Evan soon came upstairs in his night gown, humming softly as he curled back up in bed. He felt under the pillow for something, smiled,and then looked across the hall. "Well, at least one of us is sleeping tonight." He sighed and returned to his reading. He then looked at the window. "I swear I closed it earlier…no matter." He got up and relatched the window, and returned back to bed once more.
(Ack! Sorry, I thought I replied!)
He paused when he heard footsteps, visibly tensing. Hopefully it was the prince and not some guard that he had to worry about. He didn't make a sound when the prince settled into bed, swearing internally when he realized he hadn't shut the window. He waited for a moment as the prince settled back into bed. He needed to relax and wait for the right moment. He waits silently for the other to go back to bed and fall asleep before he made his move.
"Looks like I won't be sleeping tonight…" He mumbled to himself as he got out another candle from the night stand, for when the other one quit burning. "Such a shame too." He hummed quietly, and at that moment it began to rain.
A silent swear, and swift movements. It would have to be now. First things first, knock out the prince and make it a quick, merciful death. Painless. The rain would cover their silent footsteps as they moved within the shadows that the candle cast, their hand moving quickly to a pressure point that would knock the prince out.
In an instant as he felt the hand he twisted around,and stuck his hand under the pillow, drawing out a dagger. With some unforeseen strength he pushed Anubis away and held the knife to his throat. "Tell me, window sneak? Are you a petty thief? Or a master assassin? I'm going to assume the latter due to your clothes. Who hired you?" He pressed more, enough to cut but not enough to draw blood.
He startled slightly when he was grabbed and pushed away, a knife held to his throat. He looked surprised, his bright blue eyes wandering the male in front of him. "I didn't really want to do this job if it eases you. I usually go after corrupt royalty but my client was insistent and I needed the money. Nothing personal, highness." He looked amused almost, a small impish smile on his lips. "Kudos for figuring me out. However," One of his gloved hands moved quickly, but it was his foot that moved faster, sweeping the prince's feet from under him.
He landed on the floor with a hard thud, nearly knocking over the lit candle. "You're not the first he's sent. Won't be the last." He stuck his hand under his bed, still holding his dagger up. "Crap the cross bow is still downstairs in the armory." He looked up. "I'll charge you triple what he offered for you to not kill me. And a place to stay for the night, on this wonderful cold rainy night."
He gazed down at the prince, his eyes flashing for a moment before he puts his weapon away and nods. "Alright, deal then." He shrugged. Money was money, if he was hired for more, oh well. He removes his mask and gently hauls the prince up. "And I can't refuse a place to sleep." He glances out the window, an unamused expression falling over his face as he looked at the rain.
He smiled and stood up, putting away the dagger. "Liam sent you I assume. He's a jealous lover whose hated me for a long time. We never dated because I never wanted him, and since he can't have me. He figures, no one should. It's very common, so I started sleeping with a knife. Anyways, breakfast will be ready at 8:00 am. You best come downstairs so Crystal can pay you. Treasury and the likes. Good luck sleeping. Come with me." He grabbed the extra candle, put it in a candle holder, lit it, and led him down the hall to a guest bedroom, and set the candle on the bed side. "Sleep well. My sister will probably wake you up in the morning. Don't kill her, she means well." He smiled and nodded gently, then returned to his own room.
He nods, tapping his chin in thought. "Yes, I believe his name was Liam. A bit of a whach job if you ask me. Something not right up here." He taps his head before following after prince glancing around the castle curiously. It was very different from his life as a child. He wondered what it must be like being raised with money, fame… it must be nice other than the occasional assassination attempts. He turned his attention forward and nods slowly. "Thank you." He murmured quietly settling into the bed and takes a deep breath before falling onto the bed and passing out fairly quickly.
