A Rogue's Restraints

Chapter Five: Unwelcomed Guests

Sometimes it's hard to speak. My bones quake with fatigue. I don't feel like myself. Not even in my writing. What happens when one doesn't even recognize oneself? Is this the start of madness?

I picked up a flute of champagne as I made my way around the room. I tried to look casual as I sipped the bubbly drink. I spotted Willa and Theo at different spots in the crowd but didn't stare. We all made our way to the exit. I was almost to the doors. Just ten more feet.

The set ended and there was a stirring at the high table. Governor Bellamy stood and held his hands out for silence. Two guard took up position and pushed me back. We were all to hear what the Governor had to say it seemed. I shrugged nonchalantly and moved back into the crowd. I caught Willa's arm and led her away from the exit. I spotted Theon and shook my head.

"Friends," Governor Bellamy began. "Tonight, is a very special occasion. We are not to simply eat, drink, and be merry tonight. Tonight, is a celebration of the highest order. I have a surprise for all of you."

I rolled my eyes so only Willa could see.

I looked back up to the front of the room and did a double take. Was that...? I squinted. Yes, it was. I suddenly felt sick. Standing behind the Governor was a man with a dark uniform. His skin was like pale ivory, his auburn hair was pulled back in a short tail. At first sight one might take him for a typical bodyguard. But at closer examination, you could see the amulet he wore. An obsidian, sinuous heart that seemed to glow with purple flames.

A Blackheart.

"What is it?" Willa hissed, extricating her arm from my tightened grip. "You look like you just saw your dead Ma." I realized she probably couldn't see too well through the crowd. I was a good head taller than her.

"Blackheart." I whispered. I cringed as it came out louder than I'd intended. Suddenly the crowd started to shift as they noticed the man standing next to the Governor. I, of course, knew of the Blackhearts. Everyone did. However this was the first time I had ever seen one in person.

"What?" Willa breathed. She shoved past me, and we switched places so she could see better. I saw her blanch as well. She looked at me, her two-colored eyes flashing with fear. "We need to get out of here." She said in my ear.

I nodded in emphatic agreement. It didn't matter if you were a crime lord or simple thieves like we were. You never went up against those of the Black. That meant death, pure and simple.

I craned my neck, looking for Theon, but I couldn't see him. "...Unwelcome guests." Governor Bellamy was saying. My ears immediately started listening. My heart started racing, a cold sweat prickling my entire body. "Many of you know of my Father's safe. I have found the safe and I had a key built." He didn't know where the safe was? I thought with vague surprise. Where was it now? "However. These guests are here tonight and are ready to steal what I've worked so hard to procure." How did he know we were here? No one knew...Except Miss Seraphina. But how would she know we were thieves? I thought wildly. Had I done something to tip her off? We were new faces, but in such a large crowd, how were we zeroed out? I had used my real name, but how could they have known my name? The only place I had a price on my head was Gresdand, and that was hundreds of miles away. I was fairly certain Koeik and his goons couldn't have blabbed.

Then the answer became clear. We hadn't been zeroed out. Seraphina had been hired to go around and look for anything suspicious. When she had tapped me on the shoulder, I had grabbed for my dagger. It was hidden, but what sort of person grabbed at their arm when startled? But how would the Governor have known to look for us in the first place? I looked back at the Blackheart. I'd heard that those of the Black made excellent mercenaries (and assassins) for two main reasons. They obeyed without questioning, and they had the odd talent of finding their targets uncannily fast. Some said they could smell fear, taste tension, and hear the smallest of intentions.