Tanya’s cheeks flushed, and she only hesitated a moment before taking Faust’s hand. “The honor is all mine, my lord. We have prepared a new wardrobe for you.”
“Why was a new one prepared?” Rene asked.
“Word got back to the king, that is why.” Chloe yanked Faust forward. “Do you think he looks that different? He’s too well-known by the knights with the fine dress he’s in now. He will do better in commoner clothes.”
Faust frowned. “Was it an order?”
“But of course,” Chloe said. “Now hurry along. I assure you that you will still be comfortable and pleased.” She looked to Rene. “Have you met with your escort yet? I can send the rest of the wardrobe there.”
Faust raised his hand. “I hired one already.”
Chloe’s eyes widened a fraction. “I see,” she mused and glanced to Zara.
Zara waved, looking rather smug.
Chloe tapped her cane on the ground. “I can see why the king was upset.”
“I figured he would be,” Rene said.
Faust pursed his lips. They acted like his choice was inadequate and would lead to failure.
“This way.” Tanya motioned.
Faust accompanied her into the sewing room. He stepped behind the changing screen and undressed. His new clothes were thrown over the side, and he stared. They were simple riding clothes—clothes he was certain were meant for a page or an archer.
He slipped on the loose under tunic, grateful that it was high collared, but surprised at how the sleeves billowed down the long cuffs of his forearm. Chloe had designed these clothes to keep his skin out of sight.
He held his pants up and frowned. These looked snug. Faust resigned himself and put the slimming pants on despite their tight design, scowling. His brother must’ve sent his measurements.
Faust grabbed the second tunic next, pleased it held a small amount of embroidery, but it was nothing compared to his usual regalia. He tied his sash and walked around from behind the screen.
Tanya clapped her hands. “They look great!”
Faust gave her a small smile.
Tanya grabbed a small chest and moved it in front of Faust. “Here is the leather armor the king commissioned for you as well, and your new boots.”
Faust preferred metal armor, but he supposed a merchant wouldn’t walk around in high-grade armor. “Thank you.” He tied the pieces in place with Tanya’s help. “Did he say I could carry weapons?”
“He did,” Chloe said as she walked over, Rene hovering nearby. “I have brought you two secure belts, a scarf, and a cloak.”
Faust fixed the belts first. They even had the latest magic stone holders. He was more like a battle merchant than the court merchant. It made him feel like himself and far less powerless. This outfit would attract less attention, too.
“Tanya, can you get the swords?” Chloe called and passed Faust his cloak. “I placed them in the safe room.”
Tanya moved a rug by the desk out of the way. She pulled up a piece of wood and dropped down into the floor.
Faust stared as he fastened his cloak.
“I have placed slits for your arms, and it should keep you warm while you travel,” Chloe explained.
Faust tested the slits out, pleased at how well he could move. She had lined the cloak with fur as well. “Why do I need the scarf?”
“To hide your face of course,” Chloe said with a clank of her cane on the floor. “Rene, come lift his hood so we can wrap this properly.”
Rene sighed but did as he was asked.
Faust bit back a laugh. Merchants were always so forward and demanding. It was no wonder Konrad chose this profession to hide him. He could give orders and not look out of place.
Faust wrapped the scarf around his neck, delighted it was warm and not bulky.
Tanya laid two decorated swords on the floor and hoisted herself back into the room.
Zara picked up the high-quality blades. “Here you go, Lord Arcus.”
Faust placed them in his holsters. “Thank you, Lady Zara.”
Zara shoved his arm. “Lady, Ignas would bust a gut.”
“You are a lady,” Faust insisted.
Zara pulled him close with a smile. “I am liking you even more.”
Faust bowed his head. “The feeling is mutual.” He tested his movements with a satisfied nod. It felt natural to have a sword on both sides of his hips. He could defend himself well against any wayward knights.
Chloe handed Faust a pair of simple teardrop earrings. “Where shall I send the rest of the clothing?”
Faust put the small purple earrings in place. He had been certain he wouldn’t get to wear any jewelry in this disguise. He felt weird without it.
Zara pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled a location. “The rest of us are outside Hol. They’re meeting us near the southern entrance once we leave.”
Chloe nodded. “Perhaps I should send warmer clothes with you for the evening then.” She looked to Faust. “I wasn’t aware you would stay here for a few days.”
“Ignas will keep him warm,” Zara nudged.
Faust blushed. He didn’t think he had a chance with him, not when Ignas went for people inside a brothel.
Rene glared. “He will do no such thing.”
Chloe whacked Rene in the leg with her cane. “The prince is allowed to pursue his interests.”
Zara’s lips quirked in amusement. “At least we won’t have to use the paint again.”
Faust touched his face. He hadn’t expected to be so close to Ignas when that happened. The feel of Ignas’s fingers across his skin sent fire through him, and he wanted to feel that heat again someday.
“Ignas won’t be able to keep his hands off you,” Zara added with a knowing grin. “The paint was only a distraction. Although, no matter how you look, Ignas will still fawn over you.”
Faust shook his head, pushing the thoughts away. Perhaps he would speak of his interest to court Ignas when he saw him next, so they’d be exclusive to each other. Faust’d known of his looks, but he hadn’t been allowed to pursue anyone. His brother kept suitors yard lengths from him, even at the royal balls when he could help it. The thought of openly pursuing his attraction to Ignas without Konrad’s interference was exhilarating.
The door to the shop opened, and heavy footsteps fell along the floor with a jangle of armor and swords.
Faust’s gaze darted to Chloe.
“Lady Chloe! Are you here?” the knight requested. “I have come for the items my lady ordered.”
“Right away,” Chloe called. She brought Tanya closer and whispered, “Lead them out the back, feel free to knock something over on your way back as a distraction.”
Tanya nodded.
Chloe turned to Zara next. “Give my regards to Sir Earl when you see him.”
Zara’s eyes flickered with caution, but she nodded.
Faust bowed to Chloe. She patted his head, and he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. “I am in your debt.”
“That debt is already paid. Now go, stay safe. We are relying on you.”
Rene pulled Faust along.
Faust needed to figure out what his brother was planning before he got to Roltan. Something big was going to happen soon.
Chloe tapped her cane down hard and made her way to the front of the shop and out of sight.