Evan nodded. 7:30, his sister was up and thudded down the hall, singing loudly as she slid down the banister still in her night gown. Evan however got dressed in a simple blue dress, with gold roses trailing behind him, as he opened Anubis door, gently nocking on it. "Good morning killer." He said softly, sitting down in a desk chair. In this lighting he was beautiful, with a necklace of a simple gold rose, with diamonds in the middle, and a bracelet to match. He wore black riding boots underneath. He, was beautiful to put it simply, the natural light illuminating his features.
Anubis at night was a man to be reckoned with, but in the morning, it was even more so. He was absolutely breathtaking. His almost silver blue eyes caught in the sun, his dark hair was messy from sleep, falling enticingly over his brow and over his right eye. He looked as if he was chiseled by the gods, well built, and sun kissed skin. He was up before someone decided to rush through the hall singing. He was currently getting dressed, his scarred torso for the world to see before he slipped on his shirt. "Good morning, Highness." He nods to the other, his eyes skimming over the prince before finishing getting dressed.
"My, so kind as to the attack from the night prior. Oh, and don't worry about mother. She'll serve you breakfast,and as long as you have your assassin papers properly signed, will let you off scot free with a warning to hang you if you decide to strike once more. We've already hung 4 people, so a warning you should heed well. Oh, and of course your due pay." He smiled gently, his feminine physique one to take in. He was a strange prince. "And please, call me Evan. I don't like to flaunt my status. I get along as well with the royalty as I do with the common folk. I play with the boys at the school over yonder, or I did when I was younger. Tore up quite a few dresses climbing trees." He chuckled a bit and stood up. "Shall I escort you to breakfast then?"
He huffed, "I simply do my job, doesn't mean I can't have etiquette. Although, I doubt it's as good as yours highness." He glances back at the other and hummed. "As much as I'd like to join for breakfast, I have other jobs I need to get to." He tilts his head a little at the other. "As for paperwork, I suppose it's only fair." He hummed and glanced at the other and nods, "Due pay is appreciated." Hechuckles as he glances over at the other. "As much as I'd like to refer to your given name, highness, I can't." He shrugged as he wraps his hands carefully in cloth. "As for whether or not you get along with common folk doesn't quite matter." He glanced at the other, "No matter what, your status will always give you an edge. Even if you don't flaunt your status, people will always see that status, no matter how hard you try to prove otherwise. That's the harsh reality of it."
"Alas that I know, but I don't have to shove it down people's throats. Fine then. As the king to be I demand you to call me Evan. I will not ask of your name since secrecy for you is much needed, and knowing your name may only cause injury. And at least have a cinnamon roll. You can't work on an empty stomach. Something in a cloth for the road?" His kindness came from his mother and knew no bounds, as he smoothed down his dress and picked off a piece of lint. He hadn't put on makeup yet, wondering if he would need to for the days activities.
"As someone who is not of your country, I believe your words don't work on me highness. However.. Evan is a lovely name." A playful smirk fell over his lips. "Simply call me Lotus if you so please." He finished getting dressed and shrugs after a moment of thought. "I suppose a cinnamon roll won't hurt." He brushes his hair from his eyes and finally attaches his dagger to his side. "Shall we get going then?" He turns his full attention to Evan, a content look over his expression as he moved to the door to wait for the prince.
Evan followed, saying a cheerful good morning to the maids and the butler, Sebastian, and waved to the stable boys through the window. Eventually they got to the breakfast table and Evan sat down. Evelyn was wolfing down pancakes, slathered with syrup, whipped cream, and chocolate sprinkles. Then out came Crystal. She was not adorned I'm refinery, but rather commoners clothes. A simple green gown and a black apron, setting down a hefty plate of pancakes in front of Evan. "Ah. Another assassin for breakfast? Well then we shall discuss funds over pancakes." And off she bussled before one could protest. Evan smiled and began to put butter on his pancakes. "Best sit down Lotus, I have a feeling you'll be here for a while. Crystals motherliness knows no bounds."
