The bandit moved back, stuttering, his eyes remained on the tall man behind Jenna. When Jenna noticed this, she turned to see the handsome fool.
"Oh, Anne. I said hide over there," Jenna pointed. She didn't want the bandits to become aggressive, thinking the young man was dangerous.
"You all need to come and see!" The first bandit who had seen Rhane shouted, calling the others' attention.
Jenna waved her hands, "No, please wait, he's not dangerous. He doesn't—"
It was already too late; the other bandits had joined them.
"What is it? What is happening? Is she being violent?"
The first thief, who was now tongue-tied, shook his head and just pointed forward.
"It's..." his voice trailed.
Jenna dragged the young man behind her, trying to make him look less intimidating. She understood these men perfectly; she had acted the same way the day she met him. But after hearing him speak, she wasn't so scared anymore.
"He's just like a child, he is not dangerous. Take the money, please," Jenna totally forgot about the thief that had wanted to touch her earlier.
Standing behind his master, Rhane's eyes fell on the hands that held him protectively.
"He wouldn't harm anyone, he's just like a child. I promise," Jenna kept defending as if her life depended on it.
Percy rolled his eyes, though still afraid of the thieves. "My lady, how are they supposed to believe that someone like that is just like a child? I mean—"
"Shut up, Percy!" Jenna scolded before returning her attention to the thieves. She turned to Rhane, who still had a calm expression on his face.
"Tell them you won't— I mean, tell them," Jenna was confused about what to say. She couldn't possibly tell the young man to tell others he was a fool.
"Is Master sad?" he asked with a soft voice.
Jenna groaned, "No, Anne, now is not the time to ask what I—" she sighed.
"Anne?" the first bandit asked, then turned to look at the others.
Rhane moved his eyes from Jenna and settled them on the thieves. "You called me?" He took a step forward.
"Wait, no!" Jenna tried to stop him from moving, while the thieves ran for their lives, dropping Jenna's pouch of coins.
Even Jenna was surprised. She didn't know when she said, "The money!" She tried to chase after them.
"Master," Rhane held her back, stopping her from moving.
Jenna let out a frustrated sigh, "Anne!" She noticed her voice was raised, then paused, trying to relax.
"Those thieves mark faces; they might come back or even ruin my—" Jenna rubbed her palm on her face and turned around, trying to think of what to do next.
All she wanted was to have a peaceful road journey and live quietly as a merchant. Jenna didn't want attention drawn to her, and she hoped that this encounter with the thieves wouldn't affect her.
"My lady," Percy stood up from the ground, "it seems they have left." The young man picked up the pouch of coins and handed it over to his mistress.
Jenna stared at the pouch and sighed. "Let's leave; they might return soon." Without wasting time, Jenna entered her carriage, ready to leave.
Rhane was about to follow her inside but stopped when someone held his wrist.
"You—" Percy said, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Those men had their eyes on you. Do you, by any chance, know them?"
Rhane looked down at his hand and then at the young man's face. "I should return to Master's side."
"'I should return to Master's side,'" Percy mocked, shaking his head. "You think I can't see through your facade? You're one of them, aren't you? Sent them to rob us of our money while pretending to not know anything?"
Feeling more confident when he didn't hear any response, Percy craned his neck and tipped his chin to look unbeatable.
"I've been working with Lady Jenna since I was a boy, and I know how people like to use her...but trust me, I won't let you! I will—"
"Percy! Get the coachman! Let's leave!" Jenna barked from inside the carriage.
"Yes, my lady!" Percy replied, between running and trying to warn Rhane. "You...I'll be watching."
Rhane followed the boy with his eyes. Without a word, he turned back and entered the carriage.
The ride back to the merchant village was very quiet. Jenna sighed most of the time as she thought of the many merchants she could meet to talk to, just in case the thieves returned to attack her.
She didn't notice the young man beside her or how his eyes never left her face.
"I should meet William," Jenna nodded, touching the belt on her stomach. "He used to work with Cortez. He can do something for me."
Tapping her feet nervously on the floor, Jenna passed time until they arrived at their destination. She got ready to get down when she heard a deep voice ask:
"Is Master angry with me?"
Jenna turned. "Oh, Anne...I'm not." Her voice was laced with uncertainty.
"Let's just get down first," Jenna nodded before stepping down from the carriage.
Once they entered the village, other merchants were either counting their goods, punishing their servants, or just drinking.
"Welcome back, Jenna. You took your time," a young man waved before passing.
Jenna returned the wave with a tight smile before she continued walking.
"You haven't paid your rent, Jenna. Don't make me come ask," another man said with a lewd smile as he stared at Jenna's body shamelessly.
Jenna gave a half-smile but didn't speak to the man.
"Jenna! I missed you."
More greetings from men as Jenna walked down to the last house and store that belonged to her. At first, when she left her husband, it took time for people to accept her.
She had friends who would have helped; even her first love would have accepted her, but Jenna didn't want that. The man she once loved now loved another and had already moved on.
Jenna knew she needed to do the same. So when she entered this village and the men found out she left her marriage, they threw advances at her, trying to get to her bed. Some even visited her house at night just to sleep with her.
They had never seen a single woman merchant before. Every woman was either working in a brothel, married, or Jenna.
"Stay away from my lady!" Percy warned, making a gesture of a punch. "Stop looking at her! You octopus!"
Jenna gritted her teeth as the men shamelessly stared at her body. A few more steps, and she would be in her house.
"Jenna, remember I can keep you warm at night."
When Percy heard this, he walked over to the man and pushed him forcefully.
"Say that again! I dare you!" Percy tried to punch the man, but he wasn't as tall.
The man, having the advantage of height, shoved Percy to the side and kicked him.
"Percy!" Jenna halted when she heard the little commotion. "Let him be."
Seeing that they had gotten Jenna's attention, the man grabbed Percy's neck.
"This cad deserves a beating, don't you think?"
Other men who had tried to get Jenna cheered, knowing how precious her servants were to her. The man slapped Percy forcefully, causing a sharp cut to appear on his lips.
Rhane, who had been watching, stood there, his lips curled in what neither looked like a smile nor a frown.
When another slap landed on Percy's face, he tilted his head.
"Stop! Leave him!" Jenna rushed over to help her servant.
"Yes, come to me, Jenna," the man gave Percy another slap.
This time, Jenna arrived in time to pull Percy away, but before her hand could reach him, someone dragged her back and landed a hard blow on the man's face, causing him to let go of Percy.
"!...." The crowd fell silent, and so did the man who was punched.
Rhane stood tall, staring down at the man. "You don't make Master sad."