Queen of Thieves: Clockwork Thief Book One by Katherine Bogle

Author:Katherine Bogle [Bogle, Katherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub

They agreed to meet at dusk, when the light played tricks and Narra could seamlessly blend with the shadows. Her hips were light without her pistol, short sword and daggers. She carried no utility belt or harness, only taking time to strap in a few smaller knives to her thighs and inner arms. At least those she could conceal beneath a dress—or so she hoped.

The streets cleared as the sun lowered beyond the horizon. The sun set orange, much like her hair, but eventually faded, bringing about a dull light, like fog that layered the street before twilight.

Narra shifted in the alleyway, tapping the uneven cobblestone with the toe of her boot. Nerves turned her stomach and sent her fingers thrumming against her hips. Used to missions, thievery, and the cover of darkness, Narra despised the lack of preparation in Asher’s plan. She hadn’t a clue what the layout of this Dollhouse resembled, where she’d find her target, or when. Until then, she’d endure lustful glances and prying eyes, most likely wondering why General Grayson would bring a naizer with him.

The soft beat of leather boots interrupted her thoughts. She leapt for cover in an alcove between two shops. Rats scattered into their holes as she kicked trash and plastered her body to the wall.

“Rheka?” a male voice asked.

Narra sagged in relief, stepping from between the brick buildings. Asher stood tall amongst the semi-maintained alley. He wore a black suit, his crowned rapier, and a bowtie. She raised a brow. She hadn’t realized the Dollhouse was so formal.

“You’re dressed up,” she said after a long pause.

“Of course,” he said. She nodded slightly, as if she understood. In reality, she had no idea why he would need such a fancy suit for this establishment. “Are you ready?”

Narra glanced up. Was she ready to be fussed over by some doddering old maid bent on making her the prettiest girl at the party? No. She wrinkled her nose and worked her jaw.

Asher smiled and motioned at the back door of a two-story brick building. She’d already investigated the front before his arrival. With ornate metal fencing and white wooden accents, the shop was one of the most lavish on the block. Its windows were filled with ruffled skirts, pinstripe suits, and tight corsets in varying colors.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and stepped toward the door.

Up a few stone steps, she knocked gently on the oak door. Asher reached around her, his arm brushing hers as he gripped the metal handle and flung the door inward.

“She’s expecting us,” he said.

Narra nodded and took a breath. She stepped inside.

The back room contained rolls upon rolls of fabric, silks, cotton, jewels, wheels of yarn, and spools of thread. Narra parted heavy purple silk curtains and walked into the main shop. Mannequins draped in the most luxurious pearls and finest gowns adorned the majority of the room. Several rolls of fabric lined the far wall with shelves of dozens more below. Leather shoes, boots, heels and more were displayed on the opposite wall among stockings, socks, and garters.

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