He barely glances at the people around them, keeping his gaze forward. He glanced at the girl at the table, bowing ever so slightly before glancing at the woman in the green dress. "I assume that assassins are common?" He raised a brow at the prince, settling down slowly. His movements were swift and graceful, he barely even made any noise. His hand rests on the table, his eyes steadily flickering between each person in the room. "So… this is your sister? I'm assuming you were the one singing this morning as you rushed down the halls?" He offers a kind smile.
"Common enough." Evelyn looked up. "Evan, why do you always get the hot guys?" "Because I'm more well behaved and thus assumed I'm easier to tame. Now then, any plans today?" Evelyn nodded "Spending the day with Clara and the band. Gotta keep my vocal chords in tip top shape. What about you?" "Hoping to join Crystal on the royal council meeting. Best not mess up my dress." Crystal came in and set down a small plate of pancakes, with bacon, in front of Lotus. "Well then. I'm going to assume you'll want payment?" She said as she sat down and began to eat herself. "How much hm?" Evan and Evelyn were deep in conversation, leaving our assassin to answer the question.
Lotus raised a subtle brow when he was called hot, but left it be at that as he shook his head. "The one rule when it comes to this job is to never underestimate your opponent. Even if the prince was "easy to tame" it is either their life or ours. If you're a proffesional, you know that underestimating someone can get you killed." He nods kindly to Crystal in thanks before taking a bite of the egg. "Of course. However, your prince spoke of tripling payment." He glanced at the woman. "He promised 4 million." He leaned back in his chair. Even though this job would set him for life, leaving the assassin's business was… impossible really.
"You promised him…12 million? Evan I taught you to barter better then that, even with your life on the line. Sigh, alas. Being friends with dragons does have it's perks. You'll get your 12 million. Where you keep it is your issue. Such a grand amount of money, well, you're very likely to attract thieves and those less fortunate. By your tan, and the droop of your eyes, you are a foreigner. Best be careful on your travels." Crystal smiled. "Now then, my little rosebuds. Evelyn, you have chores to do. Afterwards you may see Clara." "Mom why do we even have all of these maids if I have to clean?" "Because why over work them? They aren't cattle, they are creatures too. Smart ones, with lives and wicked magic. Besides, since you won't be royalty forever, as I know you plan on leaving and travelling as soon as you can, you best learn to live as a commoner. Including chores. After breakfast clean your room." She huffed and pouted as Evan smiled. "And you Evan, I can't have you accompanying the council meeting. You best show some decency and show our new comer around Obdin today. The sights, such as the forest and the market place. You stay in your room too much anyways dearest." The words washed over everyone as they ate. Evelyn was scowling, as Evan simply nodded and finished his meal, beginning on a frosted cinnamon roll as he listened.
He chuckles softly and shakes his head, "I can lower the price to double, I may be an assassin but I'm not greedy. And to be completely fair, ma'am, it's very bold of you to assume that I keep the money to myself. As for thieves, it won't be the first, nor the last time I have to deal with them." He finished his food rather quickly, apparently eager to get paid and go home. He had people to take care of that were depending on him. He glanced at the princess, "If you ever need recommendations on where to visit, I know some wonderful places." He was charming, that's for sure. "Crystal is correct, if you want to be able to live on your own, you need basic skills in cooking, cleaning, self defense and tending to yourself. A royal name won't mean much outside the city walls, or in far off countries. As for touring the city, as much as I would love to I have business I need to attend to." His silver eyes flash towards Evan and Evelyn. "It was a pleasure meeting both of you." Hearing Crystal mention "wicked magic" had apparently struck a chord in him, and it simply made him more eager to get his payment and leave.
Crystal nodded. "You will have to carry it with you and keep it on yourself until you can distribute it. And being daring got me my crown dearest. Being striking, and going for the throat. Now then, cmon dearest. You two, get ready for the day ahead." She stood up and motioned. "You are much kinder than other assassins. Most are rude and greedier. But, I cannot turn anyone away." She mused quietly, as a vine out of nowhere reached down and handed Crystal a few scrolls. "Ah, yes. More state affairs and complaints from the people." She tucked them under her arm and continued on down some flights of stairs, and to the treasury. "Where are you from, if you don't mind me asking."
