Walking With Shadows [#Wattys2015] [Being Edited]

The Welcomed Spy

"Tassel! Kurse has summoned you to his throne."

A guard entered the room and shouted at Tassel. Tassel looked up from her dagger and stood from her seat.

Slipping the small knife into its sheath, she made her way out of the room and down the hall, grumbling, "Joy.."

The dark halls were lined with soldiers and guards of every division. The walls were painted a dull gray color, the floors a sterile white. At the end of the corridor, two great, black doors took up the entire front wall. The guards simply nodded and allowed Tassel access into the room. 

Inside, the walls were painted a thick cobalt, and at the very center, a large black throne was placed. Atop it sat a lithe man with ebony black skin. His ice blue eyes gave him a menacing look.

"Ah, Tassel. My dear girl!" the man leaned towards her with outstretched arms. 

Tassel stood perfectly still. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at the man.

"Kurse, we've already been through this. I'm not your girl. You did however call me here for a purpose, and I would be perfectly happy if you graced me with the reason why." Tassel said, as diplomatically as she could manage.

Kurse looked her over before leaning back into his chair. Something flashed across his eyes, and Tassel noticed the faint smirk played on his lips.

"Surely you must know of the Nine Realms' most powerful royal family?" he said.

"Yes, of course. The All-father has guarded Asgard for longer than I can remember." Tassel said.

Kurse nodded slowly, his eyes lighting up with yet another strange glint. He pushed himself up from his throne and started toward her. As much as she wanted to, Tassel stood her ground, looking up to meet his gaze.

"The House of Odin has reigned for far too long. It is time Svartalfheim took what is rightfully theirs. I want the entire family dead. Not a single survivor. Once Asgard's leaders are gone, we will lead an attack and take over the realm without much fuss." Kurse explained.

"Are you sure you want to do this now?" Tassel asked, starting when he took a step closer to her.

"Of course I'm sure," Kurse said, his voice low, "I do hope you're not questioning my authority. I would hate to have to remove you."

Tassel suppressed the shudder fighting to move through her body. He could sense fear. She'd learned that a long time ago.

"No, my lord. I'm just concerned with the attention such a mission will draw," Tassel said, "Lately you've ordered some very important people dead, and I'm worried that the royal families have all raised their guard. Suspicion may follow a strange girl marching into the All-father's palace unannounced."

"That's why I'm sending you," Kurse said, "Bat your eyes, play the damsel in distress. You're very good at it, and it won't be the first time it's worked."

He let out a hearty laugh that made Tassel's fist clench in anger. It was so easy for him to say, since he wasn't the one putting his life on the line, getting blood on his hands.

"My lord-"

"Enough!" Kurse's laugh dissolved into a roar, and Tassel cringed, "You will do what I say, like the good soldier you are, and if you speak out of turn again, I will have your head."

Tassel's gaze hit the floor, trying to block out his words as they echoed off the walls.

"Yes, my lord." she said in a meek voice.

"You will say what you must, do what you must," Kurse said, "And take Anson with you. Perhaps he will garner you some sympathy."

Tassel nodded, turning on her heel to leave before he could see how one name had made her blood run cold.