An Assassins Escape

Chapter 8

I woke up screaming with a knife at my throat. A black leather gloved hand then grasped my neck, squeezing hard. An assassin. I couldn't breathe, my vision was spotting. I was choking. The scent of blood was apparent and overwhelming. The assassin squeezed harder, like a snake's lethal grip. They were too heavy and had the advantage while I was sleeping. This better not be how it ends, I thought. I would write a lengthy complaint in hell.

Quick as a flash, another figure clad in black swung in through the window. Another assassin? They pulled a knife on the first one and they both jumped back, assessing each other. I gulped in air, savoring the taste. My head was throbbing and I could tell that my neck would be bruised.

They fought, dipping and diving. It was hard to follow the movements because they were so fast, so skilled.

The first one must have been immensely injured because their fighting style was extremely talented, but they lacked the strength and agility. They had similar movements to the Shadows of Lamenta, I thought. Notorious assassins that were hand picked and brutally trained from a young age. The winner swiftly disposed of the body through the window. An almost-full moon watching every detail.

The second assassin shifted their attention onto me. They were tall and walked with a confident, sure gait. There was little to no chance for me. I would have to be resourceful and clever. So I resorted to what I saw Sofia do so many times.

I smirked, "Two of you in one night, I guess I'm more popular than I thought."

They just looked at me, "Big talk for someone at the mercy of my blade." Their voice was low and somewhat gravely.

"Now what blade are we talking about here? Stainless steel? Spring steel?" I focused more, "Is that an Ivory hilt I see? Now that's fine quality "I chidded, "At least I'll die luxuriously." I hope I get out of this alive. Please let me get out of this alive.

They unsheathed a daft blade with a sleek hilt. One that was engraved with the Briarcliff crest. "This one is the most agile. Fastest."

The blade was obviously of high quality. If it was originally theirs, this could be a lot easier than I anticipated.

I raised an eyebrow. "Is this a Prince I have on my hands?"

They grinned and dramatically bowed, "In the flesh."

Relief enveloped me. I should have been prepared for assassins, with all of those warnings. But I don't think there was anything else I could have done, with my body being in the state it's currently in.

"First thing tomorrow you're getting combat lessons. The walls are thick here, so I'm not sure anyone else could hear you screaming."

Chills ran down my spine, "I was screaming?"

"Like a banshee." They said flatly. "You should learn how to handle a dagger so you'll be able to do more than helplessly scream next time."

Well that's embarrassing. Years in the Isles taught me to handle a dagger with skill.

"I know how to handle a knife." I protested.

They laughed. Laughed at me. "Oh really?"

"Yeah"

They grinned like a feline creature, "Catch this."

They tossed the knife toward me, letting it freely spin toward my face. Sharp fear stung me before I caught it by the hilt.

That was close. Too close. If I was any weaker my arm would have fumbled it. Psychopathic prince.

His eyebrows rose, "Even with the anesthetic you still impress."

I stared flatly, "you should leave now." I chucked the dagger back at him and it flew in a straight, fluid line. He caught it with ease.

He started striding to the window, "As the lady wishes."

But before he swung back outside he whispered with a grin, "Keep an eye out for the other assassins."

Well there was no way I was sleeping tonight.  

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Authors Note: 

What do you think of the Prince?