Catharina

Prologue

Asher

I slit the man's throat, his crimson blood making a ring around his neck. He tumbled to the ground. I turned around, King Astros giving an approving smile. He slowly started to clap as I returned my sword back into it's case.

"Bravo, Asher. It seems to be you were of much use to me," he said. I glanced back at the body before stepping closer to the king and bowing. "I don't see what this man did to deserve such a punishment, my King," I replied.

"Stealing bread! What disgrace would you suggest receives such a... gift?" he hissed like a snake.

I bit down on my tongue, to keep me from responding with such cruelty that would easily give me such a punishment much worse than the man I had just slayed.

"Nothing, my King. Simply, thinking."

"Then maybe you should refrain from such a task." I nodded.

"Now, I have a new request for you, Asher." A guard tossed me my pay for killing the man, whose body was being dragged away now. I quickly opened the small bag that revealed a good handful or two of gold coins. I looked back up and glared at the man who called himself king as his back faced away from me before he sat down on his thrown.

"Do you know of Princess Catharina of the kingdom Adelidon?"

"Yes, the maiden who shall be crowned Queen next month."

"Well that maiden is in need of my care," King Astros said.

I raised my eyebrow. Caring was never something King Astros had in his heart. The King was nothing but ruthless and enjoyed others sufferings. I only did my duty to him because it was good pay and could cost my life.

"What exactly do you need me to do?" I asked.

The King flashed my a wicked smile.

"Kill her."