Thiefess

Chapter 1- Matthias

She was beautiful. And deadly.

I had finally accomplished what my father swore he would never live to see me accomplish. I had finally caught the thief- the great thief of Lithiana, never caught, unknown to the world.
This mystery 'man' as they all say, who hides behind an ebony mask, only known for the piercing green eyes that stun those who are lucky enough to catch a glimpse. Small, cunning, and anonymous. That's all our kingdom knew of this thief.

I always knew it was a woman. The careful planning behind each steal, the eyes, the slight frame, even the ignorance of the public: It all added up to the careful planning of a woman. Perfect, really. How could you be a thief if you are a small, defenceless woman? She could live a normal life on the side.

Of course, I couldn't tell my father, the king. Suspicions like those have you hung.
So, I searched myself.

But somehow, no matter how many people I asked, books I read, forests I wandered in search of a hideout, she couldn't be found. I had began to wonder if it really was a man. Maybe my father had gotten to me. The fact that I could be so wrong on something I was so sure of nearly drove me to madness.

I began taking midnight strolls through the gardens. It's funny really, what kind of coincidences can take place. Funny really, whom you might see on your late night walks.

My thoughts were buried deep in my current conundrum, who is this thief? How could I be so wrong? I had spent so many of my years pondering this figure, only to have it all ripped down in front of me. This is why you are not fit to be King, a small voice whispered in my ear. And that's when I saw it.

A dark shadow flitted across the grass, right before me. Seemingly oblivious to my presence. A small satchel bounced at their side. Before I could register the intruder, I was running.

It didn't take me long to catch them. They weren't even expecting me. My hand reached out. I knew it was the thief. The eyes, stunning green, shone defiantly as I grabbed her by the shoulder. Yes, definitely a woman.

I pulled off the mask.

Raven hair.
Green eyes.
Ruby lips.

"You're beautiful." I spoke before I could comprehend. Her eyes shone, and she blinked. Like the deer in the forest, curious, but always ready to disappear in a moment. And then she smirked, a small twitch of the lips, and she ran.

She was beautiful. And deadly.