I had Kellan and Bors stand down for now, as they would create an atmosphere where no one would fall into my trap.
As much as I loved having my towering murder machines, two nearly seven-foot-tall guards standing at either side of a boot shop entrance was a surefire way to ruin the illusion.
Livia was already wearing acceptable clothing, so she followed Noah and me in. She, of course, didn't want to get left out this time.
The moment we stepped inside, the bell above the door chimed, drawing every eye in the room.
Immediately, the air changed, nothing like the store before where everyone was rushing to greet us. It was the exact opposite, no bright smiles or eager welcomes.
A few of the employees gave us a once-over; the disgust on their faces was over the top. It screamed, "You don't belong here." I couldn't help but smile involuntarily.
The way their lips tightened, how one clerk deliberately avoided making eye contact with us—how could they act so perfectly well for my intentions?
I was so giddy and couldn't wait to get their reactions once revealed, but of course I'm going to make them suffer for a while.
My body leaned into Noah, barely able to contain my delight, and whispered into his ear, "Just look at them. You see it, don't you? Already looking down on us for no other reason than the clothes we wear."
He tilted his head slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. "Why are you so excited?"
"Because," I whispered back, eyes sparkling, "it's like I'm the heroine in a novel. You know, the kind I told you about, where the girl gets sneered at by some snooty shopkeeper, endures it quietly, and then..."
I grinned wide.
"Her knight in shining armor shows up and ruins the business, buys the entire street, or exiles them out of the country altogether, Muhahaha!"
Noah couldn't help the smile that grew on his face as he watched me talk about the scenario we were about to face.
He then leaned down and kissed me.
I paused, brain slightly scrambled, but at the same time I couldn't help reciprocating.
That was a good response, I thought, lips tingling.
The shop was lined with sturdy winter boots, most of them functional, but a few pairs sparkled with runic etchings or decorative trims. I spotted a gorgeous pair of fur-lined white leather boots sitting high on a shelf.
They were likely the priciest item in the shop, the perfect way to begin my little game.
Naturally, I walked right up to them and reached for the stand. That's when it happened. I was already smiling even before the ones who approached us had even spoken.
A woman's voice, sharp and condescending, rang out behind me. "I wouldn't touch that if I were you."
I froze my hand only a few inches from the display. Next to her, a man let out a chuckle and added, "Those are a bit out of your price range, sweetie."
I nearly told Noah to end him the moment he dared to call me 'sweetie,' but I held back, savoring the anticipation of what was about to unfold.
Turning to Noah before acknowledging the two arrogant fools, I flashed him a wide, wicked smile. His smirk in return was calm, like a sleeping dragon; though it was clear he was struggling to keep his emotions in check.
Showtime…
I didn't turn around just yet. Instead, I stayed perfectly still in front of the boots and stared up at them, my hand slowly lowering as if I'd been genuinely intimidated by their words.
They took the bait instantly… I couldn't help but sigh at how foolish people become when blinded by greed and overconfidence.
"You couldn't afford those even if you had your entire lifetime," The woman said, her voice soaked in mock sympathy. "They're made from enchanted deer hide imported from the far west. Triple-stitched, rune-threaded, not something of… common tastes."
I turned to them slowly, tilting my head and blinking innocently.
"But I've worked hard selling flowers," I said, my voice wavering. "Please… I've saved every coin I could."
Noah about choked behind me; I tried hard not to smirk.
He covered it with a cough, turning slightly to the side, but I caught the twitch of his shoulders.
The man sighed heavily. "You'll find a shop for commoners just down the street. It's more… in line with your look."
"Oh… really," I said with exaggerated awe, as if he'd just uncovered the meaning of life. "But what if I can afford the boots?"
The woman snorted. "Pff, what did you do, steal the money? Should we call someone?" Her voice lifted theatrically. "I could report you for being a thief."
Hehe, I actually caught two big fish with just one cast. Maybe people like this are everywhere, eager to throw their weight around the second they get a hint of authority, even though they're commoners themselves.
Just because they work in a high-end store, they can look down on others… pathetic.
I gasped and stepped closer. "What if I told you I'm the sister of the Archduchess?"
