Chapter 13

Dryden led Rika out the side gate, giving the guard a nod as he went by, holding Rika's hand.

"You know, I expected you to have a secret guardless route out of the palace," Rika said after they were down the street from the exit.

"That doesn't sound safe for the palace, but I guess there is an underground one for the royals and those in the know during an emergency."

"He also didn't seem to bat an eye at my leaving."

"Because most people don't know you yet, and it wouldn't be the first time I brought a woman with me to show them the palace." Dryden cleared his throat and looked down the street both ways. "Would you like to go shopping first? We have an excellent selection of stores down this way. Busiest in our country."

"I don't have any money." Been a long time since I've said that, but I guess I might not need any while living at the palace.

Dryden frowned for a moment, tilting his head. "You think I'd get you to pay for something? I don't know how things work in your world, but I've never asked someone to go shopping with me while expecting them to pay."

"Well..." It's not worth going down that route. "Never mind. I'm not looking to buy anything right now."

"But what if a cute hair ornament or something catches your eye? I'd love to buy it for you, especially as a momento of our date."

"I'm not fond of picking out gifts for myself." Kinda defeats the purpose.

"How about we stroll by, anyway? At least you'll get to see what it's like, and get a walk in. Oh, maybe I should've gotten a carriage instead..."

"Walking is fine. And I don't know what to do out here; I just wanted out of the palace."

"Fresh air without the stifling expectations?"

"Something like that." Rika nodded.

Dryden led her down the street, careful to stay to the sides and leave the middle open for carriages.

It's paved? Wasn't expecting it to be. I should've paid more attention when I was looking out the window.

"We've got all sorts of jewellery stores, clothing stores. Oh, that tiara would match you. What do you think?" Dryden asked as they stopped to look through a store window.

"I don't think it'd match my cloak." Besides, I can only imagine the cost—and there are better uses.

He couldn't help but laugh, his whole face lighting up. "You are definitely different from most girls I know; they'd jump at the chance to have a tiara."

"I always seem to be different. And there's a ton of jewellery and clothing available to me in the palace."

"I know; I bought them, remember? But now that I know you, it'd be nice to add something more personal to the collection, and those jewels would match your hair."

"Thanks, but no thanks."

"Alright then."

They continued down the street filled with shoppers in elegant clothes and merchants trying to lure them in.

All the hustle and bustle of a market makes it hard to believe there's a problem in this town.

They passed an alleyway, and something caught her attention from the corner of her eye. A dog limped as it walked towards them, blood on its leg.

"Oh no," she gasped and pulled Dryden back. "This poor dog is hurt."

"I wonder what it's doing over here on its own." Dryden knelt down with her and petted the dog's head. "Hey there, where's your owner?" He looked at the tag.

Rika stared at the blood on its leg. I can help it. I should help it. "Dryden, is anyone watching?" she asked.

"No, why? Oh." He stood behind her slightly, blocking the view as he looked around.

Glad he caught on. "Here, I'll help you, little one." Rika reached out to touch the dog's leg and closed her eyes, focusing on healing it. A warm energy flowed from her hand into the dog, and in a moment, its wound healed.

The dog's tail wagged as it nuzzled up against her hand.

"Casey! Casey! There you are!" A little girl ran up to the dog. "Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you." She hugged her dog. "Don't ever run away again. Oh no, are you hurt?" She kissed the dog's head and looked at Rika, who backed away.

"We were just wondering where the owner was. I'm glad you two found each other again. You might want to clean her leg. Don't worry; she's okay." Rika gave her a small bow as she backed away, right into Dryden. "Oops, sorry."

"No worries." Dryden held onto her waist to keep her steady.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the rose icon glow. Again? "Ahem." She cleared her throat and stepped away from him, overly aware of his hands on her waist. "Let's move away before we draw attention or something."

Dryden took her hand again, and they continued down the bustling street. "How about we stop at the cafe for some coffee and sweets? An afternoon perk-up. I know a good one near here."

"Sure." Rika couldn't stop herself from looking around, making it obvious it was her first time in town, but also drawing a few stares. Oh, that's cute. She eyed a white teddy bear with a red bow in the window while they waited for a carriage to pass by to cross the street. I have a similar one at home. I sure miss him.

They headed into Lucy's Cafe, and Dryden pulled out a seat for her.

"Thanks." She sat down and looked around at the bunny decorations filling the cafe. He totally did this on purpose.

Dryden came back a moment later and sat down across from her. "What do you think of this place?"

"Cute, but I can't help but wonder why you chose this one specifically." She sighed.

"I couldn't help myself." Dryden laughed. "But really, this place is great."

"Are you a regular here?"

"Here you go." The server set down a mug with the foam in the shape of a heart down in front of Dryden, and a normal one in front of her, along with two slices of cake. "Let me know if you need anything else. Anything at all." She smiled at Dryden, a hint of blush on her cheeks as she hugged her empty tray to her chest.

"Thank you." Dryden smiled, and she headed off to serve another customer.

"Never mind."

"What?"

"Either you wooed her in the minute you were away, or she's seen you here a lot." Rika took a sip of her coffee. Oh, this is good. Better than what I could get at work.

"Well... I wouldn't say a lot, and girls swoon in an instant from me. Some girls, anyway."

He does have charm in abundance. She took a forkful of cake. "Mmm... Is this carrot cake?"

"With cream cheese frosting."

"You're leaning heavily into this bunny thing with me, aren't you?"

"If you don't want to eat it..." Dryden rested his fingers on the edge of her plate.

She slid it away. "I didn't say that."

"You do love your sweets. If there's something else you want to try, feel free to order it." Dryden gestured towards the display case in the back and dug into his cake.

"As much as I'd love to pig out on desserts, I know not to. Thanks, though; this is great." Been down that road of binge eating every dessert I could order at a cafe before. It's not worth the aftereffects. "Say, is there a bathroom I can use here?"

Dryden pointed over his shoulder. "Right there."

"Thanks. I'll be right back."

Dryden nodded and sipped his drink, staring out the window at the store across the street.

Rika used the bathroom, grumbling about her dress the entire time, and stood in front of the mirror, staring at the stranger in the reflection. I wonder if I'll be in this body forever. She splashed cold water on her face and shook her head. Focus on now, and I'll eventually get home. Maybe.

She headed back to her table with Dryden.

"You okay?" Dryden asked.

"Yup, I'm fine."

Yelling broke out outside in the streets as crowds formed, followed by a few screams.

"Is that normal?" Rika swallowed hard.

"No... I'll go check things out." Dryden got up.

"I'm not staying here to hide." She grabbed his hand.

Dryden looked outside and then at her and pulled her hood back up, along with his. "Fine, but don't you dare let go."