He nods a little bit at that, that was respectable. He glances at her, "My mother raised me well." He said simply, following after her, taking in the beauty of the halls, wondering vaguely what it must be like… living like this. He glanced at the woman for a moment. "I don't know where I come from. I was moved around a lot as a child." He shrugged, "But where I am currently living is something I'd rather not share." People knowing where he lived was dangerous, no matter how kind someone might be, it was always best to take things carefully, especially considering the people he was surrounded by.
She nods. "I forget how secret assassins are sometimes. I had a friend who was one, until he tried to poison me. You can visit his grave on the edge of town." Her words she said like they were made of paper, but such words were filled with lead. She was interesting for sure. She opened the treasury and walked in. There, was in fact a dragon, counting some coins. "Ah, Midnight! You're up bright and early!" "Yes well, I have to recount some charity funds, and of course with Lilacs outburst I have to move around some coinage and-" He turned around. He was black, with green and white speckles as his eyes focused on the two little people before him. He growled and leapt off the pile, and lay down in front of him. "How much am I digging out from the back hm? We have to order food for the ball, and then with your council meeting…" "8 million, and a little extra for being so kind." He huffed. "8 million! And how are we supposed to balance that out…you and your promises my Highness." He sighed and flew off into the rafters. Crystal shook her head. "He's just grumpy. I'll have to make sure to get him some coffee. That usually perks him up. Do you need anything else?"
He shook his head, "Assassin's have codes, just as royalty does. And I do not doubt your words." He chuckles softly, seeming unbothered by the woman's subtle threat. Anubis was a curious soul, seeming lighthearted but careful. He glanced at the dragon and bows somewhat respectfully. "I apologize for putting a wrench in your balance, noble dragon."He hummed and glances at Crystal. "It's a miracle that one could survive without the morning cup of coffee." He chuckled in amusement as he waited quietly. "I don't believe I need anything else. Work is steady. Although a map would be of help." He tilts his head at the other an offers a rather flattering smile. He was certainly a pleasant assassin.
"Oh yes that is easy. Vines!" She claps her hands and 4 of them dangle down. "A map for the kind assassin please, oh and help out our dragon banker here if he needs it." (So I totally forgot midnight is a different dragons name that is important. This one is named Emerald). They all disappeared to go do their tasks, and Crystal hummed as she picks up an accounting book and pages through. "Feel free to explore, but you steal one cent and I'll cut off your hand."
He nods and takes the map gratefully, his eyes flickering around the room in curiosity. "I'll stay here." He replies simply, "I don't need to move all that much, it's better for me to save my energy for my trip back home." He stretches his arms over his head and gave a relaxed sigh. This was kind of nice if he was being honest. Getting paid and he didn't have to kill someone he didn't want to kill. He relaxed against a nearby wall, waiting patiently.
Crystal helped to lug over the bags. "How ever are you going to get all of this coinage home without a cent getting stolen you may ask? Simple. If I've still got it in me. I'm getting old anymore." She sighed and waved her hand, doing a bit of mumbling, and suddenly the bags shrank to pocked sized. "Just add 2 drops of water and say 'You May Rise' when needed. To shrink them well…you'd have to bring it back to me once more. I never was able to figure out how to make the shrinking easier." Suddenly Evan burst in. "Mooom Evelyn spilled all over my dress!" "And how did that happen little cherub?" "Well I tripped her." "Why?" "Because she was going to pour it on my dress anyways." "You both are in your 20's…" She shook her head. "Motherhood never ends. Go on get changed then. Oh and accompany our assassin to the edge of town, and while you're there head to the market. I need some more chickens and get some horse shoes as well." He sighed and nodded, leaving the treasury and dashing off and away. "Oh and for you. If you ever need help dear, simply send a letter." She smiled at Anubis. "You best get moving. Who employed you? This is the third assassin this month after Evan. I'd like to know who and where they are."
(BUMP!)