They both froze for a moment, then an obnoxious laugh burst out.
"The illegitimate one," the woman scoffed. "People say she doesn't even deserve her position."
"Yes… that one," I said with pride. "But how can you talk about my dear sister with such disdain? Don't you fear the Archduke?"
The man waved a hand dismissively. "There's been some talk." He said, clearly enjoying the sound of his own voice. "Rumors… People say she won't be in power much longer. The Archduke will come to his senses eventually."
"I turned slightly to Noah; he wasn't smiling. His rage was about to boil over and probably destroy the entire block."
"Please," I said, keeping my voice innocent, "tell me more. I love hearing gossip about my sister."
"Why should I?" The man shrugged. "I've already dealt with you long enough; now get out before we use force."
"But… she's my sister." I said, a little firmer, "I want to know!"
He looked me over with a sneer as if I wasn't worth the clothes on my back.
"Are you also hoping to cling to someone important, like she did with the Archduke, pretending to be her sister?"
"Oh… ohhh… oooohhh," I dragged the sound out, wide-eyed with mock realization. The others in the room looked at me as if I were an idiot.
Noah's hand twitched near his belt. Livia, behind me, blinked slowly like she was imagining twenty ways to poison someone without being seen.
Me? I just smiled, finding this extremely amusing, but at the same time slightly annoyed by those bullshit rumors.
I currently had the biggest, fakest smile I had in my arsenal.
The man leaned forward, completely invading my personal space. "Why don't you just get the hell out before I call the city guard?"
I tilted my head, as if fascinated. "Could you do that?"
"Yes," he said smugly. "This is private property; we can refuse service to anyone."
"Oh," I said, nodding sagely. "So you're throwing out a paying customer simply because of what I'm wearing, even though I could easily afford those boots?"
Without any hesitation, they rip into me.
"You look like some filthy rat that snuck in through the back alley," the woman snapped. "Whatever gold you have, you likely earned it by selling yourself on the street."
Behind me, Noah had reached the breaking point. His presence hit the room like a shift in gravity.
Noah stepped forward with purpose, his hand inching towards his blade. The darkening gaze weighed heavy on the room until the bell above the shop door chimed.
I took Noah's hand; he instantly withdrew the pressure, but his stare at the ones who talked down to me was so sharp I thought their heads would fall off.
Under normal circumstances I would let him do his thing, but more interesting guests just arrived. Let's see how these nobles handle this situation.
Hehe, I couldn't help but giggle with excitement.
High collars, gemstone-studded gloves, and the kind of heels that never touched my feet, ever. Their gazes drifted lazily around the store until they landed on mine.
I, of course, was in normal plain clothes you would find in the countryside, and Noah looked like he just woke up sleeping on a riverbank.
Their smiles were all sweetness, but their eyes gleamed with malice.
"Oh my," one of them said, lips twitching. "They're letting anyone in now, aren't they?"
"Must be a sale on dirt," another comment with a high, disgusting laugh.
The shopkeeper couple immediately turned to the new arrivals, all but tripping over themselves in their effort to bow and smile.
"Ladies!" the man exclaimed. "How fortunate, your presence alone honors our store."
"Yes, we were just clearing up some undesirables," the woman added, gesturing vaguely at me as if I were an old stain on the floor.
Noah tried to move again, but I stopped him. I wasn't done having my fun yet; the payoff will be glorious.
"Not yet," I whispered. He was so disgruntled, wanting to make them pay, and I loved him for that, but don't take away my fun, NOAH!
This was too perfect.
The noblewoman stepped closer, intrigued and self-satisfied, lured by the tension in the air, the irresistible opportunity to belittle someone below her station.
One leaned in closer, eyeing me like I was a piece of worn-out furniture.
"Don't take it too personally," She said, her voice laced with obvious contempt. This is that double-speak nobles do, right? "People like us just have standards, and you wouldn't ever understand."
They all laughed in that mocking tone I'd heard far too often at the banquets I used to be forced to attend.
"Hehe, hehehehehe, muahahahaha," I couldn't help but start to burst out laughing because this was pure comedy gold. How can I keep up this act with people so over the top?
