Of all the times to break into a ball, of course, Zephyr chooses now.
A crowd quickly gathers around his sprawled body, splayed awkwardly across a table. The tablecloth is dishevelled, and pastries and beverages are scattered on the floor, mingling with shattered glass. The air is thick with the mingled scents of wine and sweet confections, a stark contrast to the tension that's about to unfold.
Zephyr's ash-brown hair is wildly tousled, and his lips are spread into a lopsided grin that could charm the most stoic of nobles. He holds up a chipped glass of wine, his hazel eyes sharp and attentive despite the drunken façade. "What a party!" he laughs, his voice a mix of mirth and mischief. It's clear this is Claudia's idea of a good distraction—get the crowd riled up, and the focus shifts.
I let go of the prince and offered him a quick bow. "I must tend to the commotion caused – ensure the duke is alright."
Without glancing back, I rush into the throng, the cacophony of shocked gasps and laughter echoing around me. My hands hover over the dagger strapped tightly to my thigh, fingers brushing the cool metal as I spot the duchess near the balcony, her silhouette framed against the starlit sky. Her fiery red hair seems dull complimenting her muted dress. She seems deep in thought – not sensing my presence. Of course, it is hard to detect my presence; I'm as quiet as a mouse when I intend to, however, sometimes, I'm too good at blending it – the consequence of being a trainee since the ripe age of fourteen, approximately seven years now.
Nobody pays heed to her or me, as they are all surrounding Zephyr.
He's playing his part perfectly. Too well almost that I can't help but wonder if he's really drunk indeed. "To the crown and its fools!" He raises his glass, still splayed out on the table. He tries to propose a toast but the contents of his glass slosh on to the nobleman nearest to him. A wave of exasperated gasps and awkward laughter ripples through the crowd as the nobleman's face turns almost as red as the wine.
"Someone get this drunkard off the table!" He croaks, his voice brittle and barely audible.
Zephyr just laughs louder, raising his glass higher. "Come join me, my friends! The night is young and the prince is boring!" He attempts to push himself off of the table but he knocks off the remaining condiments and beverages along with him. To others, it may seem like a nuisance – a drunken fool's accident. Unbeknownst to them, I notice how the shards of glasses are strategically scattered – right in the centre of the hall alongside the table so the crowd has no chance but to leave.
This is it. The duchess is alone. The crowd is distracted. And the Prince is nowhere to be seen.
I make my move.
One second, I am a step behind her. The next, I close the distance and gently bump into her.
She turns around swiftly, her eyes narrowing. "What do you think you're doing?"
"My apologies, Duchess," I say, forcing breathlessness into my voice. "I didn't see you there."
"It's quite apparent," she snaps, rage simmering in her dark eyes. "Do try to pay attention in the future. These balls are not for clumsy children."
I keep my expression neutral, masking the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "Children? Hardly. But I suppose you wouldn't recognize a true threat if it stood right in front of you."
Her brow furrows, confusion flickering across her face. "What are you implying?"
"Oh, it wouldn't matter. I'll make this quick." I size up on her and before she can react, I push her off the balcony with a swift motion.
The look of shock on her face is priceless as we plummet. "You—" she gasps before hitting the ground. But I'm quick, activating the hidden hoister strapped to the back of my dress.
The duchess lands with a sickening thud, her body lifeless. I swing the hook over the edge and latch it onto a nearby stone ledge, hoisting myself up to safety while the scene below continues to unfold.
As I pull myself up, I glance down one last time. "Bye-bye, Duchess," I whisper, a smirk creeping onto my lips. With the crowd still in a frenzy, I slip away into the shadows, my heart racing from the thrill of the kill.
I shouldn't enjoy this – I know I should feel guilty. But I don't. Especially because tyrants like her deserve it. Phogon's crumbling to ashes because of her selfishness and lack of empathy. Good riddance, honestly. Her son, though snobby and obnoxious, at least has an inkling of concern for his people. Sometimes to build a kingdom you must burn it down. Sacrifices must be made for a greater cause.
"Assignment completed," I whisper, activating my earpiece.
All is silent for a solid minute before it crackles to life and Claudia's shrill voice cuts into my ear. "Excellent work, Dri! I'll send Zephyr away. He absolutely hates making a fool of himself."
I smile as I brush off a couple of stray leaves and twigs from my dress. Zephyr's hard to read but he's really dedicated to these missions – doing whatever it takes to ensure it is successful.
"I'll head back…" I mutter. Not too far off, I can hear screams and shouts from people and the thumping of the royal guards as they discover the duchess's body. With a small sigh, I blend into the shadows, my presence obscured by the night.
I am merely just a mirage – seen for a brief moment, but never there.