Franklin woke with a heavy sigh, fatigue clinging to him like a second skin. Three days on the road had worn him thin, the relentless pace driven by the urgency to meet his father's expectations. At ten years old, no one would think that young Franklin was the Guerrero Merchant Company’s most valuable asset. Yet, despite how much he contributed to GMC, he still had to rush all over the kingdom like a loyal dog.
Because of this, he had to rent a cheap hotel just outside the city. Well, "had to" was a subjective term. After all, his carriage was comfortable enough, perhaps more so than the hotel's wooden bed. However, after spending days resting in a small, cramped space, he was looking forward to being able to walk more than two steps.
The room was modest but tidy, the wooden floors worn smooth by countless travelers. Unpainted walls gave it a rustic charm, and the single bed by the window promised a good nights sleep even if the bed in the carriage was far better. Despite the crick in his neck, it was a well-made purchase. Being able to stretch fully while standing was worth its weight in gold.
He lifted his tired body from the wooden frame and did just that. Then, with a soft clicking of his lips, he rubbed the last of the sleep from his muted aquamarine eyes. Flicking off the last of the dust to the floor, he took a deep breath of the fresh morning air that seeped through the open window. With that, he left the room and gave a nod to the young proprietress who was resting on the counter. She gave him a tired nod as he left and was greeted by a sellsword.
“Morning, young master.” the gruff man stated with a smile that didn't match his appearance. Despite being the head of the three-man guard Franklin had hired for this trip, he was dressed in a simple linen shirt and pants. We’re almost ready here. Should be inside the walls before the sun breaks over them.”
Franklin nodded, his face betraying a flicker of relief. “Good, thanks, Sergo.” Sergo grinned, a far cry from the desperate man Franklin had stumbled upon two years ago. With the financial might of the Guerrero Merchant Company, Franklin had orchestrated Sergo’s rescue, saving his beloved from being sold from her father and forced to marry a wealthy man. Debt paid, girl married, loyalty earned. Respect gained.
Since then, he and Sergo have been inseparable. And not just because Sergo was a talented swordsman. “Good morning, Frankie!” A call turned both of their heads to see a beautiful woman with silver-blue hair and golden-blue eyes.
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“Good morning, Varinia,” Franklin called with a smile as Sergo swung an arm around her and pulled his wife into his embrace.
She clasped a hand on the one over her shoulder and continued, “I’ve got breakfast ready.” True to her words, she held a basket in her hand. It was a few loaves of bread and some cooked sausage, but even if it was standard road food, it was enhanced by Varinia’s skilled hand. Franklin could already taste it on his tongue, and his mouth watered in anticipation.
“Looks good,” he admitted. “Thanks, Varinia.” She was the gift that kept on giving. Franklin didn't even consider her a factor when he helped Sergo, yet she was more valuable to him than the man. Even then, she made him reevaluate himself and how he judged others, allowing him to grow as a merchant. Suddenly, Franklin felt a delicate hand running through his hair. He found Varinia had broken from her husband's grip and was now ruffling his head.
“Wow, you’re growing into quite the handsome young man.” Sergo wrapped his arms around her from behind, chuckling.
“You're already spoken for,” Varinia giggled, patting her husband’s cheek. She handed Franklin the basket.
“Never mind my jealous fool. So, do you know what you want for your birthday?” she asked. The work around them stopped. Franklin cast a side eye at the other two guards and although they pretended to work they couldn't hide their interest.
Franklin took the basket of food and thought about it. A year ago, his wish was the same as always. He wanted his mother back. It had been four years since she disappeared. That last memory of her haunted him in his dreams. But that had more to do with his father than her. Isolde and Anathea were getting older, and the old man made no attempt to hide his contempt for them or his plans. He needed to be stronger to protect them. Just a little more, and he would be able to break free from the GMC.
He smiled. “This deal will be enough of a gift for me,” he said. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but if it all went well, then he wouldn’t have to worry about the company again. Instead, he would be running it. “Okay!” he called loudly. “This is nice and everything but we must move fast, the meeting with Count Fisch is in a few hours, we mustn't be late!” he stated and the men got back to work. Sergo gave his wife a kiss as he left to retrieve his horse while Varinia offered Franklin a hand.
“Well then, my lord, shall I escort you inside?” she teased, offering her hand with a playful wink. Franklin grinned, grasping it firmly, feeling her warmth.
“How very chivalrous of you.” he commented. “Your wife could learn a lot from you.” His joke earned a grunt from Sergo as he pulled three horses from the run down stable.
“Inspection is finished,” another voice called and Franklin turned to find one of Sergo’s men. “Carriage is good and we are all set to leave.”
“Thank you, Harris.” Franklin called and he boarded with help from Varinia, as he was a little too short to reverse the dynamic, a thought that reddened his ears as the girl helped him inside.