Deviating from the original plot

Chapter thirty-six

A/n: Hello everyone, thank you for your comments on my books. They are honestly a good motivation because I don't want to disappoint you all, so I managed to write like 7 chapters at a go yesterday. Thank you so much because I won't have done that without your funny and helpful comments. Thank you so much!

_Cattycat🐾
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With that, the three women made their way side by side, the soft rustle of their gowns trailing behind as they left the palace and entered the city streets.

After some time walking, they turned into a quieter area of town. Up ahead, a group of men lounged near a tavern, the strong scent of ale clinging to the air around them.

One of the men let out a low whistle. "Well, well... Where are you lovely ladies headed all dressed up like that?"

The women ignored them and kept walking, but the men's jeering grew louder and more obnoxious.

"Hey! We're talking to you three!" Another called out, his words slurred, followed by a burst of drunken laughter.

"Classless pigs," Celeste muttered under her breath.

Suddenly, one of the men staggered forward and grabbed Evelyn by the arm.

"Didn't you hear us? We were talking to you."

Evelyn jerked her arm back. "Let go of me!" she snapped.

The man's expression turned from amused to furious. "Oh, that wasn't very nice of you, little lady," he growled, raising his hand as if to strike her back—

But before he could, a blur moved behind him, and a sharp crack echoed as someone struck him from behind. He collapsed instantly, unconscious.

The remaining men backed away, intimidated by the sharp turn of events. Standing in front of the three women was a tall woman with short dark hair and piercing eyes.

Before anyone could speak, the sound of hurried footsteps approached—then suddenly, someone flung herself at Victoria in a tight embrace.

"My lady!" Anne cried.

"Anne?" Victoria said, stunned. "What are you doing here?"

Anne pulled back slightly, looking her over in alarm. "What am I doing here? What are you doing here? In a place like this? And dressed like that? Shouldn't you be at the palace?!"

Victoria gave a sheepish smile. "My friends and I decided to head to the festival for a bit."

It was only then that Anne seemed to realise they weren't alone. Her eyes widened as she noticed the others.

"Oh, goodness!" She immediately bowed. "Forgive me—I didn't mean to be rude. I'm Lady Victoria's personal maid. And this"—she gestured to the tall woman beside her—"is my best friend, Freya."

"Thank you, Freya," Evelyn said sincerely, glancing at the still-unconscious man on the ground. "You stepped in just in time."

Freya offered a calm smile. "Of course. But those men needed to be reminded of how to behave."

"But honestly," Anne said, eyeing them up and down, "if you three are serious about heading to the festival, you can't go looking like this. You'll draw too much attention—and the wrong kind."

"She's right," Freya added with a nod. "You'll need disguises."

"Alright then, where do we get them?" Celeste asked.

Without missing a beat, Freya and Anne exchanged a look, then motioned for the girls to follow. They led them down a narrow path behind a nearby tavern and knocked on a back door.