Crown The King Killer

10. Empty

 "Take this, wait until after the announcement, invite her to the indoor garden, and pour all of it into her cup around eleven. She will go to sleep and will not awake." Parkis gave Alexander the vial of purple liquids.

"What if she tastes it?" Alexander tipped the contents around so the air bubble bobbed around.

"I am sure the tea and coffee with be strong enough, if she complains add more sugar, it dilutes the bitterness of the thorn taste." Parkis took the vial away from Alexander's hands as he played with it. He stuck it into the pocket of Alexander's suit and gave him a serious look. "Try to be discreet about it will you?"

"Sorry," Alexander patted his pocket and put on his water proof coat ready to embrace the blood draining sky. "I'm set to go, what about you?"

Parkis adjusted the lock hanging over his fox mask and nodded, "I am ready as well."

The walk was daunting as the rain turned into a dark brick red colour. It surprised Alexander, it was not at all the consistency of blood yet, he could only imagine what the next few days would be like. The castle gates were open wide with people rushing in under wide sheets over their heads. Soft music could be heard playing from inside the entrance as people gathered around waiting to get in. Parkis and Alexander slipped unnoticed into the crowed, soon through the castle doors. Parkis pushed Alexander gently up the steps directing him towards the centre of the room furthest away from the royal guards. He pointed out to all the people he should avoid and for further protection they would split up before the important announcement. Alexander agreed and kept on the lookout for the listed faces as he walked about the room with his wolf mask covering his face. Kage was sitting in the indoor garden looking rather bright for being cut deeply in her fight with the disloyal members of the guild. Every once in a while Alexander would catch her staring at Parkis from across the room as she looked through the giant window divider. Few people spoke to Alexander as he moved about the room with his hand in his suit pocket playing with the vial nervously. Without warning he felt the lid open slightly feeling his fingers become wet. He took it out and quickly tightened the cap over it wiping his hand on the table cloth. Glimpsing down at the vial one last time he nervously walked about the room to tell Parkis of the mishap; he wasn't pleased. Parkis shook his head and turned away after a short discussion about the efficiency of the poison left in the container. He told Alexander that it would have to do; the girl was small and the teacups even smaller.

As the music started up again people dance around and cheered heavily as people dipped and bowed swaying this way and that way about the room. Alexander felt like he had all eyes on him but where ever he looked no one was in his direction. He felt the burn of eyes on the back of his neck one more time before quickly turning around. Alexander caught the attention of a young girl about his age at the side of the room. She looked away with her long braided hair swaying back over her shoulder. She was dressed in shades of purple and pink with her hair curled loosely around her face. She was clearly an elf from the eastern regions; her flawless tan skin was sparking in the light. As she turned back her eyes shimmered brightly reflecting the light of the chandelier. She smiled shyly in embarrassment after being caught and waved towards Alexander who gave a smile back. He held his head high and walked over towards the girl who was the same height as him.

"You look like you're one of the King's men," she smiled, "What is it they call you?"

"I am Alexander," he said confidently. "And who might you be?"

"I am Corinne." She smiled. "I'm a princess of the faerie tribes, part elf part faerie. My parents are from two different tribes." Her smile grew bigger as Alexander took more interest. "Today my mother will be wed with King Gavin unifying our lands after my father's passing." She then looked a bit startled, "Oh no, I wasn't supposed to say anything! Please keep it a secret, I'm just very excited." She giggled more.