The Work of Grace

The sun blazed overhead, baking the streets of the marketplace, where the dust hung thick in the air. Renee wiped her brow with the back of her hand, but it only smeared more dirt across her face. She barely noticed anymore. Dirt was as much a part of her life as hunger and the endless noise of the market.

She adjusted the small basket of stale bread she was selling, her fingers aching from the weight of the loaves. The vendors around her were louder, their stalls grander, and their clothes cleaner. People rushed past her without a glance, their eyes skimming over her as if she were invisible-or worse, as if she didn't belong.

"Hey, girl!" a voice barked behind her. Renee flinched before she even turned around. The merchant, a heavyset man with a perpetual scowl, glared at her. "You're blocking the way. Move your pathetic stall."

Renee glanced around, spotting an empty patch of dirt near the edge of the market. Swallowing her pride, she bent to gather her basket. She wasn't one to fight back. Life had taught her that fighting only brought more trouble.

As she moved to the side, her eyes caught a glimpse of Lady Vivienne's grand stall across the way, gleaming under the sunlight with fine silks and jewels displayed in an intimidating array. Lady Vivienne herself wasn't there, but her name alone commanded respect and fear. Renee didn't dare look too long.

"Renee!" A familiar voice called out, snapping her from her thoughts. Maren, her only friend, rushed toward her with quick steps, her face flushed with worry.

"What is it?" Renee asked, her heartbeat quickening at the sight of Maren's expression.

"You have to be careful," Maren whispered, glancing over her shoulder nervously. "I heard something today. Celeste Vivienne-she's been spreading rumors about you. Something about stealing."