Melody of Blood and Night

Three

Aedlyn stood in front of the full-length mirror, her reflection staring back at her, sighing as she examined herself. Dressed in the breath-taking tulle ball gown, no one would ever think her anything other than a Royal.

She couldn't help but admire its deep teal bodice, encrusted with pearls and diamonds shaped like delicate tear-drop. The dress hung onto her right shoulder, leaving the other bare and proceeded to hug her every curve, the teal darkening into a elegant shade of indigo before flaring out in a cascading fall of lace ruffles, the navy turning into a deep midnight near the hem.

The innumerable crystals inlaid into the dazzling evening gown shimmered with the slightest of movement. Her eyes travelled to her face, and then to her hair, or rather, to the blonde wig that she had donned at Ghislaine's behest, because according to the Vampyress, it was better to be safe than sorry.

It hardly mattered, for no amount of disguise could hide the ugly truth. The malicious reason for this façade. Her eyes grew troubled, replaying their she meeting with Prince Kaius. The horror and disbelief that she had felt at the Prince's reasons and requests, still fresh, shining in her turquoise stare.

"It was my brother." He had answered in a weary voice, edged with sadness when Aedlyn had bluntly suggested him to be the traitor.

"I do not know why he would commit such treason and confronting him would be foolish." He had reasoned with wistful, yet calculating eyes, "I do not see another way. I must do what is right for Caestros and its people."

"You could have taken up this matter within your Court." Aedlyn had countered.

"Miss Aedlyn, do you even realise the gravity of what you are proposing? It's the Crown Prince of Caestros that we are talking about, not a common criminal picked off the streets." The Prince had explained.

"If I take this to the Court, it would result in an uprising which could easily turn into a revolt in a matter of weeks, days even. It would mean a guaranteed defeat for us in the War raging on in the North." He continued.

"Yes, of course, Prince, what must be done shall be done. Rest assured." Ghislaine had interjected before Aedlyn could say anything more.

"Alright." Aedlyn had given in, "Where would you have us murder him?"

"It would be preferred if the deed is done during a public event."

"Any specific event, Prince?" Ghislaine had questioned.

"Yes," his is emerald gaze hard, unwavering as he answered, "The Ball. Do it at the Ball. "

Aedlyn had scoffed, shooting the Prince a look of disbelief.

"You can't possibly be serious." Caelan had interjected.

"You are not only asking us to murder your brother, but also telling us to-" Aedlyn had begun in a bitter tone, but Ghislaine had cut her off, "It will be done, Prince. You needn't worry yourself over this matter again. "

"What were you thinking Ghislaine!? Accepting him as a client! He's a ROYAL!" Aedlyn had erupted once the Prince had left.

"Once the is King dead, which will be very soon, considering his current state of health, and the Crown Prince will no longer be a problem, Prince Kaius will be crowned as the King of Caestros, and we will no longer be illegal." Ghislaine had explained cooly.

"That's it? That's the deal?" She had questioned in disbelief.

"That and a room full of money."

"And you believe him?" Caelan had questioned sceptically.

"Well, of course not!" Ghislaine had scoffed, "I've already made arrangements. He won't be able to worm his way out of this deal."