closer to her. “Oh I am. I have no interest with that spoiled girl. Not one maiden has ever impressed me enough to care.”

“How insightful.”

“That is until you.” he smirked and she felt her cheeks flush for the hundred times. He was showing his arrogant side. The one many girls fawned over because they mistook it for a form of lust but it rubbed Blossom the wrong way.

“Me correcting your simple mistake is not very impressive.”

“Who said I made the mistake? I know very well that Widows Peak is silk, that is my home base after all.” he stepped closer until he leaned on the desk with his arm. He peered down at her, almost like a challenge but she stood strong.

“Well unfortunately, I’ve never met a man who could qualify my own standards.”

“Never?” he leaned closer but she refused to give up. Their noses would touch if he came closer.

“Never.” She stated and they were now in a showdown. Red to pink. Pink to red. Never had the other met a more worthy opponent.

“Well Miss Blossom, I think that I should prove you wrong with a date.”

“No thank you.” He blinked. Wait what?

“Excuse me? Do you know-”

“No I don’t and I simply do not care.” She snapped.

Blossom went back to her bag. “Like I told Princess, I have no interest in any of these men. Especially not ones who would stand by and let another belittle another. No thank you, i am quite happy on my own but there are a bunch of other fine maidens who would probably love your company.” She passed him and he grabbed her arm and spun her around, dipping her. The bright red ribbon holding her hair into a fine bun had unraveled and now fell to a long ponytail. 

A small scream let her lips as she was now being held by her waist over the ground. “What are you.” Her eyes darkened.

“Brick. Call me Brick, none of that sir or lord crap either.” He brought her closer smoothly. His smile was large and his eyes narrowed as her cheeks puffed out and she looked a little angry. “You did hit me with a door and I don’t think the royal pain in the ass would appreciate it if she knew. So Miss Blossom, would you accompany me to the ball on Friday?”

No. no. no. no. Princess would kill her. Absolutely murder her with a strand of pearls. She could lose her job, her livelihood. The rumors she could spread. She would destroy her reputation for sure. Her mind was screaming telling her to push him away and tell him to go bother another lady.

“Fine but I demand to be wooed.” she spat and he smiled and returned her to the upright position. She felt flustered and in shock but also introduced. No one had ever dipped her or held her so gently.

“Oh you shall be wooed M’lady.” He winked and turned away to walk out the door.

She let out the breath she was holding when he was finally gone and pulled out her fan. “He is the...worst.” But she didn’t fully believe it. ---- Wednesday found herself in the school yard with her students. She was ecstatic to now have a bunch of little girls added to this year's class. After convincing many mothers that their daughters' futures could be brighter with some knowledge, they happily agreed. She was thankful that her own father taught her the basics and she tried to teach Bubbles and Buttercup how to read and write but you could only keep them interested before a pretty dress or a sailboat distracted them.

“Bye bye Miss Blossom!” Her students waved as they left the yard to return home. She loved and adored her students. Their bright minds and curious thoughts, she could never get sick of them and they were much better students than Princess ever was.

“Miss Blossom there is a fancy man in the classroom.” Robin's small hand clung to her dress.

“Fancy man?” She whispered to herself before sending Robin off towards her mother. She entered the room to find Brick leaning against her desk.

“May i help you?” She asked with her arms crossed. “I do believe Friday is the meeting time.”

He shrugged and handed her an arrangement of flowers. Her mouth fell open as she gazed at them. They were wrapped with a ribbon of fine quality, and was probably worth more than her own outfit.

“I am well aware of that but I never said i wouldn’t see you before.” he glanced at the flowers then back at her. “Have you never received flowers before.” he asked like it was a dumb question.

“Oh no.” She took them carefully and placed them in the vase that held a few flowers her students had picked, and they were dying.

“I'm genuinely surprised that men aren’t knocking on the door for your hand.”

He saw her eyes dull. “Not too many men are keen on a lady being smarter and taller than them.” She shrugged and for some reason that made him mad. She was a beautiful woman no doubt, her beauty could be that of a princess but she didn’t have that royal aura about her. No she was better but didn’t know it.

“A man threatened by a lady is no man at all. If he can not see that then he deserves nothing.”

She took in his words. Maybe this was his way of apologizing without out damaging his pride, she would probably do the same thing but she wouldn’t let him off so easily.

She hummed. “So Brick just the flowers or are you going to actually impress me?” She matched his cocky attitude and it has been a long time, or the first since he had ever felt frazzled by a woman. He was used to catching him off guard but even by her everything nice charm and sophisticated posture, he was certain that she would be the death of him.

Even though he had just met her, he was certain they were made for each other. Butch would kill him if he every said that out loud though. He smiled before taking her hand. “Then prepared to be impressed.”

--

I hope you enjoy and part 2 shall be up tomorrow 

[zolomy]

Finders Keepers: Playing for Keeps

Summary: Zahva is a young thief with dreams of higher living, but first she needs to pay her dues. A clever find opens a rare opportunity, and changes her life in more ways than one.

