The next morning, Royce showed up while I was in the stable yard, doing my fighting drills. It was a good day for practice, the sky was overcast and the yard was quiet. I'd been practicing for over an hour and, even with the cool weather, I had gotten all damp with sweat. As I lunged and attacked an invisible foe, Royce watched. I was wearing only my leather britches and boots. I knew he appreciated my strength and skill and it gave me a little thrill as his eyes followed my every movement.

I asked him "So how'd it go last night? Find out anything helpful about the new job?"

He answered, "Yes, I learned some very helpful information. First, the painting is locked away in Lord Philip's study at his residence here in the city. He keeps the key to the safe with him at all times and even sleeps with it at night. There are two guards stationed at the front of his house, but they don't seem like much of a threat." His fierce gaze never left me as I continued practicing.

I was breathing hard as I said. "Sounds like stealing the painting won't be difficult. What else?" I sensed there was something more Royce had discovered, but hadn't said.

"I talked with a portrait painter in the artisan quarter named Helder about the job. I'd heard about her when I was in the Black Diamond. She does high quality forgeries as well as portraits. Anyway, it turns out the subject matter of this particular painting by Benvenuto is what makes it so valuable, and dangerous."

I finished my last stance, put away my sword and caught my breath. "How can a painting be dangerous?" I walked over to a barrel of water. I grabbed a tin cup, drank my fill and then splashed my face, neck and chest. The cool water felt good against my skin. I caught Royce looking me up and down.

Royce walked over to me as I grabbed my shirt from where I'd placed it on a fence. He said, "From what I understand, it depicts one of the Novronian emperors in an unorthodox light. Something that the church deems heretical." I was about to pull my shirt over my head, but Royce's hand shot out and caught my arm.

"Wait." He purred. His gaze was hungry and I couldn't help but feel a rush of arousal.

The yard was empty and only a few of the stalls had horses stabled. The air smelled of fresh straw, leather and horse manure. Royce and I hadn't fooled around in a while and I missed it. I didn't know if this place was private enough for Royce although he certainly would hear if anyone approached.

I held his gaze. "Do we have some time … before our meeting with Lady Audrey?"

He nodded and pulled me into one of the empty stables.

Later, Royce said softly, "Albert is inside and it sounds like he brought Lady Audrey. Shall we go meet with them?"

I brushed some straw and splinters off of my clothes and followed Royce to our meeting room. Albert was lounging comfortably next to a strikingly handsome woman. Albert made the introductions. Lady Audrey was a thin handsome woman, proud and poised. Unlike most other nobles that hired us, she did not seem uncomfortable in the tavern.

Audrey spoke, her voice silky and her words enunciated beautifully, "Viscount Winslow told me he passed along my request, but that you need some additional information before you would accept the task. Please, I need your help. What more do you need to know?"

Royce studied her a moment before saying, "I'm curious to know more about this painting. Where did Philip get it? Why do you want it so much? Also, what will you do with it? You won't be able to display it."

Audrey answered coolly, "Of course I won't display it, I'm not a fool." She took a breath and said more calmly, "The painting is four centuries old and a unique masterpiece by Celini Benvenuto. It depicts the Emperor Narion with one of his knights, Jerish Grelad." She continued but now her poise was cracking, showing her frustration, "It isn't fair. My brother and I have been trying to locate this work of art for years. After all our efforts, Lord Philip came across it by chance at an auction in Rochelle. I offered to buy it from him, for an excellent price I might add, but he refused."

I suggested, "Could we replace it with a copy? You could keep the original and he'd be none the wiser. We know a good forger, right Royce?"

"No!" She immediately answered. Her desperation was plain to see, "There isn't time. I must have that painting, and before Philip gets a chance to show it off at his salon next week."

I looked at Royce and shrugged. He saw that I was fine with the job if he was.

Royce said, "Okay, we'll steal the painting, but for 20 gold upfront and 30 when we deliver it to you."

Luckily, Audrey was looking at Royce and didn't see my look of surprise. I wondered why Royce had asked for more money, and so much of it before we even started, but I knew he had his reasons.

Audrey didn't hesitate, "Agreed." She pull out her purse and placed 20 gold tenents on the table.

As if on cue, Gwen knocked and then entered the room. She looked lovely, as always. She wore a gown of crimson velvet and her rich dark hair swayed as she closed the door behinder her. She was carrying a tray with a bottle of wine, a mug of ale, and four empty glasses. She had the strangest habit of entering our meetings at precisely the right moment, as if she knew exactly what would happen and when was the best time to interrupt. Royce stood up to greet her and a smile lit his face. I was taken aback; it was like looking at a different person. Royce never smiled, well at least not like that. When he smiled, it was more like a sneer or a smirk. But this smile, the one he showed Gwen, was one of pure joy.

Her face mirrored his unadulterated happiness. "How about a drink to seal the deal?" She set down the tray and poured the drinks.

Royce's gaze was locked on Gwen, "Thanks." He answered. Again, I was struck by this uncharacteristic behavior. Royce never thanked anyone for anything and yet here he was saying 'thanks' for a couple of drinks.

I felt something shift inside. Like a wave crashing over me, realization hit and I nearly had to sit down. Royce was falling in love with Gwen.

Gwen lifted her glass and toasted, "To the next venture!" Everyone clinked their glasses, but I stood still, unable to speak. Then, Royce turned to look at me, concern darkening his face.

I came to my senses and quickly joined the toast, "Here, here." I sputtered and took a drink. I could only wonder what Royce's feelings for Gwen would mean for our partnership.