The Assassin and the King

Chapter 4

Laurel watched as Oletha tugged nervously at her emerald dress, clearly never having worn something so expensive before. The dress had been Laurel's a few years ago, when she was shorter, but the bottom still had to be hemmed a bit for Oletha.

Laurel sat confidently in the silver dress that she had selected from her closet, her hair in perfectly pressed curls.

Spencer sat across from them in the carriage, and Laurel noticed that he was looking at her. Not in a bad way, but not in a good way either. He was just staring.

Laurel averted her eyes, not wanting to look at him. She didn't want to think about what Linden was implying before. For all Laurel knew, the courtesan could have just been toying with her, but she desperately wanted to get rid of the knowledge of what it meant if she wasn't.

The carriage bumped along, and the three sat in silence. Even Oletha said nothing, partly because of nerves, but also because of the tension she felt between her two companions. As the gates to the castle slowly opened for them, Laurel straightened her posture, and glanced urgently at Oletha to do the same.

Laurel silently went over the plan in her head. Her name was Lady Lissa, and she was from Torvia, because that was one of the only lands that allowed Ladies to learn to fight, and the prince enjoyed sparring. She was not to go after the king until she gained at least a little trust from him. Oletha, Spencer and Laurel would all stay at the castle, like all the other suitors, but make a few trips to her 'aunt's' mansion. That was what Laurel hated. The lovely mansion they were going to was Madam Maven's Guild. Which meant that Linden would be there.

The carriage bumped to the castle, and Spencer stepped out, holding his hand out to help the girls. They followed the others into the castle and found themselves in a long line of fancy looking women. Everyone was patted down before they entered the great hall, where Laurel assumed the prince was. Laurel didn't worry about this, because her weapons were perfectly conseald, so that anyone would just believe her knives to be the bone of a corset or something. Spencer was armed too, with a sword displayed on his belt, and some other hidden blades. The guards weren't taking the swords from the other ladies' guards, so Laurel assumed Spencer would be fine.

As she stepped up to the door, she hoped this would go well.

~

Gavin was sick and tired of all of these ridiculous suitors. None of them had any personality. It was a full day of senseless giggling, waving of fans, and twirling of hair. Not one spoke more than a few words. Each ditzy girl had their guard read off anything they thought would impress him.

To his dismay, two more entered. The blonde in the silver dress had stunning eyes, but she was probably just as flighty as the others. Her dark haired friend looked really nervous, and was picking at her green dress. Her eyes kept darting over to Charles, who was standing guard nearby.

"Address yourselves." Queen Isabelle said poshly. She was overseeing this since it was her idea, and the king wanted nothing to do with it, since he held his son in low regard.

"Lady Lissa and Lady Eva of Torvia." The blonde announced, curtsying.

Gavin rolled his eyes, and leaned back in his chair.

"Welcome, Lady Lissa and Lady Eva." Queen Isabelle greeted. "Tell us about yourselves."

The blonde glanced over at the dark haired girl, and narrowed her eyes a bit at her. Whatever she was thinking, she brushed it off and said, "I think my cousin and I can both agree that we would like to get to know His Majesty, also."

Gavin sat up, confused. She wanted to get to know him? None of the others wanted to know anything about him. They didn't care! Why would they? All he was to them was either a way to the throne or a handsome face. But this girl, Lissa, actually wanted to get to know him.