As soon as I opened the Boutique's door a breeze hit my face, and I felt my skin prickle with cold. I blinked a few times then took a deep breath, warmth left my lungs as air filled in. I stepped out, the boutique's door closing behind me, my feet resting on a sturdy brick. I looked ahead of me, an ordinary-looking store was in sight. It looked like every other one in the vicinity, four brick walls and a wooden door, windows of clear glass and a sign atop the entry. However, the sign was very old, and in need of a repaint, the door was a boring-oak colour unlike the vibrant ones in every other facade, and there were no signs of custumours. Weird, I expected there to be a buzzing queue at the door, worthy of the reputation of such a store. I approached it, my steps digging into the mud as I got closer.
'Closed', said a sign at the door. Should I go back? Was Nasir aware of the store's schedule? I decided not to leave just yet. Grabbing into the cold metal of the handle I pulled the door. Locked. I twisted the nob, shaking and turning maybe the lock's old but to no avail. I let out a sigh, exasperated, and my body hunched forward. Just as my head rested on the door, it pushed open and a bell rang, I staggered back while tightly gripping the door.
"Ha… that was unexpected" I mumbled. I pushed it to open wider, a cosy light shone from the inside, an inviting warmth welcomed me. That was my cue to walk in, "Stay here," I told the two guards in my company, "make sure no one interrupts me."
"Hi…", my whisper was barely audible, a paper crunched at my feet as I stepped deeper into the store. "Hello?" I said this once louder, yet I received no response. The interior was beautiful, I noted, not what I expected at all. Books and stationary were neatly organised on the shelves, a few candles scattered on the ground, adding a golden glow to the magical atmosphere of the store. Books, pens, letter stamps and wax, bottles of expensive ink, and the lovely smell of old papers. I was in heaven.
I walked around, sliding my fingertips on every surface. No dust, someone's keeping the place clean, someone cleaned very recently, and left the candles lit on the floor, which was stupid to be frank. This place is as flammable as a stack of hay, whoever decided to use candle sticks instead of lanterns should count their days.
The candles were all about two nuckles in length, maybe they were not forgotten as I had expected and someone spent the night here.
A metal box caught my eye, one placed at the top shelf behind the counter. It did not seem too big, nor did it seem heavy, but very well crafted. It was made of bronze, an arched handle rested atop its cover, and a rose-shaped lock was placed on its side. I walked to the counter, in an attempt to find a way in without having to jump over it, but there didn't seem to be any entry from where I stood.
"How do I…?" I said to myself as I laid my stomach flat on the counter and looked over it," Oh my god!" I cried as an older man's corpse laid there, looking so pale that his skin had turned blue. His eyes were wide open. This man was dead.
"Ya rabbi!" I slammed a hand on my mouth, the smell of vomit and something else burned my nostrils. 'Could this be a murder?' I wondered.
I regarded the body again, his mouth gaped, his hands circled near his neck, he didn't choke himself, did he? I fetched a stool near me, sticking a piece of paper to the bottom of my boots before stepping on it. I climbed on the counter then jumped, landing beside the man's bare feet.
"Why is he shoeless?" I mumbled, squeezing his toes ever so lightly, he was still warm and flaccid, it must've happened only a few hours ago. My god, I could've seen this man alive if I were to prioritise my brother's mission.
I inspected his pants, no sign of cuts or dirt, his shirt was intact, properly tucked into his pants. I touched his hands, elegant thin fingers laying at the top of his chest, vomit trailed from his mouth and onto his neck, his hair was plastered on his forehead with sweat. He must have choked on his own vomit, was he drunk? I had no time to inspect him unfortunately, I reached up and grabbed the small box, shaking it lightly to make sure it makes no sound. I lifted the skirt of my dress, a leather strap held a knife to my thigh, I loosened it, stuffing the box there and securing it with a ribbon,"God, I really hope it stays in place."
I looked around, there seemed to be nothing of importance here, the place seemed clean, no sign of entry, no sign of disturbance, I did not think anyone stole anything, except for me of course. I put both hands on the counter and leaned forward, really struggling to pull myself on the counter. Once I jumped down and put the stool back in place, I removed the paper pieces stuck to the soles of my boots and tucked them in my skirt, making sure to leave no trace, I stepped a few steps back, took a deep breath and screamed: "AAAAGH". The door burst open, my guards stepped in fast, swords in hand."Your highness!" They circled me, and after a quick scan one of them started searching the store for any intruders.``Your highness, are you alright? Did something happen to you?" said the other.
I lift a shaking hand to cover my mouth, a sob escaping it as tears streamed down my face,"He's dead!" I said pointing to the counter, my voice unrecognisable as I started to cry harder in shock. "Oh my god!" I sobbed into the palms of my hands, my chest shaking as I struggled to breath. I would've really been sold if the act was not performed by me.
"Call for backup!" said my guard as he gently put his hand around me to keep me from falling.