Secrets of the Crown Assassins

34

ARIELLE

I stood along the border of Cressida, waiting by the edge of the golden stairs leading up to the city. I still couldn't quite believe the reason I was waiting.

When we got back to Cressida, the prisoner we captured from the fight was still knocked out. The Crown Kingston insisted on letting the prisoner rest and be tended to until he woke. My father agreed quite quickly. Torture would work better if he wasn't already in pain.

Furthermore, my father forced me to go to the infirmary after a long scolding on why I let the Ravens get to me. Classic.

Anyway, after leaving the infirmary, I walked around the palace, wondering if there were more secret alcoves and passages to discover when I got an audio call in my Tab.

"I'm coming back. Get your ass to the stupid staircase."

The call ended.

I tried calling her back, but when someone else lifted up the phone, I realized she used a public payphone. So, I just followed her orders and journeyed to the main staircase.

I looked down at the crowds of Streeters descending the stairs for the night, trying to catch a glimpse of red hair. There was no sign of her and I wondered if it was all a cruel joke. But, yet, I couldn't contain the excitement. Phoenix decided to come back. I had no idea why, but it was enough. There was still a chance she could claim the Crown. I could finally be free of the burden.

Still, there was a small inkling, a greedy whisper in the back of my mind, which protested. I pushed it away.

Phoenix was supposed to claim the Crown. This was meant to be.

At last, Phoenix appeared before the guards. She stood out like a sore thumb as one of the few people walking into the city at this time.

"I have a royal invitation," Phoenix told the guards as I approached. They refused to let her in until one caught my eye. I nodded and he whispered to the other guards before they stepped to the side, letting her through.

She walked towards me, rolling her eyes. "They're annoying."

"They're effective," I countered.

"Not when they're outside the walls of their precious city," she said. "You haven't asked yet. Your patience has improved significantly."

"Why did you come back?" I asked.

"Why not?"

"You said you would leave forever."

"So, I changed my mind," she said. "You should be rejoicing and bowing at my feet in gratitude."

I lifted an eyebrow and glared. Finally, she shrugged.

"The Ravens tried to rip me off. And I was bored. Am I suppose to freeze my ass off here for the rest of the night?"

"You're the hardened Streeter," I retorted. "You should be used to it."

"I have standards. I'm not one of those groveling ants," she scoffed. "You healed up nicely."

I gave a strained smile as I remembered the way I'd been keeling over on the ground the entire fight. Some Fortier.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted Alistair running towards us. He bowed to me and then, after a pause, bowed to Phoenix as well. It was likely he put the pieces together and figured out who she was, but would've bowed even if she was no one of importance.

"What's wrong?" I asked. He wasn't supposed to be on his shift, though he tends to forget the fact often.

"The Crown Fortier wanted me to personally notify you," he stated. "The prisoner is awake. He's being cared for and prepared for his interrogation."