Chapter Text
Seulgi’s heavy breathing and the strong thumping of her heart echoed in her ears. There was a light burn in her chest and the back of her legs ached a bit with how long she’d been running. Don’t get her wrong she was in perfect shape thank you, her body can attest to that, but it’d be great if her horse were here too for her getaway to be accomplished a lot quicker.
“Pardon me, so sorry,” she yelled, ducking to the side to avoid an elderly woman with a basket of bread and meat, who jumped out from a side lane.
“Hey! Watch where you're going!” wheezed the old woman after her, clutching her chest. She grumbled, but Seulgi was too far to catch her voice.
“A thousand apologies, my lady!” she called charmingly over her shoulder, throwing a wave of her hand.
“Oi! Stop, you!” The voices came out furious and panting, as if out of breath. People turned their heads at the commotion.
Seulgi pressed a hand against a wall as she stopped for a moment, adrenaline pumping through her veins. Ah, there they were. Great, towering ugly broods in pursuit of her. They turned the corner and stopped, searching the area with squinty eyes until they landed on Seulgi. She threw a wink, leaning against the wall with crossed arms, and beckoned them in a ‘catch me if you can’ gesture.
“Don’t move, girl, or I’ll bash your head in!” growled the leader of the guards. “My lord wants a word with you.”
“Not much time, I’m afraid. Looking for this, I suppose?” she called across the square and held up a pouch heavy with gold coins. “I’m sure your lord can spare a few to feed his people, can’t he?”
They gave an enraged yell and stormed towards her, their feet stomping like elephants. Seulgi shoved the pouch in her pocket and turned on her heels, her movements were agile and fast like a fish gliding through the sea as she quickened her pace. The clumsy guards would never actually be able to keep up with her, she knew that first-hand, but it was a prime opportunity to goad them, making them ripe for mistakes. She’d love to see them trip over their own feet. That’d show their lord something.
The cluster of guards shoved a group of farmers that came in their way, causing them to tumble to the ground. Seulgi winced, knowing that must have hurt. She peered over her shoulder, seeing the soldiers hot on her trail but nowhere near where she was. She grinned widely, satisfaction piercing her heart, but as she turned her head forwards, a piece of clothing — probably from someone’s washing — fluttered in the breeze and landed on her face. She groaned in displeasure as her view turned dark.
She ripped the cloth from her face but, by mischance however, her feet tripped against something, a loose cobblestone maybe, and she came crashing down, her body plunging with a loud thud. Fuck.
She groaned and twisted around onto her back, peeking an eye open just in time for a huge, stocky soldier to glare down at her with a bulging red face, and a sword descended on her in a wide arc as he yelled angrily. Her eyes widened in incredulity and she rolled onto her side instantly, letting the sword clatter on the ground where she’d been. Her hair rustled with how close she’d faced the sharp end. Gods, where the hells had he come from?
“Hey, watch it,” she snapped in offence, rising into a sitting position. “That wasn't very nice. That could have scalped me. Swords are dangerous, didn't you know?”
She smirked but this didn’t seem to have an effect — it simply made the soldier livid. He lashed at her but she was quick to parry again. Thank the gods for her reflexes. She glanced to the side. The rest of the brutes were quickly gaining on her judging by their clamorous, awkward shouts and clanging heavy metal armour.
“Now, now,” she scoffed up at the soldier. “Why can't we have a nice, civilised conversation? You are capable of knowing how to speak, right, you great ugly brute?”
The giant of a man cried aloud and raised his thick tree trunk of an arm but Seulgi was ready for him. She clenched her jaw, grabbed her trusty musket gun from out of her coat pocket and fired two booming shots.
Bang. Bang.
A bullet pierced straight through his thigh, causing the man to buckle on one knee, and the other through his arm, painting his shirt through the armour scarlet. He gave an agonising cry, and Seulgi saw her opportunity as she kicked his other knee with her foot, hard, until he crashed to the floor. She stroked her fingers along the edge of her gun, across the gold-branded image of her family crest and shoved it back into her pocket.
