Once Upon His December

Chapter 3 - The Mission

Nikolai

The clanging of steel on steel and the sickening squish of flesh tearing echoed down the corridor. Theodore and I continued in the shadows, sneaking toward the Princess's chambers.

The guards that were once at her door, had quickly joined the defense of the King and Queen's door. It left the Princess vulnerable. I took out a small kit of sharp objects and inserted the ones that seemed to fit into the lock. After some maneuvering, several tries and hissed under the breath curses, the lock clicked. I door was now unlocked. Theodore entered first, followed by myself after taking one last survey down the hall to make sure we had not been seen.

We silently crossed the room and stopped beside the bed that cradled the sleeping princess. I was assigned to be her assassin. Slowly I withdrew my sword. My fingers curled around the hilt into my sweaty, trembling hand.

I hesitated. Pressing my eyes closed, I hung my head. "I can't do this."

"Can't do what?" Theodore hissed. Sweat beaded on both our foreheads. "This is your chance to prove yourself to your father!"

"I can't kill her." My heart pounded faster, ready to burst from my chest.

She looked so young and innocent sleeping in the bed much too large for her slender form. She was too young to die. To be murdered.

"Nik," Theodore growled, his own pulse beating in fear of getting caught.

The soft stirring in the bed followed by a sweet, innocent voice made both of us go silent.

"Papa?" Kira called. Rubbing her eyes she sat up. "Mama? What's wrong?"

I glanced at Theodore, lips pursed, who slowly shook his head.

"No, Princess," I began, walking closer to her bed and speaking calmly. I did not wish to frighten her further. "The castle is under attack. We are saving you from your cruel fate."

"What about Mama and Papa?" Kira asked, her voice shaky.

"They are being taken care of, Princess. We were sent here for you," I answered, forcing a small smile to curve his lips.

It technically wasn't a lie. If she knew the truth, there was no way she would come willingly or quietly. No, this was for the best or else Kira would definitely be killed as well. This was her only chance of survival.

Having no choice now but to follow along with his friend and Prince, Theodore humphed and grabbed the dress laying out flinging it at the princess.

"Get dressed. Fast." Then to me, "Turn around."

Fighting back the burning onslaught of tears, Kira got out of bed and dutifully changed into a pale blue dress.

"Alright," Kira declared softly. "I'm dressed."

I turned around eying her up and down. She looked beautiful. I had to banish those thoughts. She was still a dirty faced imp. If we didn't hurry, we would all be caught.

"Cloak?"

"Over there," she pointed with a shaky finger.

Crossing the room, I retrieved the cloak then returned to wrap it around the princess, choosing to ignore her shaking body. No doubt in fear. She should be scared. Of Andrei.

"Let's go," I barked then went to check the hallway.

Theodore took the princess by the arm and led her close behind but Kira yanked her arm back.

"Wait!" she turned and ran back to her bedside table to retrieve a small music box. She shoved it into my hand. "Hold this for me? Please?"

Not wanting to take the time to argue, I nodded and stuffed the box into my pocket.