All In Due Time

Chapter Three

The item falls to the ground, Aeliana refusing to pick it up.

"Get your ass out of my house before I skin you alive."

Just like that, Caius was gone like he was never there, but the object remained on the floor.

Picking it back up, she twirls it, tracing a finger over the inscription.

"Momento Mori" whispers Aeliana, brushing her fingers over the dagger's inscription. 

Shuddering, she sheathes the dagger and quickly hides it underneath her cloak. Strapping her dual blades across her back, she steps outside and starts off in a random direction. Striding through the streets, remaining unseen, Aeliana sidesteps into an alley and picks up speed running. Jumping onto the wall at the end of it, she races along, nimbly jumping from rooftop to rooftop until she gets to the river. Once there, she drops to the ground and sits along the bank staring at it. The water rushing, gurgling along, white foam appears as it runs over rocks and debris jutting out of it. 

Despite the warmth of the sun, she shivers and stands, "Never did like the water," a murmur coming from her as she walks away. 

Feeling restless still, she wanders through the streets, not bothering to conceal herself. People jump out of her path, sparks of flames seeming to appear around her and trail behind. Embers blinking in and out of existence at the tips of her hair.

Aelianna's POV

Through my wandering, I find myself near the castle. I look at it in disgust, the high walls of it rising above everything else in the city, even if it wasn't set upon a hill. 

It's such a shame that the castle is so beautiful with such an evil, corrupt, and ugly king sitting inside it upon its throne. 

I tear my eyes away from the castle and look ahead to just bump into a hard chest. I jump back, a dagger already in my hand, prepared for a fight. That is, until I see who it is. 

Dear gods and goddesses above, of course, it'd be the bleeding Crown Prince. 

He sneers down at me, taking note of my dagger and swords crossed on my back, "My my, what my luck to bump into an assassin. I'm curious, are you any good? I'm looking for a trained killer a contest my father has decided to hold."

I sneer right back at him, "If you're looking for someone that's good, go elsewhere, I'm pretty damned near the best."

"Oh, got a tongue and such arrogance," tapping his chin thinking, "you'll do, grab your belongings and meet me by the castle gates in the morning. Do not keep me waiting."

And just like that, he was gone, guards surrounding him as he strides off.

Bastard, I've been trying to avoid this contest like the plague. The winner gets to be the King's pet for as long as the King desires, but I have no choice anymore. 

Author:

Hey all!! I know this is a little shorter than my usual updates, but I've been sitting on this chapter for a while now and slowly working at it. I wanted to get it out to you all, and know I haven't forgotten about it!