It was late in the night. The castle and most of the town was sound asleep. A sleek moving shadow crawled up the castle wall. As a guard passed by a woman dropped silently to the ground. Her blue eyes watched the area closely, checking to make sure she wouldn't get caught. She was here on business and business only. The woman dashed through the shadows searching for an opening into the castle. Finally, she spotted an open window on the first floor and silently climbed through it. Her gaze swept both ways through the hall. Now all that was left as to find the girl's room in the medic wing. She had studied the castle grounds for weeks even going as far as to have the inside mapped by a servant. Of course she had to pay them a good amount of money which made her mood sour just thinking about it. She slowly made her way through the castle as quietly as she could.
Alright now, if I remember correctly you take the next left and the room is on the right. She thought turning down a hallway. Sure enough the girl's room was exactly where the map said it was. Licking her lips the woman slowly opened the door and smirked. She reached behind her back making sure she had her finger tips on the hilt of the blade hidden under her shirt. The woman drew closer to the bed where the red haired girl slept peacefully. A soft breeze came in from the open window causing the drapes to dance softly.
Bingo! Now let's get this over with so I can return home for a nice bath. She licked her lips once more and pulled out the blade. As she got closer she put on a mask made of what looked to be lace. Right as she was about to slice the girl's throat a rough hand grabbed a hold of her wrist. Suddenly she was pulled away and pinned to the wall away from the bed. The blade slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor. The woman swung out her leg at whoever stopped her. Sharp yellow cat like eyes locked on to her bright blue irises. Her attacker caught her kick and pinned that to the wall as well. With a low growl she settled to glare at him. The male smirked at her, but tightened his grip. Without a word he lifted her up, tossing her over his shoulder. She used that moment to slam her knee into his chest. The male released his hold slightly with a gasp, giving her a chance to break free from him and pull out another blade. She flipped back so she was near the open window.
Better to retreat for now. I don't need to get caught just yet. I'll bide my time before making another move. She thought while jumping into the trees and disappearing back into the shadows.
"Ah shit." The man whispered after he lost her when she jumped. Seeing her go to escape had him rushing after her instantly. His gaze traveled to the still sleeping girl and he smiled a bit.
"Well, I should go report to the princess about this. Problem is he is most likely asleep so it can wait untl tomorrow morning." He turned back to look out the window before making an exit the same way the woman did minutes before.
~Two days later~
"Did you hear about the ball being held in the castle? I heard it's going to be such an amazing sight." An elderly woman spoke to one of the shop keepers. The assassin's ears perked up a bit at the news, intent on hearing the rest.
"Oh yes! I heard lots of younger girls are going. Rumor has it that the first prince is to choose a bride during it." Another spoke and the two giggled.
Now this just makes getting back in a whole lot easier. She thought, mentally smirking. After getting what she needed the assassin went about getting the necessary things for the ball tonight. Once she was done with that she stopped by a bakery and got some bread for dinner. As the sun began to set she started getting ready. Once dressed the woman adored a blonde wig hoping to hide her black hair in case the man from the other night as there. If she could get the prince's attention maybe it would make her job easier. If what the woman said is true then this might be her only ticket in. As she looked at her reflection her gaze turned very determined.
This time, I will not fail! She thought, turning away and leaving her temporary home.
"Prince Izana, it seems it is time." A knight said as the tall blonde male looked out the window at the bustling town just outside the castle walls. The prince turned around with a serious look.
"Yes of course." He said, stepping away from his desk.
The assassin looked around the crowded ballroom. She saw couples dancing and other nobles talking as they drank. Now that she was here the assassin seriously felt like an outsider. Everything suddenly went quiet as the first prince made his appearance. Her attention instantly was on the blonde male as he walked down the steps.
Holy crap! This is going to be hard. He doesn't seem like the type to be easily lied to. Man and here I thought this would be easy! While she was deep in thought with her back to crowd the prince turned her way. His eyes landed on her and he chuckled.
"How interesting." He said, laughing a bit. The prince walked through the crowd straight for her.