She laughed triumphantly and leapt up, wiped the dust off her breeches, and dashed forwards, the others roaring as they spotted her. She cursed under her breath. Hells, time to vanish.
Her gaze zoomed into her surroundings and rested on a long pole that belonged to a nearby fisherman. Luck was in her favour it seemed. The gods were smiling down at her. With an outstretched arm, she grabbed the pole, waving off an apology to a weather-beaten and rough-looking man chewing on a piece of straw. She saw her opening, her target in sight, and placed more speed in her steps, which lengthened the distance between her and the guards.
She threw the end of the pole, which acted as a springboard for her jump; the extra speed helped her gain height and launch her over a fairly high wall and out of sight as she lowered her knees and pushed off. She landed on her two feet and heard the groans of displeasure far in the distance.
Grinning, she peered around. Some people were staring at her with parted lips and wide eyes; a mother clutched her son to her chest, throwing her an odd look, as they hurried along. Ah, it seemed like she made a sort of commotion. Well, it couldn’t be helped. She was bound to draw some attention.
She appeared to have come out in a sort of crowded market. The perfect place to blend in even if the guards did catch up to her, they’ll never be able to spot her face unless they search every man, woman, or child. She patted her breast pocket for the pouch and thanked the gods for her escape and their blessing, though she was never much of a religious devotee. Odd habits from her father were hard to shake off.
As she walked further along, her hands reached out and in a blink of an eye, she grabbed a white linen cloth from the nearest stall, the merchant too busy dealing with potential customers to notice her nimble, quick fingers. She walked away and wrapped the cloth around her neck, making sure to shield up to her nose. It was better to be safe than sorry.
Seulgi heard the noise of people opening the door and leaving their houses. It was late morning and the bustle in the streets was already present. Children screamed and laughed; cats meowed; dogs barked and fervent voices and bargaining came from the people and the local merchants in the market. The air was rife with sweet and succulent aromas as she breathed in deeply.
A light touch, so light like the end of a feather against her skin, grazed her waistcoat, attempting to grab her silver watch. She narrowed her eyes and gripped the thin wrist tight from escaping; the hand tried to tug back in a rushed panic but Seulgi was stronger and her grip firm.
“Ah, ah, not so fast,” she scolded lightly and turned around to see a short, blonde-haired boy, barely older than one and ten years, with wide, fearful eyes, pulling back with all their strength. His face was grubby with dirt and dust and his clothes were almost in tatters.
“Let me go,” they demanded in a distressed high-pitched voice. “Let me go, or I’ll scream and alert the guards.”
Seulgi smirked in amusement. “Will you now?” she drawled. “Go on then? What are you waiting for? Scream.”
The boy hesitated, looking unsure and had stopped struggling. “You what?”
“Go on then,” she tilted her head, waving her hand at a city guard that was posted against a wall. “Scream and I’ll just tell them a sneaky little thief was trying to steal my pocket watch. Now, who d’ya think they’ll believe? Me or a young child like yourself.” she asked slyly, watching as his eyes darted from her to the guard, lingering on the sharp end of the sword strapped to his waist. “And I can let you go and you can run but who’s to say they won’t hunt you down once I’ve given your description.”
He gulped, his voice shaking when he bravely said, “There’s loads of boys that look like me here. They won’t find none of me.”
Seulgi chuckled. “We’ll see the chances, won’t we? Go then, what are you waiting for?”
The boy darted his gaze from Seulgi to the resting guard. “I-I—” he stuttered, shaking his head, pools welling up in his eyes. He was trapped and he knew it.
Seulgi’s smirk slipped into something softer and genuine though perhaps not quite a smile. “I’m only teasing you. You’re quick with your fingers, I’ll give you that,” she said, releasing her hold on him but the boy didn’t make a dash for it and merely stood peering up at her with a confused frown.
“Huh?”
“Close your mouth or a fly will get in and you don’t want to choke to death, do you? No, I didn't think so. That’s a lousy way to die. This is what you wanted, am I right?” She lifted her pocket watch.
“Please, m’lady, I met no ‘arm by it. I on’y wanted to sell it for a few coins. To get some food. Can’t blame a man for feeding and eating, can ya?” he pleaded.
