He sighed, returning to his room and dimming the lanterns. He laid down amongst his pillows and soft fabrics and tried to relax. *** Wren bought her chamomile as well, and waited for him.
She stood up before beginning to walk along the roofs of town, whistling the tune she had danced to as she walked. *** He bought everything silently, ducking his head as he paid and turning to leave.
Ezekiel remained unaware, pouring himself a small glass of wine, listening to the noises outside. *** She followed him out, her head tilted slightly.
A few days later, Clara was back on the streets, dancing to another tune. Her eyes were bright as she twirled, her skirt billowing out in the wind. * * * Somewhere else in the world, Charlie was peering through his microscope, twisting the lens. "This is fascinating, Wren," he said slowly.
Ezekiel was out again, wearing a different cloak and covering his identity. He was watching her again, this time from afar and acting a bit more wary than last time. *** She was sitting nearby at a table, sipping a cup of tea calmly. "Is it?" she asked. "Would you explain it to me?"
As he watched, hands reached out from the crowd to grab at her skirt. With a dazzling smile, she stepped back, dodging the hands playfully as the music increased. She twirled, and the music slowed as the sound of clopping hooves approached. Her smile fell and she knelt down, grabbing the hat of coins and turning to the musicians, hastening them to gather their instruments. She helped the horn play stash his instrument and as he took off, she turned to leave before coming face-to-face with a guard. "You know the rule, gypsy," the guard said gruffly, getting off the horse. "No dancing for money." She bristled, snapping the hat to her belt with a frown. "These are my fares," she replied, raising one eyebrow as she looked up at the imposing figure. "I earned them." "You seduced the townspeople," he said, grabbing her wrist. "You obtained their money through dishonorable means." She tried to pull away, panic obvious in her frame. "I danced! That's my job, sir." * * * He looked over at her with a small grin, pushing his glasses up his nose. "You don't need to pretend to be interested, my friend. I appreciate your kindness, though."
Ezekiel frowned, standing up from his seat and approaching them, his pace quickening. *** She put down her glass with a small frown, looking down at it. "I am interested in knowing."
"Under the rule of His Majesty the King, I am placing you under arrest," the guard announced to the crowd, snapping handcuffs around her wrists. She struggled, pulling away from him as Ezekiel approached. The guard looked down, raising one eyebrow. "Yes?" * * * He brightened, coming over to her and taking her hand before pulling her to the microscope. "Look."
He looked up at the guard sharply, pulling down his hood and speaking in a surprisingly commanding voice. "By order of the prince, I command you to release that woman this instant." *** Her expression softened, and she peered into the microscope curiously.
Both the guard and Clara stared at him, the guard's mouth falling open and Clara's brow arching in confusion. "S-sire," the guard stammered, glancing at Clara. "She is a criminal." * * * Reds and yellows and blues greeted her, swirling around the lense, swimming through murky purple waters that gleamed like jewels.
"Act IX is under consideration of being revoked," he decided, watching the guard intensely. "Do as I say and release her." *** She looked a little surprised, observing. "What is it?"
He frowned but turned to the girl, unlocking her handcuffs. She rubbed her wrists, saying nothing, still watching Ezekiel with a frown on her face. "Any further orders, sir?" * * * "Identifying bacteria," he said, watching her. "I noticed you like the more colorful ones. It's pretty, no?"
He relaxed slightly, though remained quite confident. "No, that will be all. You may return to your duties." *** She looked over at him out of the corner of her eye for a moment before nodding. "It is."
He nodded before bumping Clara with his shoulder. "Be grateful, gyp," he barked gruffly. "That's the prince who just saved you." She looked over at him with disdain and he frowned before getting back up on his horse. Clara's gaze, intense and focused, settled upon Ezekiel, and she raised one eyebrow. * * * He grinned at her before shrugging. "You don't have to keep looking. I just thought you'd like it."
Ezekiel was frowning, watching the guard go with crossed arms. He paused before looking down at her. "You need to be careful." *** She stepped back, looking over at him. "I do like it. It's pretty."
She was still watching him with that intense gaze, but a small smile was playing on her lips. "Act IX, huh?" she asked, her voice still low and smooth. "You did some research." * * * "I'm glad you think so," he said brightly, peering back through the lens. "I'm glad I guessed correctly."
He squinted at her. "I did. I've been discussing them with the king, as well." *** He laughed slightly, the sound genuine and soft. This was even rarer than a smile. "That you did."
Her eyes brightened and she tilted her head thoughtfully, studying him. "What made you change your mind?" * * * He jerked his head up, looking over at her in surprise before a smile took over his face and he bent his head over the microscope again. "Good thing I'm a genius."
