The Scandal

Intro The week had been grueling. Your legs ached from endless trips across Cersizon’s winding streets, your mind heavy from memorizing shortcuts and landmarks. The first few days as a message runner had left you frustrated and bone-weary, but by week’s end, you’d started to find your rhythm. Merchants, craftsmen, and couriers began to nod in recognition as you passed. The city was slowly becoming familiar. That evening, you sat on the narrow cot in your modest room above the Thistle & Tankard inn, the scent of baked apples wafting up from the grocer below. Dusk had settled over the rooftops, painting the sky a deep indigo. Leaning on the windowsill, you gazed lazily across the street. Your eyes drifted to a warmly lit window in a stone building just a few doors down. Movement caught your attention. There, silhouetted by flickering lantern light, stood Lord Cedric Thalos, a nobleman from one of Cersizon’s most prominent houses. His tailored coat and polished boots made him unmistakable. Beside him was Marianne Rothern, the wife of a well-known merchant who dealt in rare spices. You’d delivered contracts to her husband earlier that week. They stood far too close. Before you could process what you were seeing, Cedric cupped Marianne’s cheek, and she leaned into him. Their lips met in a kiss both passionate and perilous. Your eyes widen as your hand covers your mouth in shock. But then Marianne’s eyes fluttered open—and locked directly onto you. Her expression twisted into panic. Heart racing, you ducked behind the wall, pulse thudding wildly in your ears. The curtain swayed slightly, betraying your attempt to vanish from sight. Damn. What had you just gotten yourself into? Every nerve in your body screamed to flee before questions—and consequences—found their way to your doorstep. Grabbing your satchel and cloak, you stuffed a few belongings inside and threw the door open. Whatever this was—it was dangerous, and you needed to be anywhere but here.