Chapter 4

At that, I quickly began to tune out their conversation. I may not know everything that comes with being a vixen, but I know enough that I want it to be a part of my plan. It wasn’t a decision I decided on a whim. It wasn’t impulsive nor was it thoughtless.

I’m getting tired of people assuming so. 

As I grumbled to myself, annoyed with the continued squabbling and hungry for food, I began to search for our wench. Ignoring the pointed stares, and only briefly glancing towards dancing vixens, I finally spotted a familiar flash of dirty blonde. “I think that’s our food.”

The wench weaved through the lot of drunken patrons, a tray of food held high in the air. She flashed a sweet smile to the regulars, rolling her eyes at the men that leered and ogled at her. “Here you go, darlings.”

I grinned, “Everything looks amazing, Pertrece.”

“I was able to help with the biscuits this time.” Pertrece said, placing down a basket of food onto the table. “I think they might move me to the kitchen soon.”

“You’ll need to do more than help prepare biscuits.” Tawny snarked, a teasing grin forming. “Have you mastered making a pot pie yet?”

“Have you?” Pertrece snarked back. 

“I’m not trying to make a career in the kitchen.” Tawny argued, “My life belongs on the battlefield.”

“As if I would trust you to defend my country.”

“Well,” Ruzette huffed quietly. She glanced over at me, obviously appalled by their behavior. “What are they doing? They’re being incredibly rude.”

“It's a little friendly banter.” I answered, my attention glued onto the food that was being placed before us. “Nothing that requires our attention, Ruzette. Just ignore them.”

It was a spread of delicious nosh’s, baskets upon baskets of food. A pile of handmade biscuits coated in a buttery glaze. Sandwiches that were made up of honeyed ham and thin slices of bread. Another round of drinks was presented before us as she swapped out the empty mugs.

“One of the chefs managed to snag a few rabbits from the market.” Pertrece began to explain to me. “I know how much you like our stews. I can have him prepare a bowl for you.”

“I’m not planning to be here long enough to enjoy it.” I answered, “I have some errands I need to finish before night falls. I should be back sometime later this week if you think there'll be any left.”

“I’ll make sure of it.”

I smiled, “Thank you.” 

“It's the least I can do.” Pertrece sweetly insisted. We shared a smile, hers stained with my pity while mine was giddy over the thought of a promised bowl of rabbit stew, a shout of her name grabbed her attention. She turned around just as her name was shouted again, a man adorning a dirty apron, holding a tray of steaming food stood near the kitchen entrance. “I have to get back to work. I’ll chat with you ladies later.”

“Bye Pertrece!” Ruzette waved.

With my mouth full with the first of many sandwiches, I merely waved towards the wench, unsuccessfully trying to swallow the chewed load that was in my mouth. 

“Keep chewing.” Tawny grouched, “I rather you didn't choke to death on a ham sandwich.”

Begrudgingly, I continued to chew.

Tawny turned her attention towards Pertrece. Her mug of mead was almost empty as she shook the stein towards the wench. “I'm going to need another one of these soon.”

“Classy.” Pertrece drawled out sarcastically, picking up the empty tray.

As Tawny took another swig, eyes peering over the mug, focusing on Pertrece’s leaving figure, I turned my attention back towards the dancing vixens. A new pair of women has taken place, starting their performance with charming grins and flirty finger waves.  

The men roared at the sight.

Their hips slowly began to sway as a new wave of coins was tossed towards their feet. The vixens gleefully gazed at the growing piles of gold, “This is going to be an easy night.” One grinned.  

The other spoke, tossing her hair over her shoulder and eyeing up a knight that had walked through the door. “I love easy nights.”

Easy money for the likes of them.

Maybe one day that I can get a taste of that.