Everlyne wrapped her cloak tighter around her shoulders as she stepped onto the worn cobblestone streets leading to the docks after carefully ensuring her carriage is out of plain sight. The salty breeze tangled in her hair, and the distant cries of gulls blended with the chatter of fishermen unloading their late catches. She had always loved the sea-its vastness, its mystery. But tonight, it felt different. She wasn't here for leisure. She moved with purpose, though uncertainty gnawed at her. Why had Armand been coming here so often? He had always been a man of business, but lately, his ventures had grown secretive. His excuses-meetings, late night negotiations-no longer sat right with her.
Her hands clenched at her sides. He barely looked at her anymore. At first, she had convinced herself it was temporary, that his affections had simply dimmed under the weight of his responsibilities. But now, she wasn't sure. There were whispers in the market place-tales of his growing wealth, of deals made in the shadows. And she had seen the way the women at court looked at him, how they lingered near, waiting for his favor. A sharp pang of humiliation burned in her chest. Was that why he ignored her? Had she been replaced? She shook the thought away as she approached the docks. Lanterns flickered against the hulls of moored ships, their golden glow reflecting on the dark water. The scent of tar and brine filled her nose as she stepped between the crates and barrels, careful to keep her presence unnoticed. Then she saw him.
Armand stood near the edge of the pier speaking in hushed tones with a cloaked figure. The man was tall, his face obscured by the shadows of his hood. Everlyne edged closer, pressing herself against the wooden post of a storage shack.
".....Another shipment is expected soon,"Armand was saying. His voice was low, but the intensity in his tone was unmistakable. "I don't need excuses i need results." The cloaked man nodded." She hasn't said a word since and the concoction isn't working as well as before."
Everlyne's breath hitched. She?
There was a pause, then Armand sighed. "Increase the dosage." This wasn't a business deal. This wasn't about trade or cargo. This was something else-something dark. The men continued speaking, but her heartbeat pounded too loudly in her ears to catch the rest. She had to get away. She had to think. As she turned to leave, the wooden plank beneath her foot creaked.
The voices stopped.
Everlyne froze.
Armand's sharp gaze swept the docks, his eyes narrowing . " Whose there?" She held her breath , knowing one wrong move would be the end of her. She knew her husband well- way too well. A moment passed. Then another. The cloaked figure took a slow step forward. "Shall i check, sir." Everlyne didn't wait. She turned and ran.