Brandt paces back and forth in his study. So many thoughts run through his head. He still can't believe that Thyra can use magic, and that she disappeared right in front of them.
'How is that possible? Sorcerers are the only ones who can use magic.'
He entertains the idea that the Grand Mage might be helping her, but the man has been blindly loyal to them. Unless the dowager duchess has someone like the mage.
"Damn it."
Brandt's mind is in chaos and his anger is rising by the minute. He slams his hand on his desk, making Shelby jump in surprise.
'How dare they make a fool out of me?'
"Shelby."
"Yes, Your Highness." The assistant takes a step closer.
"Prepare the trackers, we are going after Siv." Brandt orders through gritted teeth.
"But we don't know for how long she has been gone, Your-"
"Just do as you are told." The livid prince roars. "If the best tracking dogs in the kingdom can't even find a person after a few hours, then they are useless to me."
"Yes, my prince." Shelby bows and leaves the study in a hurry.
Brandt remembers how condescending the duchess has been since her arrival. He also remembers how Siv and Gary danced together at the Vying Ball and all the rumors that started because of that.
'Maybe that was their plan from the beginning, making me look like a fool in front of the whole country.'
"I will teach you and your grandmother a lesson, I will execute you with my own hands for treason." With one angry push, Brandt tosses everything on his desk to the floor. "I will make you regret ever wanting to mess with me." A savage fire is burning in the prince's chest.
Shelby shows up about half an hour later, out of breath and sweating from the running around he has been doing.
"Your Highness, everything is ready. The men are just waiting for your orders."
"Oh, I am going myself."
"My prince-"
"Don't even try to convince me otherwise. I am going myself, just make sure you find out where Gary is."
"Of course, Your Highness. I have already sent spies around town."
"Good. Now, let's capture that little fox."
***
"Bluevale." The woman's eyes widen.
"Did I mishear you? Did you just say… Bluevale?" A loud crash comes from the kitchen, the sound of a few plates breaking, but Ragna is not phased. Her face is pale and her eyes are as wide as saucers.
"Umm, no you heard me right. I did say Bluevale."
The two women turn simultaneously toward the tavern entrance when a few dogs start barking outside of the door.
"What is happening out there?" Ragna asks as she takes a few steps to look out of one of the windows, however, the door flies open before she can even make it halfway there.
"Where is she?" Brandt shouts as the three dogs rush to Siv.
"Holy fuck" Siv curses and takes out her sword ready to strike the first animal that lunges at her. But none of them do. They just continue barking at her until one of the soldiers whistles. They immediately stop and join the man obediently.
'What the hell is going on? Why is he here? Does he know it's me?'
The handful of men who were scattered around the bar drinking all stand up at the commotion. not sure whether to stay or run away. They just stand there looking at the overwhelming number of soldiers.
Siv gulps when her eyes meet Brandt's. But when he ignores her and starts looking around, she relaxes her shoulders a bit. Of course, the pinch in her chest does not go unnoticed.
'Ha, what did you expect, silly girl?'
"Where is she?" The prince asks again. This time Ragna approaches him.
"I am the owner of the tavern, at your service Your Highness." The redhead bows, giving everyone an even better look at her cleavage. "Who are you looking for, if I may ask?"
"Lady Siv Holmen, where is she?" Ragna's eyes travel to Siv for a split second. She does not believe in coincidences, and this one does not look like one, for sure. What are the odds of this woman showing up at her tavern only hours before the prince himself comes looking for the woman she had mentioned to her.
"I am afraid the person you are looking for is not here, Your Highness." Ragna explains. "Me and the miss over there," she motions to Siv. "are the only women here, right now."
Brandt glances at Siv, not even looking at her properly, he dismisses her immediately as someone unimportant.
'Ouch.'
"In addition, I don't think my establishment is classy enough for a lady to visit it, Your Highness." Ragna laughs sheepishly.
"You are right." Brandt agrees after studying the tavern more closely. He turns to the dogs and glares at them. "They are truly useless."
"Would you care for a drink, Your Highness?"
"Of course I wouldn't." Brandt scoffs and Ragna unconsciously straightens her back in defiance. Thankfully, the distracted prince does not notice.
"Let's go back to the Inn, we might find more clues there. Move it, we have a fugitive to catch." Brandt spits before leaving.
'A what? I'm a fugitive now? This is getting more complicated.'
Siv takes a deep breath to try to calm herself. Fortunately, she did not leave anything of hers at the inn.
"Nothing to see anymore, gentlemen. Go back to your drinks." The men comply, going back to drinking as if nothing happened. "What in the name of the Blue Fire was that? And can you put your sword away?"
"Oh, sorry." Ragna narrows her eyes as she watches the young woman sheath her sword.
"Who is Lady Siv Holmen? If the prince himself came looking for her, she must have really committed a big crime." When Siv doesn't answer, Ragna gets closer to her. "How are you related to Lady Holmen? Is that why you are looking for Gary?" Siv just stares at the woman not sure what to say.
'I sure as hell can't tell her the truth. Or anyone, for that matter.'