TRISTAN

Not a strand of red was showing, and the simple blue dress and white apron I wore was flattering to my slim figure. It even made it look like I had hips.

The empty powder room I had sneaked into had a full length mirror. It was a luxury I rarely got to use, and seeing myself head to toe was disconcerting.

With the blonde wig, I looked like my sister. That is, if someone had managed to deny her access to her favorite desserts. She had been a pleasing sort of plump that I had seen many men prefer over my own scrawny build.

I pulled on my scuffed up boots and laced them. They clashed with the dress, but, given the fraying and stains on the dress and apron, they didn't stand out too much. I looked like a normal girl setting off to work in one of the fields.

I hefted up the wicker basket that held my bag, folded clothes, and a few sheets. For once, they would be looking for a young man. Although, a part of me always wondered if they were still searching for a well-kept secret. I wasn't exactly the result of a scandal, and I had never been treated as such, but people liked to talk about children born out of wedlock.

With a heavy sigh, I left the powder room and headed for the Western gate. There was no point in lamenting a life I never got to have. It didn't stop me from wondering if I would have been just as uncomfortable in a dress if I were more used to wearing them.

It didn't take long for me to navigate the streets, stopping occasionally to watch as the guards performed their search. Just like the other onlookers, I shook my head when questioned.

I made it to the gate and slowed. I recognized all three guards and prayed they couldn't see past my disguise. The youngest patted Marcus's shoulder and sauntered up to me.

"Where you off to, pretty lady?"

I ducked my head as an unwilling blush crept over my cheeks. The blonde wig always brought the compliments I never got as myself. I did my best to speak softly. "Delivering laundry, sir. It's my first day. Do… Do you need to check my basket? I wasn't given much instruction beyond an address."

He chuckled and shook his head. "No, no. Nothing like that, miss. You're not who we're looking for."

I looked back up the road, wearing a mask of uncertainty. "Is… Is something going on? Should I go home?"

"Just a missing person. We've got it under control."

He had yet to step aside. I nodded my head. As much as I wanted to hurry, I couldn't risk drawing more attention than an interested smile. "I hope no one's hurt. The last girl who went missing…" I trailed off, looking to the side.

"Nothing like that, miss," he said with a kind voice. He lightly patted my shoulder and waved to the other guards who stepped back from the gate.

"If you're sure," I said quietly, eyeing the road ahead of me as I clutched my basket tightly to my chest. 

"Would you like an escort?"

Mallou, no. I wanted to come off as innocent, not incapable of walking five feet on my own.

"Westing."

A sharp tone, and the guard stepped back with a straight back. "Just reassuring her, sir."

"You can chase tail when your shift's over." Marcus turned to me and tipped his hat. "Miss. You'll be safe. Just be sure to get back by nightfall."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." I walked at a leisurely pace. The temptation to look back gnawed at me until I reached a path leading off the main road.

After some searching, I found a nice patch of trees by a creek and set about changing. Undershirt, button up, tie, vest, coat, and overcoat. Layer after layer after layer.

I placed my wig and dress into a pillowcase and shoved it into the bottom of my bag before putting the rest of my clothing on top.