7. The first sight

The two of them came out of the lodging when the sun was high in the sky. On the azure sky climate Violet saw flocks of black birds flying. Her clear cacao irises widened at the sight of the flock of tiny birds form a wide pattern in the air and then spread again.

Unaware that Maxon gaze was watching her every move seriously "You seem interested in every little thing you see"

Violet turned to him and her lips formed a sweet smile.

"You look so beautiful when you smile, Violet," he said.

Seeing him now, Violet wanted to scream that she should be the one who should be stunned. If only Maxon could hear Violet's heart now beating so wildly.

This morning after coming out of the bathroom a lovely dress made of a silky garments was lying on the coverlets. The dress had a soft lavender color and fell like water following her curves.

When Violet saw her appearance in the mirror, the dress fit perfectly on her body. But she felt unworthy to wear it.

"Maxon, I.. I thank you once again"

He waved his hand in the air "this is the fifteenth time you've said it this morning Violet. Not to mention yesterday. Stop saying that or you'll just make me annoyed"

She shut her mouth and puffed out her cheeks. The city was bustling. Dozens of gallant horses and luxurious horse carriages passed by.

Carrying their lord and lady clad in a silk, velvet and gemstones jewelry. Immortal nobles.

Violet felt fear creep up her guts. Her steps stopped.

"We'll probably need a horse to get out of here. The route will be very crowded. I'll take you to the rental."

Violet nodded.

Maxon's hand landed on her hair "What's wrong Violet? You look frightened"

Violet shook her head. She just wished her fear wasn't that obvious on her face.

Those nobles. That's not a good sign.

Uncontrollably, horrible memories flashed through her mind like thousands of crows being flown. Her hands were tremble.

Seeing that Maxon gripped her tightly. Wrapping Violet's Fingers in his wide palm. He knew that something was wrong with this girl. The girl he just had found yesterday was huddled in the middle of the bustling night city.

Maxon pulled her aside to calm her down. "Can you wait here for a bit? I'll just get you a drink."

"It's not necessary-"

But Maxon didn't hear her and had already run away.

Violet held her knees there. She wiped the sweat dripping down her temple. Several passers-by glanced at her. It was then that her ears caught the sound of a horse neighing close by. Violet glanced around.

Not far from her, behind her, the stable where the horse rental was located. Some people were there.

Maxon was still nowhere to be seen. Violet hesitated. But it doesn't wrong, does it? She can come back here when Maxon arrives.

Violet walked over to the stables rental and immediately smiled at the row of horses. She had always admired this wondrous animal. Back when she was in Los Angeles she always wanted to race horses. But her wish was not fulfilled.

She chooses. Several horses sniffed her hair as if to invite her to play. Violet laughed. Her choice fell to Palfrey with a beautiful mist-like gray mane.

"Anything caught your attention?" A rental employee approached her.

"it is so beautiful. Did you rent her out too?" Violet's hand reached out to the horse's head.

"Sure. I will call my boss, you can try to see and make your choice first"

Violet nodded. Soon a chubby man with a long beard approached her. Owner of the rental.

"I want this one." Violet pointed to the horse "And another one for my friend"

"All right. I'll get you a saddle and give you a price." He left for a moment.

Violet waited for him. But the man came back again "Sorry, too bad you can't rent it girl. Someone has rented it for a fantastic price. I can't give it to you"

"But I rented it first" upset filled her "Why did you give it to the others?" her voice was filled with disappointment.

The fat stable owner just shrugged "if you want to bid a higher price I can just give it to you. Tell me, how many sacks of coins do you offer?"

Violet was silent. Never mind how many sacks. One piece she did not have. She owes Maxon all of this.

She glanced at the Palfrey one last time and sighed. The horse looked back at Violet.

Violet sighed "alright. Give me another horse then"

"You can't. All the horses in my stable have been bought by someone. You can go to another rental, girl."

"What? Can't you just spare one? I'm a customer too!"

"I can't" he folded his arms "there are two types of customers. One who is willing to pay a high price. And another, a girl your age usually" he glanced up and down at Violet's appearance, then smirked scornfully "they must think they can get anything by offering their beauty and body. "

Violet's face reddened. But this time it wasn't out of shame. Anger has taken over.

She lunged to hit the owner of the stable. How could she meet such a pervert in both worlds?

"Don't be impertinent-"

The man pushed Violet's body so easily that she stumbled backwards and fell to the floor. Violet hissed in pain but she got back up. "You can't keep your mouth shut?-"

"What's this commotion?" Someone's voice interrupted them both.

As soon as he saw him the stable owner's temperament changed, he bowed politely to him "I'm sorry my lord. This girl is trying to make a fuss"

"what on earth are you saying? I tried to rent your horse nicely. But instead you gave it to someone else"

"You should have my horse ready. I want it all out before nightfall" His voice was flat and sounding somehow disgusted.

The stable owner nodded.

Alexander saw who the girl was, at the same time Violet looked up to see who the man who had bought this entire stable was. When their eyes met, his blood froze