“Oh, I’m no lady,” she said firmly with a raised eyebrow and the boy blinked.
“Begging pardon, Miss — it’s just you speak like one of them noble folk so I on’y thought.”
She huffed out a laugh. “And who said you’re a man?”
The boy bristled and scowled, puffing out his chest. “Says me. And me mam.”
Seulgi pressed her lips together to keep herself from laughing. Something told her the boy wouldn’t appreciate being made a jest off no matter how tiny he was. Seriously, he barely came up to her chest. She had an image of flicking him with one finger and seeing if he toppled over.
“I see.” She placed her hands in her coat pocket and appraised the boy. “Now what am I going to do with you then?” Her voice was inquisitive.
Panic flashed across the boy’s face. “Please don’t report me, Miss, I meant no harm, truly. The guard’ll chop me poor hands off. Me and me sister and me mam are starving, really truly and —”
“I'll do no such thing,” she cut him off.
“You won’t?” The boy froze, his chest rising heavily and his ribs could be seen poking out. Seulgi’s breath hitched.
“No, you have my word. What is your name?” asked Seulgi curiously, placing her watch back onto her waistcoat.
“Er, Johan, Miss. Don’t know how to spell it though, so you’ve got to mind me. Please don’t report me, I pro’ise I won’t steal from yours again. Me family will be in trouble.”
Seulgi hummed. “Johan. I already said I would not. Now come.”
He appeared uncertain but slowly followed her. Her gaze narrowed onto a stall that was bursting with fruit and other various bits of bread and cheese. She turned around and pressed a finger to her mouth as he watched her in surprise, hiding his body behind a cart being pulled by a donkey.
She approached behind an elderly lord gazing at the stalls with sneering disdain. His voice was clipped and harsh when conversing with the seller like the man was a piece of dirt stuck at the bottom of his heeled boots.
Seulgi walked briskly, a plan forming in her mind. She grabbed a milk jug, three-quarters full of the way and shoved herself into the stuffed cluster of customers. Her fingers slipped and the milk jug smashed onto the floor but not before tipping all over the lord. He cried with shock, whirling around in a circle, trying to find the culprit. Seulgi had instantly bolted, snickering under the cloth as his loud voice filled the market.
“Which one of you was it? Come on, own up. Filthy . . .”
It was hard to pin a finger on someone when there were multiple people. Anyone could have done it.
The merchants rushed to the rich lord, offering their help or gazing on in confusion. Point was that their attention was distracted. It was so swift. Her fingers grabbed a couple of bread, cheese and meat and an apple or two. She tied the bits into the cloth and turned to catch Johan’s eye, whose mouth had dropped. She winked and gestured towards a narrow back alley. No one would notice them slinking away.
“How did ya ever do that, Miss?” marvelled Johan, staring up at her unblinkingly.
“Never mind that,” she said and untied the cloth, handing it over to the boy. “Here you go then.”
“Miss?”
“You said you were hungry, did you not? Well?”
Johan flushed to the tips of his ears and scrambled to clutch the cloth full of food. “Thank you, Miss, really, truly and greatly, I a - appre - er - app —” he replied, a hard crease between his brows as he stumbled over his words.
“That’s quite alright. It should keep you going for a week at least. Apologies I couldn’t get any more.” She bit her lip, her voice a tad regretful. A thought occurred to her. “But here, hopefully, this lasts you a lot longer.” She reached inside and took out the pouch of gold coins, pushing it into his hands.
His eyes filled with unshed tears as he realised. “I’m ever in your debt, Miss, swear to all the gods. ‘Ow can I repay ya?”
Seulgi shrugged and smoothed out the wrinkles in her waistcoat. “Ah, don’t think about it, really. Just never try to steal my watch again.” Her lips lifted into a tiny smirk. “Or at least try to be quick about it.”
Johan shook his head so fast that Seulgi worried it would drop off his shoulders and roll to her feet. He was a tiny boy after all. She wondered how he could have survived for this long, one fierce blow of the wind would fly him away.