"Man, I really shouldn't have come. What was I thinking?" She whispered to herself completely unaware that the prince was standing behind her.
"Miss? Is everything okay?" The assassin jumped slightly at the sound of the prince's voice. She spun around with wide eyes as she looked at him.
"Oh! Your highness." She stuttered out, trying to hide the fact that she was caught off guard by him. The prince chuckled at her reaction.
"Is this your first ball, milady?" He asked bowing slightly with a kind smile. The assassin blushed at bit from his beauty.
"Um, yes actually it is. It's so lovely." She said with a curtsy.
"I see. Well, in that case. Would you care to join me for a dance?" His question shocked her a bit. He stood before her with his hand held out for her to take.
"Uh, yes! That would be lovely." She gave him a bright smile and took his hand. The prince took her to the dance floor as the music started up once more. As the two danced other girls stood around fuming.
"Your highness? If I may?" She asked him as he spun her around before pulling her close.
"Yes, what is it milady?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but is it true this ball was for you to choose a bride?" The prince met her gaze. His piercing blue eyes seemed to stare directly into her soul.
"It is." A short answer. The assassin mentally groaned and tried not to roll her eyes at his reply.
"Then why choose me as a dance partner?" She flinched as if she said something wrong. "I mean, there are plenty of other beautiful women here you could be dancing with."
"Yes, however, you were the only person who wasn't watching me. I found it quite interesting." The prince replied as they slowed to a stop with the music. He took her hand and led her towards one of the open balcony doors.
"Oh?" She blinked while he leaned over the railing.
"You're the first person I've seen do that." He chuckled before tapping the space beside him, signaling her to come closer.
"Really?" She walked over and gently placed her hands on the stone next to him.
Okay score! Now let get him to let me stay here. She thought as the prince stared up at the stars. Prince Izana suddenly turned to her.
"So tell me why is it you've come here?" The assassin looked down at her hands and clenched them into fists.
"Well, I promised my sick mother I wouldn't return until I made her wish come true." She made her body start to shake as tears started to fall. The prince stood tall and turned her to face him, wiping her tears away with his fingers.
"What was it that she wished for if I may be so bold?" He asked her softly.
"I promised that I would find a man to marry so that she wouldn't have to worry. She wished for me to be happy and find love." She answered letting out a sob just to convince him further. The prince said nothing at first, but he lift her face by her chin.
"I see. How far did you travel to get here?"
"I took a boat here from an island far to the north. I was hoping to meet someone at the ball." The prince stared to laugh lightly. The two spoke for the rest of the night.
The prince isn't all that bad. However I have a job to do. So I can't continue to play games for too much longer. I've been away long enough.
"Well, since you came all this way. Why don't you stay here for awhile?" Her eyes widened at his words.
"Can you really do that? I mean I know you're the cron prince and all, but…" The prince cut her off with a small kiss on the forehead.
"Don't worry about all that milady. Just enjoy your time here in the castle." He smiled softly at her while taking a hold of her hand in his. Now this caught her off guard.
"Oh, okay then. If you're okay with it." She replied with a shy smile.
"Now, milady, you must be tired. Why don't I have someone show you to your room?" The prince called for a guard not giving her any time to reply. The assassin was whisked away into the castle by the guard. She walked right past the second prince who was speaking with the man she fought with he first time she was here. His yellow eyes locked with her's and she watched them widen slightly.
Oh crap! Did he figure out that it's me? She thought frantically as she was led away. The guard dropped her off in a very beautiful room. She didn't think anything of the man until her window was suddenly opened.
"So blonde this time?" A voice asked as the man from the other night stepped in. His eyes stared at her with a strange flame. The assassin turned to him with a shy smile.
"What are you taking about? This is the first time I've met you." She stepped back a bit letting fear show on her face.
"Ah, well in that case sorry for disturbing you Miss. My name is Obi by he way." He said cheerfully.
"It's nice to meet you Obi. I'm Alena." She replied giving him a shy smile. The assassin couldn't get caught, not until her work is finished. She figured the man would leave after knowing her name. Instead he stood unmoving for a minute with cheesy smile on his face.
