Story from her Past:
He must have been truly desperate to come to me.
The tavern I was in was filled with a warm light, reaching to all but the farthest corners of the room. Tables were spread throughout, surrounding by numerous viscets, laughing, eating, and telling raucous stories. From my vantage point in the corner, I could see everything, hear everything. Nothing happened without me taking note of it.
The tavern door opened, and I turned my head. My eyes narrowed when I saw who it was.
The newcomer was wearing a cloak of black, drenched from the rain outside. Underneath, he wore a tunic of white, with black pants. Although the cloak was over his head, I could clearly see his face. It was filled with worry and fear, scanning the room nervously.
The chatter of the room slowly died, as each Viscet turned to look at the newcomer. Just like me, they all knew who this Viscet was. And he was definitely not supposed to be here.
The Viscet slowly edged further into the tavern, as if regretting his decision to come here. All eyes were trained upon him as he made his way over and sat down at the counter. The Viscet lowered his hood, revealing a head covered in golden fur.
I pondered this Viscet for a moment, watching him carefully. He leaned in close to the bartender and whispered in his ear.
The bartender said nothing. He slowly raised a paw and pointed- directly at me.
The Viscet nodded and turned away, tossing a coin to the bartender. He got up and walked through the crowd, heading towards my table. The viscets of the tavern finally looked away from him and at his destination. A few gasped, and others shook their heads, but all returned to their own gatherings. The babble of the tavern soon grew again, reaching its normal volume by the time this Viscet reached me.
He sat down in the seat opposite me. I said nothing.
After a minute, he shuffled uncomfortably in his chair. I inwardly smirked, and leaned forward.
“I'm surprised to see you here,” I said in a quiet voice.
He stiffened.
“Your highness,” he muttered, through gritted teeth. “My station deserves much more than mock surprise from low-life's like you.”
I laughed.
“Low-life's like me?” I said, amused. “I'm suprised that you, Crowned Prince, came to see a such a low-life, when your station refuses you from even looking at me.”
The Viscet's eyes narrowed. He didn't reply.
I leaned back in my chair and pulled a dagger from its sheath, hanging from my belt. I fiddled with it lazily.
“What brings you here anyway, your highness?” I asked.
The prince glowered at me.
“For your information, I wouldn't even be here if it weren't absolutely necessary,” he said angrily. I rolled my eyes and listened as he continued.
“I have heard of a rumor,” he said. “That there are viscets plotting to kill the King.”
I stopped, this was unexpected. I leaned in closer.
“How?” I asked. “There are viscets guarding him day and night, inside and outside of the room he's in at all times.” I paused. “How could anyone get in?”
“I believe,” said the prince, “That there are secret passageways throughout the castle, and one just happens to lead into the King's bedroom. A Viscet with extraordinary skill would be able to sneak and take out the guards, without anyone hearing.”
I considered this for a moment.
“What do I have to do with this?” I asked.
The prince paused.
“I need someone to capture the assassin,” he said. “Someone to protect the King while he sleeps. His current guards are good but,” he looked at me. “They're nothing compared to your reputation.”
I stared at the prince.
“How can the King's advisers be okay with this?” I asked skeptically. “I'm surprised they even let you come here to talk to me.”
The prince suddenly looked guilty.
“They didn't,” he said. “When I proposed this idea to them, they shot me down. They don't trust you.
I laughed.
“That's smart,” I said chuckling. “So you snuck out of the castle to see me? How were you not caught?”
“I have my ways,” said the prince. He suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled out coin. He tossed it across the table, and I caught it.
“This will be nearly impossible,” I said. “I'd have to sneak in, find the King's bedroom without being seen, and then defeat a skilled swordsman without anyone finding out.”
The prince nodded grimly.
“I know,” he said. “But If you succeed, you will be honored above all others, and given a massive reward.” He looked me seriously in the eye. “So... will you help?”
I smiled.
“Well,” I said pocketing the coin, “How much do you have to offer?”
(812 words)
╔═════════════════════════════╗
