Rules of the street

Chapter 1 - Never get caught up with things that don't concern you.

Rule 3: Never get caught up with things that don't concern you.

I stumbled on the uneven cobbles of the crowded main street, unable to fall due to the sheer proximity to the mass of people around me. I steadied myself and instinctively rested a gloved hand on my knife strapped to my side. 

I took a deep breath, readying myself. I had to do it. Today. I couldn't miss. Wouldn't miss. 

I raised the deep hood of my cloak, finding comfort in its darkness despite the scorching heat. I started forwards again, every step silent in the roaring that surrounded me, every step bringing me closer to my target. 

I only had to kill one. 

The royal palace loomed above the whole event, reminding all of us of our lowly place in society. I finally broke through the crowd, blinking slightly at the sudden sun exposure. 

When my eyes had focused, I saw them. The two princes were on horseback, their hair shining in the sun. 

The closest to me was a spiky blonde and was scowling slightly at everyone. The other was harder to see, but still visible. He seemed content, but it was hard to tell under his straight red hair and the large burn mark that covered a good portion of his face. 

As I took them in i felt a sparkling warmth bloom in my hands and snake up my arms reaching my shoulders and finally my heart.

"What the...!?" The feeling faded, and I shook myself. I couldn't miss this chance. 

I fingered the knife and quietly slid it from its sheath. I could figure out what the feeling was later, when she was safe, and we were out of the city. I raised my arm and prepared to throw, aiming for where the closest prince would be by the time the knife arrived.

I took a breath, and as I exhaled, I swung my arm, and let go. "This is for you."

I closed my eyes, expecting the screams of the terrified public, but instead, my ears were met with an earthly thud. I opened my eyes, and instead of being buried in his chest, the knife was lying in the dust.

I... I had... missed.

I glanced up at the prince again to see if I really had and found piercing ruby eyes boring into mine. The cheers and cries of the crowd all melted to nothing as the prince of fire held me with his gaze alone. 

On instinct, my eyes flicked to the other prince, only to find him staring at me as well. His eyes were startling, one a fierce blue, the other a stormy grey. His hair was split down the middle, earning him the unofficial title the split prince. One side was red, and the other a white that reminded me of the snow that would fall in the harsher winters. 

We stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, just gazing into eyes. The nearer prince lifted his hand, the white silk glove sparkling in the spring light, and the movement snapped me from my trance. I turned on my heel and began fighting my way back through the sea of people, all oblivious to the assassination attempt that had just occurred. 

I heard a yell of- "WAIT!" and I started running, not caring if that drew attention, not caring about the faces that turned to me in curiosity. 

The noise was suddenly deafening, and my breaths were coming harder and harder. I found an alley and stumbled into it, practically falling against the grimy wall. I sank to the cracked cobbles and finally let the tears fall. 

I'd missed. She was gone. I'd ruined it. 

Everything I had worked for, the last 3 years of my life, all thrown out the window. One life for another they said. That was my only chance. I ran through what had just happened, trying to find a way to salvage the situation. I mentally went through the scene, stopping abruptly when I realised why I had missed.