"You as well, Miss." He said walking closer. She couldn't deny that he was handsome. He stood over a foot taller than her wearing a black uniform. His short black hair barely covered his forehead. There was a small scar above his super thin eyebrow on the left side of his head. Slowly he reached a hand up lightly touching her face before flinching back.
"Sorry about that. Well, you must be tired so I'll take my leave now." Obi bowed and made a swift exit through where he had entered. The assassin blinked a couple of times as her face contorted in confusion.
"Well, that was odd. Now let's take a look around. I need to get a handle on the guard rounds as well as where that Obi guy says." She thought aloud to herself while checking to see if there was anyway to get back into her room without getting caught while not in cosume.
"The balcony would be the easy way during the night. Though, I'll have to hide my clothes places as well just in case. If it came down to it even being dressed like Alena I should be able to get some information." With that said she changed out of the dress and blonde wig and back into her black clothes. Once ready the assassin left the room silently to look around. Walking down the quiet hall was how it normally was while she worked. She was sure the party was still going on in the ballroom. It wasn't too late, the first prince just gave her an excuse to leave so she wasn't uncomfortable. The assassin didn't think she would gain his attention so easily. The sound of someone talking pulled her from her thoughts.
"Are you sure Obi? My brother let her stay?" She hid so she could listen in without being seen. The man she had spoken to in the room was speaking to who she assumed was the second prince.
Seriously? Of all the people I had to run into while not dressed I had to be Obi.
"Master, It's only been two days since the attack on Shirayuki. I don't really trust Miss Alena. She looks a little like the assassin I caught." Obi replied. Alena's heart almost stopped at this. If he didn't trust her then she needed to gain it to make getting closer to Shirayuki easier.
"What about her does my brother like? Just what is he planning?" The younger prince said slowly.
"Master it seems you're wanted back in the party." She heard Obi say and seconds later footsteps sounded as the prince left.
Okay that's my cue to get the hell out of here. I've heard enough. Just as she was about to leave Obi's voice stopped her.
"Leaving so soon Miss?" He asked cheerfully as he rounded the corner. "Did you come to finish the job?" The assassin quickly covered her face with her mask before turning to him.
"You stopped me the last time. I can't get me money unless I finish this." She replied sarcastically, putting a hand on her hip. Suddenly she was pinned to the wall by his body. His piercing yellow eyes boring into her's.
"Who hired you?" He asked harshly pushing a blade to her throat. She stayed silent, knowing that if she told him she'd be killed.
"Where's the fun in giving you what you want?" She smirked as blood trickled down her neck from the cut made by the blade. Obi's eyes widened slightly before going back into a glare.
"Answer me or I'll slice your throat." He growled. Her smirked grew even more a the anger in his eyes.
"You're in love with her. Now this is interesting." She chuckled catching him by surprise. Obi's grip on the knife faltered which she used to flip their positions. This time Obi was pinned to the wall with the blade to his throat. A flash of sadness was shown is his eyes, but was gone just as quickly as it appeared.
"Oh? So it's one sided then? Well that's too bad." She pouted just to mess with him. Obi glared at her and growled. He kicked at her ankle, throwing her off balance. The two hit the floor with a thump. The assassin hissed as pain shook up her back. Obi sat on her legs while pinning her hands above her head with one hand. His other held the blade against her collar bone. She relaxed in his grip knowing that she'd lost. This furthered his shock, he wasn't expecting her to give in.
"Who hired you?" He asked again, moving the knife so it wasn't cutting into her skin.
"Some rich daughter. She never gave me a name. Just orders to kill a red haired girl who lived in the castle." The assassin replied not meeting his eyes. Obi sat up taking the blade with him, though he didn't release his grip on her entirely.
"Why does she want you to kill Shirayuki?"
"I don't know. I never ask why, I just do the work and get paid." Obi groaned at her reply.
"I can tell you this though. She sounded very hateful towards her. Which made me think she wanted the girl out of the way for some reason."
"Why tell me this after boasting about fun?"
