TEMARI was still trying to figure out how to get inside the castle and steal the royal heirloom that she didn't even know what looks like when she heard the news. It spread like wildfire in the whole of Clearbury so it was no surprise that it reached the regulars of Blackgrove Tavern too.
The news was that two weeks from the day it was announced, the Royal Family will open the castle doors to women of marriageable age regardless of social status and lineage. For one and a half month, the participating women will enter and live inside the castle and partake in activities and get a chance to interact with the Crown Prince.
Clearbury and the rest of the kingdom knew that this is an important event. It was part of the tradition and a sign that the Crown Prince is about to get married. Almost everyone knew that whoever excels in those events will be chosen to marry the Crown Prince.
Women will surely take this opportunity to become a princess and finally see the Crown Prince in person. But Temari has other ideas.
The moment she heard about the news she run to Blackgrove Tavern and opened the door recklessly. "Zak! Zak!" she shouted excitedly. The few customers looked at her in alarm and surprise. Temari ignored them and run to the huge man behind the counter. "Did you hear that the castle will open its doors?!"
Zak frowned. "Everyone already heard about it, Temari. I bet the women who dreamed to become a princess and a queen already planned for this day years ago," he answered in an uninterested voice. Then he added, "I didn't expect to see you excited about it, though. I didn't think you want to be a princess too."
"Of course not." Temari rolled her eyes. She focused so she won't forget the reason why she run to Blackgrove Tavern. "This is my chance!"
"Chance?" Zak asked with an arched brow.
She leaned closer so only Zak could hear her. "A chance to get inside the castle with permission."
Zak froze as realization dawned on his face. Temari grinned. She couldn't contain her excitement. Luck was really always on her side when it comes to her missions. Who would have thought that just when someone asked her to steal a royal heirloom the castle will suddenly open its doors willingly? It was as if the ancient fairies are blessing her to succeed in all her missions.
"So, you are telling me that you will enter the castle as one of the participants of that event?" Zak asked dubiously.
"Exactly!"
He frowned. "I know that the event doesn't require social status and lineage but that no one actually believed that, Temari. Those who will join are women that grew up being trained for years for the sole purpose of that event. They will have expensive jewelries, custom-made dresses and the skill that teachers drilled in them. You will stand out like a sore thumb in there."
Temari sighed. "I know that Zak. But it doesn't matter. I will not go there to impress people. I also have no interest to be in the Crown Prince's good graces. I just need to enter the event so I can explore the castle and find what I am looking for."
Zak still looked unconvinced. Temari frowned. "You are acting strange lately, Zak. You have always been supportive of me and my missions but this time you are against it. Why?"
The man stared at her face for a few seconds before he answered, "I am not against it. I am just simply telling you things that you might overlook."
"Oh, okay. Don't worry. You know me, Zak. I carefully plan things before I take action. I will be fine. After all, you trained me well," Temari said confidently.
Zak couldn't say anything against that. He just sighed. "I know that. Do what you think is best."
Temari smiled at him. "I will."
And that was what she did. For the next days, Temari carefully planned her infiltration to the castle. She went to the best female con-artist she knew to rent dresses, shoes and bags. She also paid her to teach her the basics of being a lady. She studied all she can learn about the upcoming event. She memorized notable names of aristocrats that might be useful when she was inside the castle. She also tried to get information about the most popular ladies that will surely attend the event. Temari wasn't even surprised to know that there will be princesses from neighboring countries that will visit the kingdom of Mowsland just to participate.
One day before the opening of the castle gates, Temari's preparation was complete. She has a luggage with all the costumes she prepared. Based on her research, royal guards don't check the luggage of the ladies because it is deemed 'improper' so she took advantage of that. She hid her weapons and her equipment between the thick skirts of the dresses. She thought of her plans again and again, making sure she didn't miss something.
Then the day of the event, the festive ringing of the bells was heard in Clearbury. Even the commoners were happy and excited. Even though they will not be permitted to enter the castle gates, people want to see the ladies and princesses that will participate in the Crown Prince's wife selection.
At that time, a carriage stopped at the back door of Blackgrove Tavern. Then the door opened.
"Are you fully ready?" Zak Henderson asked from inside.
Temari stopped and slightly turned around, her jeweled earrings sparkled as she moved. Her lips that were painted glossy pink curved into a feminine smile that no one has ever seen before. "I am," she told Zak. "I'll be back successful as always. See you in one and half month, Zak."
The man wasn't able to answer her. He was too stunned at her transformation. Temari didn't notice his reaction. She just waved at him and went out of the door, the skirts of her dress making a whoosh sound as she climbed the carriage. Then off they go to the castle of Mowsland.