The Kings Loyal Dog

Tower

2 Days Previous-

   My room was in the tallest tower of the castle, probably to prevent me from leaving when I wasn't supposed to. My small room had minimal accommodations, with a small bathroom connected. It was always cold up here. But I was used to it.
   I walked into the small bathroom and looked in the mirror. I always hated what I saw.  The face of someone with no purpose other than to kill. Not wanting to look anymore I walked to the small bath filled with cold water and peeled off my clothes. Lastly I took off the binder that kept my real identity hidden. I breathed in relief at the absence of pressure and stepped into the tub. I shivered slightly as the water rose to my knees when I sat down.
   I sat there for what seemed like hours when I heard a heavy knock on the door.  Dread settled in my stomach knowing what it meant.  I washed and stepped out of the tub, drying myself with the tattered towel hanging from the wall. I strapped the binder back on and quickly tied up my black hair.  Then I dressed in my usual all-black attire with my old hood.
   I knocked on the bedroom door, signaling the guards to let me out, and the door creaked open. Descending down the stone stairs, I glanced out of the foggy windows and wondered what job would be this time. Usually, it was killing the rebels that dared to question their king's rule or lords that tried to secretly discuss overthrow the king.  There was also the occasional enemy king assassination, those were annoying because it took a few weeks to pull off.
   I got to the bottom of the staircase and saw the guard waiting for me. I gave him a small nod and followed him to where the king was. There were countless halls in the castle, but I had memorized them all.  Unexpectedly, we weren't heading towards the throne room, but to the king's study. Usually he liked to make a big show of giving me orders to prove his dominance to all the other nobles. But this meant the job was going to be undercover. And the only people who would know about it were me and the king.
   We neared the king's hall and I took notice of a lamp that was now shattered on the floor.  Then noticing the numerous claw marks on the walls and other small disturbances from the otherwise perfect hall.  Another tantrum then. The king showing his anger was rare, but also meant there was hell to come. 
   We came to a stop in front of the tall and intricate oak doors.  The guard knocked once and soon the door opened. I stepped inside the kings study. It was very big to be called a study, it was more like a library with a big desk in the middle. I walked up to the kings desk and bowed.  Acknowledging my presence, the king motioned for me to rise so I could meet his stare.
   I could feel the anger coming from him but knew it wasn't directed at me. He stood up and walked casually to the front of the desk and leaned on it.  Then staring me in the eyes, he said it.  The one thing that can send me over the edge.
   "Alexis" he said mockingly.
   One of the many things he loved to torture me with was my birth name, and he was the only thing other than my memories that tied the wretched word to me. 
   I slightly trembled at the unpleasant memories that surfaced and muttered a quick response.
   "Yes your majesty?"
   He was slow with his response, as if he had to think about it in great detail.
   "I have a job for you." He said and walked to a nearby bookshelf containing mostly maps. " I have someone I need to get rid of, and of course, that's your specialty.  Won't you help your dear king?"
   "Of course your Majesty." I reply,  "who, if I may ask, is the target?"
   Ready for my question, he says "I want the head of the vampire king."

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Dang I feel proud for finishing two chapters in one day, even if they were pretty short. I hope you enjoy the book so far!
-Andi