“Never ever, Miss. Swear on me life, I won’t. I’ll al’ays remember this. Tell my sister about ya, I swear I will.” His voice was hard as stone. “I owe ya one, I do.”
“Alright, go on, off with you,” gestured Seulgi. “Or one of the guards will look here and start suspecting us. Scarper.”
He shot a final look at her and scurried off around the corner, the pouch and the cloth hugged tight to his chest. Seulgi allowed herself a tiny smile before walking back out into the market square, her hands in her coat pockets as she whistled. She surmised that the guards had given up looking for her and had run back to their precious, unsavoury lord with their tails between their legs.
It was a beautiful morning with the bright sun shining and the birds soaring in the sky. She’d been walking for a while until she reached her address. From the outside, it wouldn’t look anything out of place. In fact, it seemed like any other building you may pass along the way, brimming with merchants and milkmaids and other sorts. Outside horses were tied up and servants and stable boys rushed to and fro.
As Seulgi went around the back and opened the door, she came into an inner courtyard and a little further up was a building shaded in red colouring. The sign above in curved white ink reads as Madam Roza’s Establishment. She went closer and a sign was written on the wooden door with the same colouring: Madame Roza, Proprietor and Madame of the Gold’s Dust Brothel, welcomes you into her warm establishment! Come peruse her lovely merchandise and decide who you’d like for the night.
She huffed a laugh and shook her head. Of course, he’d be here, she thought. Again. She opened the door and went in. Contrary to what she’d first expected, the establishment was quiet and clean for a standard brothel. There was a sweet scent in the air and richly dressed men and women dotted around the place, some going up and down the stairs. Seulgi caught the eye of a red-haired girl with heavy-lidded eyes nearby and threw her a half-smile with a curt nod.
Most other brothels were cesspools of degeneracy, filth and pleasure. But Madame Roza was nothing if not professional and efficient; she certainly knew how to run a business. Her brothel was the most in demand in the city.
“Ah, good morning, Miss Seulgi, or should I say afternoon.”
Speaking of the Madame herself, she glided in like a swan, sniffing out when someone came through the door, her stature tall and her posture straight. Her hair was tied up elegantly into an elaborate style and her white dress flowed like a gentle lake. Her signature cane was clutched in her hand. Seulgi could’ve almost mistaken her for a noble lady if she hadn’t forgotten Madame’s specialised business. She shot a charming, easy smile.
“Afternoon, indeed, Madame Roza. And can I say you’re looking straight out of a rich painting?”
The Madame hardly twitched her lips but Seulgi could tell she was pleased. “Flattery will get you nowhere. So, what was it you stole this time? A silver plate or a spoon?”
“You know me so well. Careful, I might start believing you have a fancy for me.” She wiggled her eyebrows as the Madame stared back at her, unimpressed. Ah, well can’t please everyone. And Madam Roza had always been unaffected by her charm. “And I never reveal my secrets,” she continued. “But it went to an honourable cause, I promise.”
Madame Roza sniffed. “Hmm, somehow I doubt that.” She pursed her lips as she considered Seulgi with a calculating stare. “Are you sure I can’t interest you in one of mine? We have men and women to your liking, whichever your preference.”
A wry smile played on her lips. “Sadly not, Madame. Apologies for disappointing you.”
Madame Roza sighed in displeasure. “Yes, still what a shame. But I know why you’re here and it’s not to flatter me that’s for sure.”
“You wound me, Madame. Always the tone of certainty.”
“The only wound you’re going to get is from those guards, mark my words,” said the woman dryly. “One of these days they’re going to catch up with you. And you’ll be missing a hand or a head.”
Seulgi tapped the end of her nose. “Ah, but they’ll have to catch me first. I like my chances.”
“Alright, enough of you.” Her voice brokered no nonsense. “He’s upstairs, the second room on the right if you must know. Been here since last night with Amra.”
“Once again, your beauty and graciousness have no end,” she smirked with a bow and dodged as the strict Madame swiped at her with a gilded cane.
Seulgi walked up the steps and opened the door, letting in the light from the landing. Her eyebrow raised as she took in the lump under the blanket and the closed curtains. A low groan sounded from under the bed and Seulgi crossed her arm in the doorway, peering in amusement.
