Page 13 of A Yulean Sister’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped

Which in part included pretending the people beneath you in the pecking order didn’t exist.

Moons, this was going to be a long two days.

It was strange watching people split the path for us, creating room for someone they perceived as higher than them. Even as a captain I didn’t get this kind of treatment from others, but as someone with shined buttons and a jewel-encrusted broach, the sea split wide open for me.

The sun was just cresting over the city as we entered the gaudy carriage. I had to wrap my tail in a tight coil to fit comfortably and duck my head slightly. These human things were not built for me, obviously.

Bramwell was able to sneak in easily. As a shifter, he appeared human most of the time. If he changed, however, no one would fit in this small area.

As soon as the door was clicked shut the horses ahead began their trot down the cobblestone streets. The city was much different than the ones of Yerev. While the buildings of Yerev were usually made of light, white stones and had tall ceilings to help battle some of the heat, Peradona had shorter buildings with darker brick, all smooshed together on either side to create dense walls of city blocks. It made sense with the landscape, but at the same time it made it feel very claustrophobic.

However, as we moved further from the dock and closer to the manor, the more space that was provided, with houses now littered across the street with larger yards. And the manor on top of the hill seemed to encase acres upon acres of land, all held behind a wrought iron fence.

The building was in the same style as the ones below, just blown up to a scale that was unnecessary for anyone. “Ready, sir?” Bramwell said. He’d already exited the carriage and was waiting patiently for me with the door open. I rolled my eyes since we were the only ones visible, and he gave the smallest smirk of acknowledgment before turning blank and staring forward, as if I didn’t exist either.

Such a weird formality.

Someone was there to greet us quickly. It was a stout human, with a list in his hand. He bowed at me. “Hello sir, excellent to have you here. Could I get your name so we can get you settled in.”

“Augustus Chalamond,” I said. I’d had to recite it to myself a bunch of times. Who came up with this horrendous name, I might never know.

His finger slid across the list. “Sir Chalamond, I have you right here.” He took the quill in his hand, dipped it in the ink pot secured in the corner and crossed my name off. It reminded me of when Chef Lou did the inventory of the stores on the ship.

“If you want to come right this way, they’ll take your bags to your room. Dinner just began if you’d like to join in.”

Great. I thought I’d be late enough to skip, but it seemed not. “Excellent,” I said instead, keeping my pleasant, but disinterested smile. “Thank you.”

He bowed again before stepping aside to give me space. I slithered up the stairs, my tail gliding over each step as we were led through the halls. I did my best to look bored and disinterested, but in reality I was memorizing every exit and corridor I was led through. Though dinner sounded truly horrible, it would give me another excuse to learn more about the place outside of maps and blueprints we’d managed to find.

That was important when you planned to steal something from a princess.

Our rooms were down a large hall that was uniformly lined with doors. I assumed all the other guests were here, which would make it even easier if my target was in proximity.

Once we were shut behind the doors and all of the bags were brought in I allowed myself to relax.

“Moons, this sucks.” I wrapped my tail in a tight coil to rest on. None of the furniture here would be suitable for me to sit in. I would be surprised if the bed would even work.

“Oh, I wouldn’t say it’s all bad,” Bramwell said. “We could be trapped in the mud pits of Coralin again. At least we’re getting fed here.”

I let out a laugh. It was fair, we had definitely been in objectively worse situations. But at least I didn’t need to worry about using the correct fork in the mud pits.

“You’re correct,” I confirmed. “We should probably go soon if dinner has already started.”

He nodded. “Except I think you’re on your own for this one. No one’s bringing their steward to dinner.”

Great, even worse. “You’re right.” I rolled my neck, gearing up for what I was sure would be a nightmarish evening. “While I’m gone⁠—”

“Lay a perimeter, don’t get caught, review the plans. I know, Cap.”

I scowled, but didn’t let it linger. “I get it, you’re capable.”

“Nope, you’re just predictable.”

“Ass.” I nudged his shoulder as I moved towards the door. With each slither forward I let my back straighten and my posture correct. Nobles always had good posture. With one last glance to Bramwell I left the safety of our rooms and entered into what felt like the lion’s den.

Moons have mercy.

Chapter 5