Noah wrapped his arms around me from behind, a quiet show of encouragement that told me he was completely on my side.
The nobles who walked in and the couple who looked down on us in the store were all dumbfounded by my outburst.
Frowns bloomed on all their faces, taking my actions as mockery. After a few minutes of constant, uncontrollable laughter, I finally calmed down enough to speak.
No one talked at all but just watched in horror.
"You'll have to forgive me," I said, wiping the tears from my eyes after laughing far too hard at their expense. "Watching all of you bury yourselves so perfectly was simply too much to handle."
The room stilled.
"What are you on about?" the male associate asked, clearly annoyed.
I smirked at him, "I mean… Just imagine how embarrassing it'll be when you find out who I am.
The noblewomen in the room stiffened slightly, obviously not liking where this was going. Almost as if they had a sixth sense for danger, but they don't really use it very effectively. I mused.
I turned to Noah, "Darling, I think I've had enough enjoyment of this little play I was performing."
He nodded, visible relief washing over his face.
The illusion shimmered around me, clothes mending, colors shifting, and fabric reforming into my true, regal garb in a soft golden glow. The air around me snapped back into place with the weight of noble authority.
My boots polished, coat embroidered. The gold crest of the Archduchess gleamed proudly on the left side of my chest.
Gasps echoed like crashing waves through the room.
The shopkeeper woman's mouth hung open, and the man stumbled back a full step, pale as fresh parchment.
On the other hand, the noble ladies snapped their fans up to hide their faces, as though blotting me from view would make everything better.
"You… you…" one of them blurted out, making it clear to everyone that the situation had officially hit the fan, if it wasn't obvious already.
I gave them a euphoric smile. "Yes… me. Seraphina Velmoure, Archduchess of Coldmere. The Archduke's only legal wife," I leaned in slightly. "And the woman you accused of stealing. Not to mention you also said I sold myself for money."
The woman made a choking sound while falling to her knees.
Noah stepped forward, showing himself for all to see, his presence in full effect; the illusion peeled away from him as well. His tall, imposing, and deadly visage stared daggers through all involved.
"You… let us insult you…" One of the noblewomen commented, as if that would make everything okay.
"So… If I were actually a commoner, this kind of disgusting behavior would be acceptable? What's noble about some bitches talking down to someone just because they didn't win the lottery of having a wealthy family?"
Then I turned to the store couple and rested a hand on the counter with deliberate care.
"Let me make something very clear," I said with venom in my voice. "Not only will I not be purchasing anything from this store…"
I paused for them to understand the gravity of their actions.
"But I'll be sending word to every noble estate under my banner to never step foot into this establishment ever again."
"You're finished," Noah added harshly, with obvious contempt for these people. "I will do one even better and buy this whole street just so I can throw everyone out and bring in people who will respect having such an opportunity."
The room trembled with silence. I couldn't help smirking as Noah once again does something I hinted at earlier. These people's lives were probably completely ruined, so I stopped their punishment at just this much.
These bastards from the store got what was coming to them, but these nobles deserve a just punishment as well. I also just hate looking at those arrogant faces.
"Noah," I said viciously. "Could you find me something wooden that has some length with solid strength?"
After my words, Noah ripped apart one of the displays, handing me a solid three-foot-long piece of wood. He shaved it down slightly with some magic so it would be much easier for me to use.
It was no different than those paddles of wood I used to get tormented with by that horrible family.
"Bor's, Kellan!" I roared, getting their attention from outside. "Hold these vicious ladies still while they receive punishment."
"What?"
"But we did nothing wrong!"
They tried hard to profess their innocence, but I didn't care. I unleashed my frustration on this type of person to my heart's content.
Each of them received a smack to their arm, leg, and back.
Throwing the piece of wood down, blood splattered across it. I took Noah's outstretched arm, turning towards the exit with a proud swish of my cloak.
"Oh," I added lightly, "one last thing."
They all looked up at me with terrified expressions.
"Those boots were really cute. Shame you're too stupid to sell them."
With that, I walked out into the snow, leaving them all in a stunned silence.