The Assassin's Conquer (Book Two)

Chapter 1- Ryia

I look over my shoulder as the fae realm grew farther and farther away. It had been a year scince I had first came there. My training had been relentless. I was stronger, faster, and far more intune with my unique abilities. Sighing I climbed into the carridge that would take me to Talahan. My eyes widened as I realized this would be the first time I went there as a member of the royal family.

How strange, though after all I hadn't found out about being a princess of the castle until last year when everything had gone crazy. Even when I was training day in and day out whispers of a coming war came to the camp. King Simon was going to attck the fae lands, or at least that was what the word was. Having had a run in with King Simon myself I hopped it wasn't true.

Leo climbed in the carridge next to me breaking me out of my thoughts. "Are you alright?" he asked seeing my face. Laughing a little a said "I'm fine thanks, it's just I'm worried about this place I hope that no one here has to fight in a war". Leo sighed. "I, myself, wish to avoid war completely, but it dosen't look like therre is even a slight chance of that anymore" Leo said looking out the window wistfully.

I feel like Leo and I have gotten closer over the year. Though I'm sure some people at home did not approve of my choice I'm glad I got to learn of my abilities. I dozed off to sleep dreading my dreams. I was in a stone room the floor was cold and ragged against my legs. Then someone walked in, Simon. "Hello darling, you haven't slept much recently I miss seeing you in your dreams" he said.

Ever scince a month ago Simon has been finding his way into my dreams. I don't know how he does it but shadow magic has always seemed strange to me. "I don't like these dreams, I don't like that you can controll them" I said standing up against the wall. I looked down to see I was in my assasin's clothes. "You think your so much better than me because you're trying to save the fae. Look at yourself, sure I've killed but I've always had my reasons, what about you.

"You have taken the lives of many just because someone told you to, no matter how many fae you save you will never be able to wash away what you've done. What would happen if that sister of your's found out about all the lives you have taken for sport? Would she wretch? Would she vow to never speak or look at you ever again." Simon asked leaning to my ear.

"Look at yourself. You have so many dark secrets, some that would make even my little brother Terrin, your fellow assassin look at you with horror, disgust, and hate. Oh how I wish to whisper your secrets to all those you love until I'm the only one left whom doesn't despise you, but no I will let you keep your dark secrets for now" Simon said smiling deviously. He has taunted me with his knolledge every time I have slept.

I haven't told anyone yet, I couldn't risk them finding out all my secrets they were mine and I am not ashamed. I won't let myself be ashamed the moment I allow that is the moment I fail against the darkness in my soul. Stained my hands were stained with blood of many that was a stain I could never wash off. "Ryia, wake up were almost there". I felt hands on my shoulders shaking me lighlty.

My eyes fluttered open. Leo smiled. "You sleep like a rock" he said. I stretched looking out the window. From the placement of the sun I could tell it was almost noon. Looking more closely I saw the large beautifull cobblestone castle and I could see feilds stretching out until the valley was swallowed by gorgeous green woods. There were two horses on the feild, as we came closer I saw that the riders were Terrin and Alexandria. Terrin's smile was visible even from our distance.

I felt a sudden pang in my heart and a wave of naussia hit me. Maybe the ride was a little more rugged then I had thought. The carridge slowed as we reached the front entrance. As soon as the door opened I jumped out needing some of the fresh air that Talahan was known for. Leo exited hesitantly behind me. He gave me a hug.

"Thanks for letting me escort you back to Talahan, I had better start heading back if I'm going to make it back to the fae realm before night fall. Tell the others that I said hi" Leo said giving me one more hug before climbing back in. With me and my pack at the front steps the carridge left once more. I wish I could have asked Leo to stay even though I knew that everyone here were more family then anyone else could I felt terribly alone as I faced a castle that was to be my home.

Entering the castle a maid showed me to my room which was stocked full of dresses that looked like they cost a small fortune each. How was I ever supposed to repay them for all this. I suppose I could train knights or gaurd guests or something of that extent. I took a long, hot bath hoping that it would make my nausia go away. When I got out I dried myself off got dressed in a simple silky black dress with a blood red ribbon tied gently around my waist. I then proceded to brush out my hair.

I slipped on red slippers and sat down upon the plush bed my mind racing. Maybe I should have stayed another year in the training camp I'm not ready to come back, not ready to face them. Not when Simon knows my secrets. No matter what happens here I must make sure that I don't get attatched, it can't be like last time. I can't be like I was last time.

A knock on my door broke me from my thoughts. "Ma'am I'm here to bring you to dinner, are you ready to come". I opened the door and the young maid had her head bowed slightly. "Yes, thank you" I said. She led me to the dinning hall. When I entered I was greeted with hugs and smiles. Terrin was sitting next to Alexandria, I don't know why but it made my skin crawl and my stomach wretch.

I smiled and answered questions. "Wow, Ryia you look so different from when I last saw you" Alexandria had said. That was the only thing that had suprised me throughout the whole of the meal. Did I really look different. Well, I suppose my face had grown thinner and my arms, legs and waist had grown slimmer but, I didn't look that different did I?

After dinner I plead weary and escaped to my room. Watching the ceiling I wondered why I felt so sick when ever Alexandria and Terrin laughing and smiling so contently together. These were useless thoughts, I shook them away climbed down the balcany. 'Some late night horseback riding was always fun' I thought as I headed toward the stables. When I reached the stables heard giggling and whispering I peered over to see Terrin and Alexandria joking about hitting eachother playfully.

The sick feeling returned stonger and more insidtantly than it had before. Nausea overwhelmed me as I backed away carefully having to get out of there quickly without being seen. I ran through the woods until they parted into a lush and beautiful medow. Collapsing onto my knees and looked up at the sky, the stars glittering gorgeously as though mocking my pain. What was goign on with me?