Snow White Queen [NaNoWriMo 2018]

Chapter Nineteen

Lilia paced back and forth, thinking. Neva was dangerous to her now, she was sure of it. She had to be plotting against her.

Tamela was getting to her head. Before long, the princess - queen, now - would turn into a cold-blooded killer.

As much as she hated to admit it, Neva had to be dealt with. No doubt, she would be conspiring to kill her again. Maybe she'd be influenced by Tamela, maybe not. The point was, Neva was a threat to Lilia's life.

But how do I deal with her?

She couldn't just kill her. She was a vampire, for one. Lilia was nowhere near prepared to deal with that kind of thing. And if it got out that she killed the beloved queen, she'd never live it down.

She could hire someone to kill her. A mercenary. The best of the best, and someone she could trust.

She would have a hard time finding someone that fit all those criteria, but she'd manage. For her own good, and for the good of the kingdom.

~~~

"Name?"

"Alexei Ravenore, my lady."

"And you're a mercenary?"

"Correct, my lady."

"For how long?"

"Seventeen years, madam."

Lilia looked over the papers Ravenore had provided her, detailing his accomplishments. The candidate before her seemed to be a good choice. Skilled in his craft, honest, and loyal, he appeared to be everything Lilia was looking for.

"I'm about to trust you with very sensitive information. You may not so much as breathe a word of this to anyone, do you understand?"

"Yes, my Queen." Lilia had to admit, it was nice to have someone address her as royalty in the midst of all the hatred she was on the receiving end of at the moment.

"The person I'm sending you to assassinate is Princess Neva Erythrodis."

She noticed Ravenore flinch, despite the fact that he tried to hide the action. He was silent for a moment, as if debating the best way to phrase his thoughts without being disrespectful. "All due respect, but... why?"

"She's dangerous. You need to be extremely careful." Lilia paused to make sure she wouldn't be misunderstood. "The princess is a vampire."

More silence. "I must have misheard. You say that Princess Neva is a vampire?"

"Yes, and a dangerous one. You'll have to be careful and extra vigilant. She will try to turn you to her side. I trust you know how to kill a vampire?"

"Yes, my Queen, I've dealt with plenty before."

Lilia nodded. "She must not suspect you. Befriend her, convince her to trust you. That's the best way to deal with her. Do not return until she is dead, and bring me her heart as proof."

Ravenore bowed. "I will."

~~~

"My Queen?"

Neva turned around as a servant addressed her. "Yes?"

"There's a guest waiting for you."

"Name?"

"Malik Sourz, my Queen."

Neva considered for a moment. The name was unfamiliar, though she felt like she had received word from someone of that name, or at least a name that sounded similar enough.