Excerpt: Unnamed Trashy Novel

Catherine held a half read book in one hand pinched open with her thumb as it draped over her knee; her chin rested in her other hand as she watched through the foggy glass, wiped several times with her sleeve.

The sharp rap of steel on the cobbles could be heard and soon enough a line of horses, some of them still steaming from exercise, appeared and paused around the central fountain. All the figures wore heavy wax coats and Catherine couldn’t make out individuals, they all looked like large tents hunched over the necks off the beasts. One by one they slid down and started leading the horses through the archways and away from view. With this new commotion another person appeared and Catherine’s heart stopped for a second. He was wiping his hands with a rag, and wore the same wax coat as the other figures. He took off his hood and ran the rag over his face and neck. He turned to follow the horses into the stables. Catherine sighed and let a dreamy smile drift onto her face.

“Catherine.” The voice startled her and she let out a squeak. The figure remained in the door, letting in a chill draft.

“Dain. I did not hear you arrive.” She said as she made pretence of straightening herself up.