Word Count: 2,145 Part 2/3 [Part 1] [Part 3]

Her dues had been a success.

With the Guild Master’s praise and blessing, Zahva quickly devoted herself to making the most of their opportunity in the little time they had to prepare.  Gone were her frivolous daydreams of noble life, replaced by the reality of her shadow world and the thrill of the game.

The days had passed in a blur, and in the blink of an eye, she was standing at the entrance to the Basati estate. For all her preparation, her stomach still twisted with anxiety and her heart beat quick with anticipation. She had never done a mission like this before.

Since many of the noble houses would be lightly occupied with exhausted staff after sending their Lords and Ladies off to the ball, many of the Guild’s younger and less experienced members had been sent out for the night’s mission. It was the perfect opportunity for them to prove their worth under the watchful eye of a Named member.

Normally she would have been automatically assigned to one of these teams, but as the finder of the opportunity, she had been given a choice: shadows or firelight. Zahva still wasn’t sure what had compelled her to step so firmly out of her comfort zone, but she chose the light.

Trading her dark cloak for one that shimmered in the softest light, her mission was to attend the ball itself and scout the attendees; what they were wearing, how they travelled, who and what they knew. And if she happened to pocket a bracelet or ring or fine piece of silver in the process? Well, no one she knew would be mad about that.

The other benefit of being the finder was she got to pick her own team for the mission. So, of course, she picked the only two people she could trust. The twins, Jax and Jazz.

Technically the siblings weren’t actually twins. Jazz was older than her brother Jax, but they were born in the same year. Inseparable as they were, the phrase stuck, and they had long ago stopped trying to correct anyone.

“Whose territory was this?” Zahva asked in an attempt to distract her nerves.

“Arnold’s,” Jazz spat. “That traitor.”

The re-construction of a noble’s house would have been prime intel, but Arnold had never mentioned a word of it. In fact, he had routinely complained that he had no work in his assigned territory at all and begged others to allow him to work out of theirs instead. They had let him pick up the overflow and scraps for months before it was discovered he was using their generosity to spy for a rival guild.

He had been promptly chased out with fire and knives at his back.

So, the trio had done their own research from scratch. A grueling task that Jazz was still bitter about.

What they had found was that the Basati family was large on two things: wealth and family members. While no one could say where their wealth came from, gossip claimed they were friendly rivals of the Sonapo family. Despite the Sonapos owning much of the land in the region, court politics had danced it’s confusing, complicated waltz between the two families and the Basatis were moving in.

This ball was meant as a house warming of sorts. Though, Zahva knew enough about high society politics to know that “house warming” really meant “excuse to show off how rich I am and establish a new social pecking order.”

Joining the line of guests heading into the entrance hall, she realized they never were able to pinpoint which of the Basati brood would be taking over the new estate. But with the way these things went it was probably an older member looking to retire to the countryside.  

As confident as they could ever hope to be, the three young thieves headed inside.

—–

Very quickly, Zahva became overwhelmed by the ball. Never had she imagined even half of the luxury that surrounded her now. Women twirled across the floor in cascading layers of colorful fabric, glittering in the light with a grace that rivaled the best rooftop shadow walkers. Even in her own smartly tailored clothes of silk and velvet, the most outstanding things she had ever worn, she felt unspeakably plain and simple.

It’s classic, she reminded herself, taking a moment to observe the fashions and trends on display. How different things looked here compared to hanging in a dark closet or folded up in a drawer! She supposed if anything, her own attire followed that of the men; clean dark cuts with the occasional flourish of color, texture, or jewels.

The younger generation was bolder, however, perhaps influenced by the city courts. They reminded her of exotic birds. Not that she had seen such birds in person, but higher society loved to place images of them in their homes. Peacocks and parrots certainly, but also swans, red-winged eagles, and flittering hummingbirds. Better birds than the exotic cats, she smiled to herself, easier to catch.

Satisfied she had properly observed what she could, Zahva slipped away to try and make heads and tails of the mansion’s layout. This required her to go outside to get a better perspective and had nothing at all to do with clearing her head of the perfume that clogged her nose. But in truth, it wasn’t until she stood at the sturdy stone railing overlooking the gardens that she was finally able to take a deep breath since arriving.

The gardens were beautiful in the moonlight. The main attraction clearly a winding maze of shrubs, and structures covered in flowering vines. Zahva imagined it was the ideal place for two young lovers to dash off into, especially on a night like tonight, and the perfect stalking ground for a thief who knew every nook and cranny. 

“Such a nice view, wouldn’t you say?” 

She nearly jumped out of her skin at the voice behind her, gods damn it she hated being snuck up on! It took every ounce of training and grace for her to keep calm, turning her head with what she hoped appeared to be curiosity and not sheer terror.

It was one of the peacock men from inside, his colorful outfit and cloak featuring a generous amount of well-placed feathers. Ridiculous, maybe, but very on trend from what she had seen so far. She had no idea who he was, she had no idea who anyone here was, but if she looked past his oversized hat, he had a rather nice-looking face. 

