Bound To Kill

XI: Bound To Save

Evangeline

Night came as expected. Everyone has offed to their quarters. The girls and I can't stop talking about how our day has been. Most of them envies me now because they think I only handle Queen Mary while they handle most of the work.

"I do chores too, you know." I say.

"Chores like cleaning the Queen's bed after her and Prince Francis' make out sessions." Gretel jokes. Like always, they all laugh at her.

A knock on the door interrupts and we all look at the sudden visitor. It's an old man, the hay cart driver from last night. "Excuse me, ladies. But I was gathering hay in the haystack inside the barn and, I found a locked chest."

Shit. My chest. Never mind that at least it's locked.

"A locked chest you say?" Elise asks.

We all follow to where the old man guided us to. I state blankly at the chest nestled on top of unstacked hay.

"Excuse us." Four guards march in and carry the chest.

"Where are you taking it?" I ask, nervously. They're gonna find out when they'll investigate my hood, because I have my name embroidered somewhere inside that hood, including my journal. Especially with Sebastian as witness.

Just pure fucking bullshit, Evie.

"It'll be taken to the throne room for investigation. Please, get back to your chambers." Their officer answers after the chest has fled off.

My eyes stare in horror over the chest as it disappears when the barn door closes.

-

Alexander

The carriage stops after a two hour trip from the harbor. The castle gates open upon my arrival. I open the door and climb down the carriage when we rounded around the castle's fountain. I gripped on my cloak despite France's winter is being stubborn not to keep me warm.

Entering the castle, I was greeted by an usher dressed like a Royal. I hate Royals, and so does Evie.

"Lord Alexander Kenway. Welcome to the French Court."

I curtly nod, and say no response but to brush past him and search for one face I've come for.

"Do you know a girl named Evangeline Kenway?" I asked the usher. I stayed by his side as he leads me through the halls.

"The Queen Mary's handmaiden? Is she related to you, my Lord?"

I glare at the title. "Call me Alex, I am not a lord or a nobleman, I am just a Templar Knight."

"Forgive me... Sir Alex."

I avert away from him and wander my eyes everywhere my surroundings. I came here in favor to serve the French Court as a Templar who seeks order, not as an Assassin who seeks liberty for the oppressed peasants that have struggled under King Henry the Second's monarch.

Evie was supposed to be the one accomplishing this mission, but after the news reached to the Assassins Order and I, the failed mission was handed over to me in exchange not to shun my dearest cousin.

What did Mentor saw in Evie anyway that made him think she herself could fulfill this mission alone?

"Ah, here is the Templar Knight!" The bald King greets me with a gripping hug as I take off my oversized helmet.

This armor was only stolen from a Templar Knight I encountered in the road. This also put me to risk of killing few of my fellow Englishmen since the Knight was staying at a village.

The hall I am at is scattered with bonding servants. Two thrones sat alone on the upper deck. The queen has already occupied her throne, while the King remains at my side.

He introduced me to the whole audience, mostly to his wife. A couple steps forward, Queen Mary and Prince Francis.

"This is the knight I had promised you, Mary." Henry explains.

Mary curtsies and I make a move by kissing her ring finger. "Milady. It's an honor to finally meet you." I imagine Evie getting jealous somewhere in the crowd.

"He is trained to kill and kill he must do to protect you." The King continues, his hand still swayed on my shoulder as though I was his own son. "He's a fine young gentleman, isn't he?"

I sense jealousy somewhere under Francis' nose. Henry continues, "he'll be serving under my command for the rest of his full-paid service here."

"Full-paid service?" Asks Francis.

Two chests were placed in front of me. When the King opens them, everyone gasps and conversations start once its goods were revealed.

"If you want more, all you have to do is give me the throne of England." I look at the King with confused raised brows. He laughs, "joking, joking."

The three of us seemed uncomfortable of that joke. I never knew why this psycho king is so hard to kill for Evie. All she has to do is kill him in his sleep or pay someone to do it for her.

"Father, we need more than just one Templar Knight to raid England." Francis hisses.

"Oh, have you not witnessed Alexander's talents yet?" Henry questions. "My, I do like being impressed. How about a little battle between you and Alexander here?"

"You can't be serious." Francis huffs.

"Oh, for the sake of my country I am. Get the swords."

A guard comes in with two pair of sheathed swords.

Before I could get one, Francis storms out of the room. Mary follows immediately. The room goes silent, except for the King.

"Forget about the battle. Again, welcome to my house. Usher, guide him to his chambers."

"Yes, my King."

Henry pulls me closer and whispers something in my ear. "Meet me tonight after dinner. We'll plan about killing my son."

Preposterous.

I jerk myself out of his grasp.

-

"Here we are." The usher opens the door and throws my luggage on a nearby love seat. "What else can I offer you, Sir Alexander?"

"Nothing. You can go now." He leaves without hesitation. I closed the doors and locked the knobs before I open up my luggage. I attached my hidden blades to my wrist after rolling up my sleeve.

Let's see what my side missions are.

I have to get Evie's chest and salvage everything from it. But first, I have to find Evie.

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