Never had traveling by boat felt more like a trial than it had been for the past few days and Luxanna felt like she had not had a single good night in a good while as an annoying ache played with the back of her neck and the curve of her spine. The monarch had insisted to simply depart with one of the many tourist ships that sailed between Demacia's isles and Shurima's coast , perhaps it was the need to simply disregard titles and to blend among the common mass ; hidden away underneath a rather modest hat and a veil blurring her features , she felt safer among the walls of her cabin as she allowed her eyes to drift among the waves. The heat seemed to grow further heavier and unbearable as the shuriman lands came further into view , the sea breeze barely enough to keep the sun's bite from sizzling the travelers' skin. The cruising ship would not remain anchored to Nashramae's port for long , an halt just enough for merchants and merchandises alike to be dropped off alongside Lux and her trusted lady - in - waiting.
The poor girl looked as if she was a few seconds from withering underneath the sun despite the light clothing they were both wearing. It didn't take the sovereign any second thought to gently pull Annabelle inside a nearby inn ; it was a small and humble establishment which gave off a welcoming aura with its few filled tables despite the dust and spiderwebs that reigned free in each corner of the room. Annabelle grew restless at Luxanna's side.
" Your Highness! " It was quite amusing how the woman managed to whisper and shout at the same time. " It would be unbecoming of you to stay in such a place for even a minute longer! Would you not prefer searching a more suitable estate? "
Lux could not quite stifle this growing smirk curving her lips with endearment for the kind hearted noble's reaction. " We won't remain here for long , don't worry. Just the time to find us a willing escort to the main city. Also… " Mismatched eyes swept over their surroundings for an instant , none of the tables seemed to have heard Annabelle's words yet she noticed a few glances in their direction. " Refrain from calling me by my title here , yes? Luxanna will do. "
" I could never- "
" Miss Crownguard will do! I simply need us to blend through this crowd , you can manage this for me?"
Seeing as the sovereign - in - disguise was already beginning to walk away towards the inn's counter , the slightly disgruntled lady - in - waiting sighed an approving reply before rushing to the other woman's side. Lux was already discussing with the inn's owner , an aged man that had seen a bit too much of life and had decided to settle into a peaceful and boring routine as told the scars that littered his arms and hands ; the inquiry had been simple and straightforward , they were looking for any departing travelers towards the great city and wondering if there had been anyone entertaining this idea dwelling into this very inn. The man raised a hand pointing towards one full table pushed away in a dim lighted corner , Luxanna recognized them as the ones who threw a few stares in their direction earlier.
A sneer escaped her. Of course it was them.
The innkeeper described the individuals seated around the old withered round table as a group of experienced scavengers who knew the desert like their own pocket who have memorized the path of sandswimmers better than anyone else in Nashramae and that they would be departing before the sun rose.
A smirk danced upon Lux's lips.
She thanked the man that looked as if he was doing his best to avoid her eyes at all cost and dropped enough coins upon the countertop for one room and two beds before taking her leave followed tightly by her lady - in - waiting.
" Your- Miss Crownguard , why didn't you wish to talk to these men yourselves? Don't you believe them to be somewhat… " Annabelle appeared as if she was biting down her own words in fear of being heard. " Shady? "
Miss Crownguard took a moment to observe the younger woman : she was barely seventeen and had not quite seen the world nor heard of its secrets yet , simply a young naive girl. Luxanna swore she wouldn't let anything happen to her.
" They are. I am simply giving them some time to get their little plan together. They have been watching us ever since we entered the inn , there is no doubt the innkeeper is a part of it too ; he seemed too uneasy as he spoke as if he was afraid of something. "
The young lady grew paler , a dainty hand reaching to her chest in an obvious display of fear which robbed a tender smile from the sovereign.
" Don't be afraid. " Soon , it turned into a secretive grin. " They will lead us to the great city as planned , even if i have to push them a bit. "