“Nice view, huh?” he repeated, tilting his head slightly the same way a bird might to get a better look at her.  

“Oh! Um…yes! It’s nice I guess,” she blurted out quickly, biting the inside of her lip as she glanced back to the gardens again. What a stupid response! But how was she supposed to explain she had been admiring the stealth capabilities of the landscaping and not the artistic flair of the flower arrangements?

The man before her frowned, a disappointed pout plumping his lips. Uh oh. Was he actually in charge of the gardens? She doubted a gardener would look this good, even in a noble house like this, but maybe he was the designer? Zahva braced herself for a bitter retort and a wounded pride that she would need to pacify. 

But instead the man flicked his chin skyward, huffing in exasperated haughtiness. 

“My dear, I am the view.” 

“W-What?” 

Suddenly everything came into sharper focus, he was much closer to her than she originally realized. His face became clearer under the brim of his hat as she looked up at him, and Zahva felt her face starting burn as she scrambled to escape her predicament.

By the gods, those eyes were captivating. Saying he had a rather “nice-looking” face had been a severe understatement. Her eyes darted around, unsure of where to look, fingers twitching to touch the luxurious fabrics finely framed his figure.

“Of course, the gardens are nice,” he continued, “but I saw the way your eyes danced over me just now.” His teasing was evident then, mischievous eyes catching every movement she made as her face burned hotter… Ok, maybe not just the fabrics.

Damn it, what had gotten into her?

“It seems the least you could do is offer me your name dear lady.”

“Zahva, m’Lord,” she said, thoroughly impressed with the steadiness of her voice, even if her answer came a bit too quick. Behind the peacock man she caught a glance of Jax and Jazz in the window, the twins gesturing oddly at her in a terrible attempt at subtle charades. She didn’t have time to decode their message however before the man before her spoke again.

“Zahva,” he said, testing the sound of her name. “I don’t recall such a family name.”

Panic flooded her gut, mind drawing a blank on every cover story she had crafted and practiced the nights before.

“Oh, forgive my quick tongue,” she replied, a clever idea suddenly coming to her. “My family name is Farnese.” She let his mind spin the name around, watching as his eyes lit up in recognition. The time to pounce. “You sir, may call me Zahva however.”

The shy smile she gave was only one part an act, her stomach fluttering for a new reason as she watched him fidget this time, caught off guard before his etiquette training finally returned.

There was a spark in the air now, and her heart jumped as he opened his mouth, thrilled to see how his charming voice would respond. But she never got the chance.

“There he is! Hiding in the gardens!” A new voice cut between them, followed quickly by several more, before they were suddenly surrounded by a flock of young nobles. Well, to be more accurate, her peacock man was surrounded, she had been pushed to the side, happy to shrink back into the shadows.

“My dear fellow, it truly won’t do to have you hiding out here!” chided a man dressed in deep red. “The ladies are beginning to weep at your absence.”

“It most certainly won’t do,” said another in soft blues. “This is your party after all!”

His party? Zahva’s mind began to breakdown. Oh no. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening to her! Lord Basati was supposed to be an old man ready for retirement and a drama free life. Instead the Lord was a young, flamboyant, very much eligible, bachelor.

Her whole body burned with embarrassment as she replayed the last several minutes in her head. She needed to leave. Now.

Slipping back inside she quickly found the twins, who whispered that they had a carriage of goods ready to go out front. They also each gave her a look that said they knew, and she cursed their terrible sign language under her breath. The trip back home would be a long one. Accepting her fate, she followed them towards the exit.

Zahva was a step away from freedom when someone grabbed her wrist, stopping her short. Her mind expected the worst, a servant who had found them out, and her fingers flicked to the knife in her sleeve. But when she turned to look at her captor, they stilled.

The gloved hand on her wrist belonged to none other than Lord Basati. His easy charm replaced by a shy smile and begging eyes. “Please m’Lady, may I see you again?”

Again, she spoke too quick, the words rolling off her lips before she could think them through. “Of course m’Lord. From the moment I leave I will count every breath until my return.”

It did seem like the kind of silly phrase a noble would say to another. But, judging by the slight frown on the lord’s face, maybe not. Maybe her worst fears had come true and he found her out.  

“Why count at all?” he asked in quick whispered words. “When you can just stay?”

A moment passed between them. First of confusion, then slow realization, then of prompt embarrassment. She blushed red, he drained to white.

“P-Perhaps I’ve had too much w-wine,” he stammered as his skin now flushed to match hers and he released her wrist as if she had burned him. “I d-don’t s-suppose, your kind nature could forgive such a f-forward remark. Please, forgive me.”

Her hand darted out before she could think, catching his wrist as he turned away and tried to escape in the swirl of his peacock cape. With a quick heartbeat and soft smile, she locked their eyes together and slid her hand into his, squeezing it gently.

“I will count each breath.”

And with that the thief slipped away into the night, having stolen not only the nobleman’s treasures, but his heart and future as well.