Crimson and Gold

Mormo’s den was hidden well despite being in plain sight. It took quite some time for Lysandra and Saria to find the entrance, the real entrance.

The brothel, ‘Charybdis’, was located at the back of an inn, with its door hidden in the courtyard. To get there, it was necessary to pass first through the official and legitimate business in the building, and only then could they access their real target.

Fortunately, the pass they got from Beu Perius allowed them to get in, though it earned them a weird look from the gatekeeper.

The interior surprised them with its tasteful luxury.

Floors covered in black and white marble, arranged in a neat geometrical pattern. Polished columns with simple, yet impressive echinuses at the top.

The wooden accents and decorative plants made the place feel no less luxurious than an establishment for the elites.

Lysandra even felt that Mormo’s taste may be even more refined than most nobles she met. They had the tendency to fill their villas with extravagantly expensive furniture and decor without any rhyme or reason.

As they were making their way through the hallways, the guests looked at them suspiciously, but nobody approached. They all kept it to themselves, stealing curious and suspicious glances at the two women.

“It feels like we walked right into the lion’s den and now we’re walking straight into its jaws,” Saria muttered quietly enough so that only Lysandra could hear her. “Everyone is looking at us.”

Lysandra glanced over her shoulder at Saria walking slightly behind her and gave her a sly smile. “You look quite snazzy today. I can’t blame them for staring.”

Completely unprepared for this sudden flirting, Saria was at a loss for words, with her ears and cheeks burning under the hood.

“You seem very unbothered by our current situation,” Saria said eventually after regaining composure.

“Someone being in this business for as long as Mormo knows just how stupid it would be to have anything happen to me,” Lysandra said, then raised her chin high. “And if by any chance he is, then I have you to get us out of this.”

“I’m afraid you’re overestimating my abilities.”

Lysandra stopped and turned around to look at her. “Or maybe you’re underestimating yourself.”

Seeing the heaviness in her eyes dissipate, Lysandra smiled with content and started walking again.

A moment later, they reached the main hall of the establishment.

While the other parts of the place were already impressive with the decor, the main hall left an even bigger impression. With the shallow fountain placed in the middle and comfortable sofas arranged around it, it seemed to offer a moment of respite to anyone who came there.

The warm woody scent of incense was present in the air, soothing the senses.

However, the moment Saria and Lysandra walked in, the serene scene suddenly shifted. Seeing them, everyone hastily got up and left the main chamber without a word.

From the opposite side of the hall came out a tall man in his thirties. He wore a simple white and brown toga that complemented his dark brown eyes and tan skin. His curly black hair was neatly combed back, revealing his handsome, chiseled face.

“Your Highness, welcome to ‘Charybdis’,” he said, as a group of his guards blocked off every exit and surrounded the newly arrived guests.

“Mormo. This is a very unique way to welcome an esteemed guest,” Lysandra answered calmly.

Mormo didn’t answer, his eyes shifted from Lysandra to the woman next to her. Under the dark hood, he noticed dark red eyes darting around the room, scanning his men, assessing the danger.

“I know that you could kill everyone in here before I have the chance to give an order,” he said, addressing Saria directly.

“I’ll cut to the chase. I know why you’re here. I know what you’re looking for. I will give you the information you’re looking for, but not for free.”

Lysandra looked at him curiously. “Name your price.”

Mormo’s gaze drifted back to Lysandra. “I need your skilled companion to do something for me.”

“What is it this time?” Saria scoffed, “Should I go to the forest and gather a basket of herbs for you?”

People requiring her assistance seemed to be popping everywhere like mushrooms after the rain.

“I’m glad to see you in a good mood. Unfortunately, the task I have for you is much less pleasant.” Mormo’s expression remained unsettlingly neutral.

“There is a property south-west of Aervelis. It belongs to a gang which had been causing me a lot of problems lately,” he continued.

Saria raised an eyebrow. “So you want me to kill them. Is that what it is?”

“I don’t care what you do with them. My interest lies with the person they’re imprisoning there. I’ll need you to break her out and bring her to me.”

“That’s it?”

For the first time, Mormo’s face betrayed a hint of emotion. “I wouldn’t mind a basket of verbena. We’re almost out,” he smirked.

Saria groaned and rolled her eyes.

“Why can’t you get her back yourself?” Lysandra cut in. “You seem to have plenty of men at your disposal. Why wait for me?”

“The man who owns the villa is named Yanis, and I had the displeasure of having a confrontation with him not long ago. The encounter didn’t leave my people in the best shape,” Mormo cast his eyes down and exhaled heavily, “I lost many people. Too many.”

“It sounds like Yanis and his men are quite dangerous. What makes you believe that Saria alone can handle it?”

Mormo took a few steps down towards the fountain in the middle and submerged his hand in the crystal clear water to cool down. “She’s not an ordinary person. We both know that, Your Highness.”

Lysandra stole a glance at Saria, who was currently drilling a hole in Mormo’s forehead with her gaze.

Sensing that someone was looking at her, she turned her head and met the Princess eyes and the question hidden behind them.

She gave her a slight nod, then turned to Mormo. “We’ll be back with the girl.”

Saria turned to leave, leading Lysandra out, but then the guards stopped them.

“I’m afraid you’re misunderstanding,” Mormo said. “Her Highness is staying with me while we’re waiting for your return.”

Anger flickered in Saria’s eyes.

“You must be out of your damn mind if you think I’m going to leave her alone with you, Mormo.”

“This is nonnegotiable. I need a guarantee that you will hold your part of the bargain.”

“Is my word not enough?”

A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Be in this business as long as I and you will learn that words hardly ever hold any meaning,” he said.

“But somehow I’m supposed to believe yours?”

“This is my final offer,” Mormo shrugged, “Take it or leave it.”

Lysandra took Saria’s hand. “It’s alright. I’ll stay. He isn’t stupid, he wouldn’t do anything to me.”

“Are you sure? I don’t feel good leaving you here alone… with him,” Saria gestured with disgust towards Mormo.

Lysandra squeezed her hand. “I’m sure.”

“You should listen to your mistress.” Mormo cut in.

Saria glared at him, barely holding off the insult.

Then, she faced Lysandra once more.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” she said, then lowered her voice so only they could hear it and leaned closer, “Do you still have the knife I gave you?”

“I do,” Lysandra answered, “On my thigh.”

“Good,” Saria nodded, very content, “then remember: eyes, throat, groin, and find yourself a safe place to barricade yourself in. I’ll come back as fast as I can,” she repeated the same instructions as before.

The Princess smiled at her softly and squeezed her hands. “I remember. Don’t worry. Just make sure you come back in one piece.”

“I will.”

Saria cast the last warning gaze at Mormo, then quickly left ‘Charybdis’.

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