It was on a night of celebration that one of the greatest crimes in the kingdom of Sucrussia took place. While all the citizens of the land enjoyed each other's company, one man made his way carefully through a dark forest on the kingdom's edge, looking back every few minutes to ensure that the booming fireworks from the village weren't covering up the sounds of anybody that might have been following him, however unlikely it may have been. He had taken every precaution, donning a dark navy blue cloak that would make him difficult to see in his surroundings, and carrying one sword and one dagger at his waist. Even the bundle he clutched in an iron grip was wrapped in multiple layers of navy blue cloth, and though he walked quickly, he made sure not to lose his balance. He was carrying something of extreme importance, the very thing that Sucrussia was celebrating at that moment. It had to be delivered in prime condition. If not, it would be the end of his plan before it had even truly began.
Unfortunately, the man had never met the person he was bringing this package to, only communicating to him or her through one short, cryptic letter explaining the job he'd wanted done. Despite not knowing this man personally, the man knew this person was perfect for the job. He had to be in order to be one of the most talked about and despised criminals in the continent of Europe. Having only committed one crime thus far, most of the talk was around when he would strike next.
The response to his letter had been even shorter than what he'd sent, only giving even more difficultly encrypted words instructing him on how to get to the cabin he was approaching now. At one point in its life, the little one storey structure with a wrap-around porch might have looked inviting. Now uninhabited and rotting from the inside out, the only thing tempting about it was the idea of meeting the person inside who was going to help change the man's life forever. Adjusting the bundle so that he was cradling it in one arm, he took out his dagger in case things took a turn for the worse, and gave the bundle a once-over before going up the steps to the porch, and then opening the cabin's front door.
"You're late."
The criminal at the front door stood puzzled, wondering if he was hearing things. But within moments, the tall figure inside was directly in front of him, and he couldn't stop himself from blinking a couple times to ensure his eyes were adjusted enough to the light. But sure enough, as he blinked, nothing changed about the character. Hands still rested impatiently on a slim waist, and toes inside a heeled shoe tapped a rhythmic beat on the floor. The character was wearing a dark, full length cloak much like the man's, but the hood was pulled back, revealing long, lustrous curls that had helped the camouflage. Eyes like ash burned into the man's face until he finally choked out, "You're a woman."
"Such a charmer." The said woman's words came out dry and emotionless, but the confused man noticed a mocking gleam in her thin eyes. "What, you expected The Royal Abductor to be a big, burly man?" A sneer curdled the woman's pretty face, making her look malicious. One of her arms extended to the man in front of her, palm turned upwards expectantly as she spoke again. "Times are changing Mr. Turbo, but unfortunately for you, some things like payment, do not."
"Ah yes," Keeping his eyes trained on this mysterious woman, Turbo used his hand holding the dagger to get a hold on a felt bag tied to his belt. As soon as it was in the lady's grasp, her arm snapped back, and she poked her head inside, no doubt determining the amount inside was enough. Once satisfied, she nodded. "Alright, let's see what little treasure you've got for me."
Mr. Turbo immediately pulled back some of the navy cloths around the bundle cradled in his arm and again, the goods were inspected. In his arms, as fragile as a china doll, was a year old girl, soundless and motionless under the influence of the sleeping pills that had been slipped into her supper.
"Princess Penelope of Sucrussia," the woman breathed, staring down at the baby with clear desire.
"Destined to be the ruler of the land once her parents pass away," A dark chuckle emitted from Mr. Turbo's throat as he stared down at the child along with the lady. "But once this deal is done and I take care of them, I'll easily obtain the throne."
The deal-making woman tilted her head back and let out a hearty chuckle as well, but Mr. Turbo noticed that it sounded as though she was laughing at him, not with him. "Typical men. Always eager to rule the world." But then her happy, mocking tone was gone, and she was looking at him with that burning ash glare again. "You're certain that nobody knows of this arrangement?"
Mr. Turbo nodded once. "I have burned your letter and scattered its ashes to the high winds, and anybody I talked to with information regarding you has been eliminated. Everyone suspects it is due to plague. We should be safe."
The woman turned her nose up at him, as though she was slightly doubtful, but Mr. Turbo held her gaze firmly and so she said nothing. Finally she reached out and accepted the abducted child, and indicated to her with her head. "I shall remind you now that after we leave here tonight, I will not respond to any contact you try to make with me. You may search for me, but part of my reputation is due to the fact that those who try do not succeed. So, keeping that in mind, remind me once more what your terms are regarding young Penelope."
Mr. Turbo answered almost immediately after hearing the question, knowing exactly what he wanted to say after months of planning and deciding how best to deal with the child. "I do not care whether she lives or not, so long as she does not remember her position in Sucrussia and the people do not recognize her. Her young age combined with the spell I performed on her before coming here should make her mind a blank slate. I grant you full permission to create a new life for this child if you please. That is all."
"Very well," The Royal Abductor walked past Mr. Turbo with the child and her money, clearly thinking their business was over. "Then I shall bid you adieu. It was a delight working with you." With that, she had walked down the porch steps and into the forest just as Mr. Turbo had, her cloak allowing her to melt into the darkness almost instantly. Momentarily Mr. Turbo considered following her, but then remembered her words to him and decided against it, instead turning to follow his own footsteps back to the kingdom. The sound of fireworks could no longer be heard, but he was sure people were still planning on celebrating long into the night. And that was fine with him. Because when tomorrow came, their celebrating would turn into a sorrow that would last for years.