“Urgh, it’s too early,” came the groaning figure.
“It’s eleven o’clock,” she replied archly. “You’ve missed the whole morning.”
“I had a restless evening and night,” he countered suggestively, raising his head towards the space beside him. He sighed tiredly. “She’s disappeared, of course.”
She snorted. “It’s a brothel — what did you expect? For her to be at your beck and call.”
“Yeah, yeah, alright. I hear ya. No need to rub it in. I’ll be ready in a few minutes.”
His dishevelled, black hair rose from under the covers. Seulgi’s gaze settled on her best friend and partner in crime for three years, Jungkook. He was frowning at her in slight annoyance. She knew he could be a right grump in the mornings anyway. He yawned and sat up.
“Whose was it this time?” he asked knowingly.
“Uh, Lord-what’s-his-name. A right prick I’ll tell you. He has several mistresses and he’s ordered a dozen jewels to be sown into his nightwear. Though his guards were lousy runners and fighters too.” She grinned proudly.
Jungkook’s lips twitched upwards. “Lord-what’s-his-name doesn’t exist, I’m afraid.” He shook his head in disbelief. “Honestly, and you were a lord’s daughter. I’ll always find that hard to believe. How did your father never teach you the Houses and their lords?”
Seulgi’s smile faded. She swallowed, her throat suddenly feeling like dry sand from the lands of the South. “He did when he wasn’t angry at me most of the time that is,” she answered coolly. “He hired an Instructor to educate me. I just didn’t care enough to listen.”
Jungkook appeared contrite at the mention of her father, wishing he hadn’t brought it up. Seulgi wished that too. All she needed was a reminder of her father and how noble, kind and honourable he was. Well to anyone but her that was. She inhaled sharply, roughly shoving the thought of him to the back of her mind. That was a prickly crate she did not incline to open.
“Seulgi, I didn’t mean. . .”
Clearing her throat, she met his eyes and spoke just before an apology escaped his lips. Jungkook didn’t do well at that anyway.
“Get dressed,” she instructed, turning her head away. She was glad her voice hadn’t come out rough. Cool and unaffected, remember. “I’ll wait for you outside near the stables.”
She went downstairs, knowing that her breathing had somehow got heavier. The cool air felt like a balm to her sudden overheated cheeks. She leaned against a rough, patchy wall that had seen better days and watched the servants jaunter to and fro. She’d be waiting a while. Hells, Jungkook took longer than some noble ladies to get ready sometimes. A troubled, terse voice caught her ear.
“Please, my lord, I do not have knowledge of this . . . this Madame you are referring to.”
A tall, lanky man with a rough beard addressed the out-of-place figure. “You’re selling me a pack of dogs, girl. You’re dressed in this drab and expect me to believe ya a boy. Oh, no. One of Madame Roza’s, are you? She won’t mind if I have a taste.”
Seulgi snapped her head, her heart was suddenly aflame as she aimed a fierce glare at the poorly dressed man — a Blacksmith by the looks of him. She wasn’t about to let this scum get his grubby hands all over Madame Roza’s girls.
“This is not drab, I assure you. It is plain clothing. And I’m not a girl, my lord. I am simply not familiar with this city, believe me. . .”
The man grinned lecherously. “Ah, you want me to show you around, is that it, pretty girl? Not to worry, I’ll be delighted too. You’re in safe hands.”
The man leaned closer and the girl stepped backwards with a small yelp. Seulgi could stand it no longer. She briefly threw her head back in annoyance. Of course, this would happen when she was waiting for Jungkook. She marched towards the two and gripped the handle of her musket gun tight, narrowing her gaze. She aimed it straight at his head, her finger on the trigger. Thankfully, she still had a bullet or two left. Hopefully.
“My lord, step away, please,” she said coolly, muscles tense and ready. “Anyone with eyes and ears can tell she’s not interested. You must have clearly lost your hearing and sight I assume.”
The man froze but didn’t stumble back though his gaze was fixed on the end of Seulgi’s gun, a glint in his eyes. He was unsettled, she could tell but was curious about the gun.
