The Failed Assassin

Failure

"Very well done Duchess Opal." The King said and Emma had to notlaugh when she heard the name. There was no way some parent namedtheir kid Opal. Or did she choose a new one? With how she was actingin this small time Emma wouldn't exactly be surprised if she did.

"Now, my dear son Prince Wilhelm will dance with all of the lovelyyoung single ladies." The King smiled and Emma smirked as shereached into her pocket. She did have to concentrate a bit more butonly her fingertips would glow the metal and leather becoming asimple dagger and was ready. It was time.

It took a while for him to dance through and part of Emma did want totake a pull of some drink that had alcohol in it. She wasn't one todrink her cares away, she had gotten to see one too many people gotoo far on the liquid. She had no wish to know if the truth serumwould show her to be a happy sweet girl spilling her secrets, angryand violet or most likely just mopey spilling her woes to anyone whowould listen.

Any of the three would be a disaster, each worst then the last. Andshe couldn't allow it to happen. She was faceless, nameless. She knewif something happened Nathaniel would be devastated but he would haveto stay safe. She knew that he would because they had taken on beingalmost guardians to the families at Beggar's Alley and he'd stay safeso he could protect them, as they had sworn to do.

Her older brother was loyal, level headed, sufficient. Not a fierytemper and quick violent fuse like her. Sometimes she wished that shewas more like him. But right now she needed to focus. When he finallycame to her he bowed and she curtsied and was surprise there was norecognition in him, but it shouldn't have surprised her.

It had been so long, after all.

She waltzed and despite all of his faults she had to admit he was onehell of a dance partner. He led well and since she was good enough atwaltzing to sell her story. It was time. Now or never.

Despite her preparing right now she could feel her heart beatingagainst her ears, the blood rushing and she almost thought she wouldfall. "Are you okay?" He asked and he sounded bored and slightlyworried but nothing beyond polite interest. She put her hand to hermouth and nodded, acting like she was not feeling good.

"Yes, I am sorry Your Highness." She assured making sure shesounded awed and reverent when all she wanted to do was rip his headfrom his shoulders. She fluttered looking like she might swoon but itwas all an act, an act he was too stupid and full of himself tonotice, reaching into her pocket, hoping he would take it as hergetting over excited to be dancing with him. Foolish man.

Grabbing the dagger in her pocket she prepared. Of all the times forher to be left handed. With her dominant hand she'd miss his heart.Hitting the right side of his chest when she needed to hit the leftso instead would use her right hand.

She should have known that was a bad idea.

She had almost gotten it in him, she was so close. But her righthand, despite her practice, was clumsy. It was caught by the prince,his hand squeezing tightly on her wrist with his left hand using hisright hand to punch her in the face.

Damn but he had a good punch.

That was her only thought, half dazed, before she was knocked outhitting the granite and limestone of the floor hitting her headknocking her out.

It happened. Andit failed. I think with the title of the book you guys probably sawthat coming. Now the story can really pick up pace now that I laidmost of the ground work.