Crown The King Killer

06. Under the Masks

 "So we're just supposed to wait inside for them to show up?" Alexander asked stretching out as they walked closer to the tavern.

"I will have to speak with one of the Ladies first, then I will get the room opened before Kage gets here with the man," Parkis opened the door wide enough for the both of them to step through.

There was music playing in a corner of the room by a warm fireplace inside of the tavern. People were sitting down at tables conversing with each other not taking notice of the two unfamiliar faces that walked in. The barman was wiping down the counter spot for two as another came up to great them.

"What can I do ya for?" He asked with a gristly voice. He had blonde hair and blue eyes with light brown skin and spots all over his neck and cheeks. His ears were pointed pack and pierced with many different hoops.

"We would like a Delphic," Parkis said a bit lowly as if he didn't want other people to hear.

"Hold on," he looked a bit suspicious but went about towards the kitchen of the tavern and soon came back. "This way, boys," he said and lead them towards a flight of stairs opposite to the ones were the bedrooms were. "Wait outside; one will be with you in a bit."

Parkis waited impatiently as the man walked away. As soon as the footsteps were no longer heard, the door opened to a lady dressed in fine silks and scarves. Her hair was tied up and curled at the ends. She smiled and invited Alexander and Parkis inside.

"Parkis, is it?" the lady who greeted. "I heard you were back, but to think you'd end up knocking on my door again, well, I am flattered," She smiled a bit. "One for the both of you, or one for each?" She asked and walked over to her girls.

Alexander eyed Parkis with curiosity and raised his eyebrow up. "Really?" he whispered quietly to himself.

"Madam, I will get right to the point," Parkis said quickly. "We are here to meet with someone from the black-market along with a good pirate-y friend of mine. We ask to use one of your rooms for our little meeting."

"So you will not be in need of our services?" She asked boldly.

"Not today," Parkis made sure to sounds serious and content.

"He looks too young for us women anyways," the lady turned around. "I supposed we could let you rent the room. Sixty coin upfront."

"Sixty?" Parkis questioned, "Last time it was forty."

"Well last time someone left a huge bloody mess in there, nearly scared half my girls away! Not to mention that smell either." She waved her hand around in the air as if it had magically come back.

"This time I promise we will not be making any kind of mess." Parkis placed his hands together neatly. "I will put down forty and if we happen to spill blood I will place down sixty after."

"I can't trust you rabbit, not after what you did to those people in there." She said as if she were personally affected by the incident. "I don't know what I was thinking, letting you in here with my girls."

"But you have my word, you also have my information, and you could run away to the guards and tell them I am here. Turn me in if you would like, I do have a high price for my head after all." Parkis rested his hand over his heart.

The ladies eyed Parkis distrustfully. The main one gestured for the others to leave the room. "Forty upfront," she held out her hand. "This is the last time I let you bring your little play toys here." Her voice became harsh and quiet.

Parkis reached into his coat pocket and took out a bag of coins. "Thank you, Madam," he nodded his head.

"Very well, follow me this way," she gestured.