Protecting the crown

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 | Unknown |

The blood stains on the floor called out to me. They spoke stories, each splatter depicting what had happened. It was fresh; no more than a few days old. Someone had been shot here.

I collected a sample and sealed it in a clear, sterile bag. I would have to send it to Mathew for testing. Hopefully, he would be able to find out who it was. I already had a suspicion of what happened, but I needed to double check.

"Mathew." I said. He came running over like a dog. "Find out who this is." I held up the blood bag. He took it from my hands with trembling fingers and dashed away. Cowards. All of them. The emptiness of the warehouse district gradually faded away as I neared the Main Street. There was a particularly large crowd gathered around a stage. I moved towards it to get a closer look.

A man dressed as the king sat on a poorly made throne, drinking wine in a silver chalice. He motioned to the subjects at his feet to rise. Next to him stood Prince Roman, who's crown lay crooked on his head. He was a short, stout man; with his beard and moustache he looked the opposite of his role.

"Gold for you," The king's booming voice rang out as he threw the fake gold at the crowd. "Gold for everyone!" People grabbed fistfuls of it, shouting 'Long live the king'. Then the chant changed to 'Long live the Prince" and it traveled across the streets. Soon enough, almost everyone had joined in, focusing their attention away from the play. Good.

I snuck backstage and waited for the actors to arrive. The king and the prince excitedly chattered, so lost in their conversation they didn't notice me..until it was too late. My knife slid into their hearts easily, perhaps a bit too easily and they crashed down. The crown was knocked onto its side, and with a nudge I sent it sailing into the crowd. I hummed as I carved a logo on their chests, using the blood to paint a pretty picture.

I stood back to examine my masterpiece. It was done. The whole world would know I was coming.