Shadow Betrayal: An Assassin's Story

12 - CHARM, CHAOS AND FUTURE DATES - 12

Did you guys know that life is exactly like a game of chess. (I don't know how to play chess) So the people who do, cheerios to you

Anyways have fun!!
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Raven's POV

My eyebrow twitches in irritation as I survey the ballroom, a sea of people decked out in extravagant attire and plastered with insipidly cheerful smiles. Seriously, what's with this kingdom and their relentless happiness? It's as if they're all competing for the title of "Most Smugly Content." The room itself is a travesty—drenched in golden drapes, sparkling crystal, and floors so shiny they might as well be mirrors. For a split second, I consider the hilarity of dousing the floors with soapy water and watching the guests skid and flail, but no. That's a terrible idea. Focus, Raven! This is a mission, not a prank show.

I fix my gaze on the king, who's chatting away with nobles as if he's the happiest man alive. It's almost infuriating how much he's enjoying himself. Soon, though, it will all come to a head. Lives are on the line here, and I need to keep my eyes on the prize.

Then, my gaze drifts to his side, and lo and behold, who do I see? The idiot from the bushes, now strutting around like a younger clone of King Ziu. Of course, it's Prince Lucian, second in line to the throne of Suncrest. I'd bet my last penny on it. And I was dumb enough to actually introduce myself to him. Great job, Raven! You've officially earned the title Madam Senka gave you: the most spectacularly clueless girl in the entire realm.

Lucian steps away from his father and starts mingling with other guests. Now's my chance! I need to deliver my father's message before it's too late. I dart towards Lucian, only to be abruptly yanked around and come face to face with... Kaemon!

"Kaemon, what on earth are you doing here?" I hiss, my eyes wide with surprise. How did he even get in?

"Well, back at the market, I went off to grab some food," he explains with a grin that's as infuriatingly smug as ever. "When I came back, you were gone. So I figured you'd be here, sneaked in, and, voila, here you are!" His grin is so wide I'm afraid it might split his face. I suppose I should give him credit—he's consistent if nothing else.

He's such an idiot; he could blow my cover. I glance back at Lucian, and, of course, he's staring right at me! His eyes light up, and he flashes a charming smile. I respond with a glare that could freeze water. Lucian raises an eyebrow, then turns his attention back to the woman practically draped over him, before making a beeline straight towards me.

Panic flares in my chest, my heart pounding so loudly it might as well be shouting my presence. I whip my head back to Kaemon, who's still blabbing on about his food escapades, completely oblivious to the urgency.

"Kaemon!" I cut him off with a sharp whisper. He looks at me, blinking in confusion.

"Yes, my sunflower?" He asks with a look of exaggerated innocence that makes me want to throttle him. How does he manage to make being clueless look like an art form?

"You need to leave. Now!"

He frowns, his lower lip jutting out in a dramatic pout. "Whyyy?" he whines, like a petulant child. This absolute nincompoop.

"Just go. Before you blow my cover and get us both caught!" I start pushing him toward the exit. Heads are beginning to turn, but right now, that's not my concern. I glance back at Lucian, who's almost upon us but is momentarily halted by another woman in an extravagant gown.

"Alright, alright, I'm going," Kaemon grumbles, though he can't resist one last cheeky grin. "But... will I see you later?" His eyes twinkle with mischief, making me wonder if he's plotting his own escape from reality.