“Easy now, girl,” he smirked crookedly. “You dunno how to work that. Let a real man work a weapon that fancy.”
Her smile didn’t reach her eye. “Oh, I’m perfectly sure I know how to handle it. I shoot it just like this.”
She fired a shot and people jumped around her, while a scream escaped a nearby washerwoman as they stopped in their tasks to watch the standoff. Great, now the sound must have attracted some guards. She had to finish this and fast. The city guards sniff trouble as soon as it appears.
Her warning shot grazed the top of his hat and smoke was left willowing from the black, singed hole she left. He gulped, knees shaking as the idiot finally realised the danger and took several steps back in panic before making a run for it. She rolled her eyes. They were all cowards in the end.
She turned her attention to the girl the man was pestering, who was trembling with anxiety.
“Right then, are you okay?” she asked briskly. “Sorry about that — there’s a few like him now and then, unfortunately. A good punch puts them in place usually.”
“I’m. . . I'm sorry, my lady. . .?” said the girl breathlessly.
Seulgi chuckled, putting her gun back in its place. “No lady, believe me. Just Seulgi. Are you hurt in any way?”
She walked closer and was able to get a good look at the girl, or shall she say girl dressed as a boy. Her brows raised to the top of her temples as she studied her.
Her clothing was unmistakably like a boy’s with a small cap pulled tight over her head, to hide her hair presumably. But no one could mistake the feminine, delicate features. The other girl had a smaller stature and pensive, brown eyes; her pink lips were full and plush and probably the most delicious-looking lips in all of the city; her poise was held tighter than any boy was capable of. This was a girl through and through, one whose beauty could destroy a person.
“I am quite well,” replied the girl. “Thank you for your help.”
“No problem. Now are you going to reveal why you’re dressed like a boy or shall I guess?”
The other girl’s eyes widened considerably and she was left gaping like a fish. Seulgi wanted to laugh but pressed her lips together.
“I’m not a girl!” she instantly exclaimed, darting her eyes around in worry. “I’m a simple farmer boy, my lady. That’s all.”
“M’lady,” corrected Seulgi with a snort as the girl frowned at her with a petulant huff.
“I’m sorry?”
“It’s M’lady. That’s what the common people say. My lord is for noble folk, those who have good breeding and have been raised in a castle and all that.”
The girl froze and her breathing came out in deeper puffs, her expression appearing like a deer that was close to dashing off before it became prey.
“I-I. . .” she stuttered.
“Listen, if you’re going to disguise yourself as a farmer at least make sure you speak like one,” pointed out Seulgi matter-of-factly, a playful smirk pulling at her mouth. “And it’ll take two seconds for people to realise you’re a girl and a very pretty one at that.” She tilted her head.
Tears of desperation and despair glimmered in the girl’s eyes and Seulgi felt a stab of sympathy fill her insides, her features slackening. It was clear the girl was running from something but wasn’t doing a good job of it sadly. She must’ve been from out of the city. She was interrupted by Jungkook’s exasperated voice behind her before she could say something to comfort the girl.
“I thought I heard your gun go off from my window. What trouble have you got us into now, Seul?” His eyes landed on the girl before throwing her a questioning glance. “Who’s she?”
Before any of them could say anything a loud shout came from down the road. A glint of silver armour, belonging to the city guards, alerted their attention. Ah, shit, looks like it was time to make a getaway. She and Jungkook shared a look.
“Oi, not so fast!” yelled one of the men, hand on the hilt of their sword.
A sharp inhale came from the mysterious girl as she clenched her hands in fists. “They’ve found me,” she whispered under her breath.
Seulgi shot her a questioning glance. What the hells? She was pretty sure a small, petite girl was the least of the guards’ worries. If anything they were after her and Jungkook for their notorious reputation. But the girl sounded convinced. So just who was she then?
“Seulgi, we need to go, right now,” urged Jungkook forcefully, causing her to focus.
She sighed and reached out to grip the girl’s arm, who peered up at her with shock and fear.
“Come on. I know a way to get them off our trail.”