"I lost." Was all she said. "Don't expect me to stop trying to kill her just because I gave you what you wanted." Once again the blade was against her throat as Obi glared at her. The assassin met his gaze full on.
"Then I'll stop you every time." He growled before getting up. The assassin watched as he vanished back into the ballroom. She stayed there for a bit before finally getting up and heading back to her room. No one had ever done that to her before nor had she ever had someone say they would stop her every time.
~Obi~
Obi watched as Shirayuki danced with his master with a blank look. His heart ached as the newly announced couple laughed. His thoughts drifted back to the woman he had pinned to the floor mere moments ago. Her bright blue eyes staring at him with no fear. Obi shook his head with a frown.
Why am I thinking of her? He thought as her words echoed through his thoughts.
You're in love with her. So it's one sided? Obi still couldn't figure out how she knew. The girl was more puzzling every time he thought about it. At least he got the information about who hired her. Even though it wasn't enough to go on. His gaze went back to the chatting couple.
"I'll figure this out on my own. I can't let this continue. Maybe Miss Alena could help me hide what I'm doing from Master and it'll be easier for me to keep an eye on her." He whispered to himself as he looked away from the dazzling room. A girl standing away from the crowd caught his attention. She was wearing a white gown that had pink flowers on the skirt. Obi watched her closely for a bit before turning back to watch the party. He watched the first prince leave the party just after he had finished dancing with a girl.
"Is everything okay Obi?" He heard Shirayuki ask. Obi turned to the red haired beauty who had walked over with his master.
"Oh Miss! Yes everything is okay. I guess I'm just a bit tired." He said cheerfully. Obi didn't want her to worry about him. His gaze went to his master who had a soft smile on his face as he watched the two.
"That's good!" Shirayuki smiled. "I heard Zen's older brother picked someone to marry earlier, but wanted to still be at the party." Obi blinked at the news.
"He announced it right after I returned from talking with you outside." The sliver haired prince said with a sigh. He looked utterly deflated.
"Prince Izana said that her name is Alena." Obi almost choked.
You've got to be kidding me! Alena is the woman the prince chose as his wife!? Obi thought as he took a step back. The two looked at him oddly as his face paled.
"Um, Obi?" Shirayuki reached out for him.
"If you'll excuse me I think I'll retire for the night." Obi suddenly said, making sure to fake a yawn afterwards. The two watched him rush out of the party before turning to each other.
~Alena~
Alena stared up at the starry sky. She wore a slik robe over her night dress. Her blonde was pulled to one side so that it hung over her right shoulder. A knock sounded as the prince's voice spoke up.
"Oh, come in your highness." She replied, wrapping the robe around her more as she stepped back into the room. Obi watched her from within a tree, he didn't want to be seen just yet.
"How do you like your room?" Prince Izana asked as he sat down on her bed. His blue eyes watched her as she closed the balcony doors.
"It's quite lovely, thank you." She said giving him a bright smile. Izana stood and walked over to her. She almost flinched when his hand buried itself in her wig.
"I'd rather you not wear a wig." He spoke, surprising her.
"How did you?" She stepped back, hands reaching for the door knobs so she could run if it came to that.
"You had a black strand sticking out when I walked in. Why hide yourself?" His eyes bore into her's like he already knew what she really wanted. Alena looked away as her back hit the glass door.
"Is someone hunting you down?" He asked, his hand cupping her face gently. Alena looked at him wide eyed.
Okay… Not what I was expecting, but I can work with this. She thought while nodding her head slowly. Prince Izana smiled sadly and pulled her to his chest. This wasn't normally something he would do, but she was seeking help.
"Why don't you stay here? I swear to you that nothing will happen while you're here with me."
"I, I don't know what to say. You'd really let me stay here?" She stuttered unsure of how to actually respond. She buried her face in his broad chest, hugging him tightly. The two stood in front of the balcony doors unaware that they were being watched. Obi's eyes were wide as he quietly dropped to the ground.
Alena is the assassin? I knew it. Damn I should have killed her when I had the chance. He thought as he headed to his room.