The Weight of the Crown

Chapter 4

MARKINGS (4)
I turn my attention to the sound of chattering and hide behind a tree. My ears twitch towards the sound.

"Did you see that beheaded man? Which man in their right mind would do that?"

"Yeah, it's happening in other cities. I wonder what it means and why its happening."

"Oh yeah, the royal families are calling urgent meetings with allies to find the person/people behind the chaos. So many incidents have happened like the slaves being set free in the largest mining factory in Alinthi and the deaths of so many nobles, especially Damon. Everyone is terrified, waiting for the next mark. There definitely can't be one single man behind this."

I snicker quietly. They are definitely right, it is not a man, it is a single woman. Finally, the last place to leave my mark and I will be on my way to Windermere. Just the name of that place makes me want to shudder. My blood boils with fury but my body twitches with glee for what is to come. I leave the cruel mark of my presence in each country as I pass right under the noses of the moronic guards of what should've been my country. This is the last one. I'm passing through the mountains because if I attempt to pass the borders directly into the heart of Windermere I would need to prove my identity. It's not much long now. I go over my plans to free the innocent prisoners rotting in the royal castle. They are victims of the royal family and their allies and have been wronged therefore I had decided long ago to set them free and to spoil the plans of the council to use them as slaves.

single man behind the murders, it is a 20-year-old girl. They pass me and I continue across the snowy mountains towards the sunshine and melting fields.

Alas. I have reached the city that made me into who I am today. Years have passed and I am back. I push my black hood further down my face and try to blend in with the crowd, but also move quickly and silently. I board a carriage and ask the driver to take me to Myst Park. I need to keep a low profile considering I've been banished from this vile City also, after I left those heads on the spears clearly stating where I'm heading there'll be higher security. Although they won't be expecting a girl to be so dangerous. Pfft. Anyhow, I get off the carriage and rush towards the castle on foot. As I near the castle, I climb onto a tall tree to stay hidden. I'm getting flashbacks from that day, and I need to stay focused. I climb down when the path clears.

"Excuse me, miss. Please clarify your identity and what you are doing here? This area is strictly for residents of the castle." The guard says sternly.

Oh shit. I'm being careless. I look around to see the castle swarming with guards. This is going to be harder than I thought. They have obviously tightened the security after what I have been doing. Although it's kind of good the guard saw me now.

"Good day, sir. My name is Starr Emery. I have come in hopes of being able to serve my King and Queen. I am in dire need of money and a roof over my head."

I use my alias Starr as Arthur used to call me his Star. He wouldn't admit it, but he was a kind-hearted man. I had found, during my travels, that there was a vacancy for a maid so I am hoping I can get that job.

Fortunately, I had pulled down my hood before reaching the castle grounds and put on a black wig to cover my wavy brown hair and plain brown contacts (that I had made specially) to cover my glimmering blue eyes that had a hint of lilac. The cities have already been alerted that they have seen a hooded person near the crime scenes so it would be best if kept my hood off for now.

"Ok, please come with me and I shall escort you to the royal family." I follow along, smiling inwardly. Oh, how the tables shall turn.

The wooden doors screech open.

"Your majesties," I say, smirking discreetly glancing over at the 16-year-old boy standing broadly alongside the King. The royal family are sat on their respective thrones. Well, the family is complete now. Hah!

Nathaniel Rye, the boy who took my place as rightful heir. My cruel brother, filled with hatred and corruption. I grit my teeth and slump my tense shoulders to fit my meek character.

"Your majesty, this is Starr. Her father was a merchant in a nearby city before he passed away and she was left an orphan without a house over her head. She has come in high hopes of a job." the guard explains my backup story whilst bowing. Everyone then glares at me. Aah. I must do it. I bow down and greet the royal family, gripping the hilt of my precious dagger, this plan should be fool proof. I need this maid's job to work for the royal family and then stab them right in the back without a suspicion. Also, this job means that I can get to the royal prison easily and without too much effort.

"Son, why don't you sort this out, see if she's fit enough for the job," the King says. I'm not calling him father or any of them family.

"A pretty face, seems submissive enough. She could even pass as the guards' harlot." The Prince says, analysing me. This can't be good.

"Call Julien. She seems good enough to be an undercover spy for us. She and Alani will be perfect for the job. We will use them to find out more about the new assassins. Starr shall join Alani in her training, she will only be a few weeks behind" Nathaniel, says and the King nods his head proudly.

"Of course. Just make sure you can trust her." The King says.

Oh, so they want to use me as bait to find the new assassin. Well isn't that funny. I'm going undercover to find myself and surrender to the King. Clearly, they underestimate the power of a girl.

The door opens again, and a rather dapper looking man enters with a confident stride, his movement silent yet fast. He is introduced as Julien, so I suppose I am training with him. Julien looks to be around 25 years old. His muscular body is clear through his fitting shirt and that face. It's just gorgeous: the hazel eyes, the sharp jaw and curly brown hair that cascades near his face. Wait! I need to focus on the damn job. I cannot afford to have a distraction, especially not one like this.

"Come. I will show you to your room. You may rest tonight but training shall begin tomorrow, 6am sharp. Be on time or there'll be consequences," he says in a monotone voice.

I pretend to be oblivious towards Julien glancing over my body. How dare he speak to me like that? Forget the cute face I just want to slap some manners into him but of course, with a lot of effort, I stay silent and follow him to my room.