" Jessica are you sure this is a good idea..." Lilly asked me as I set up dinner for three people by the garden.
" Are you my friend?" I asked. " If you are then cover me.."
Lilly sighed as I began chanting some spells she'd taught me to decorate the scenery with a love heart full of roses. Lilly used concealing magic to hide everything.
Just then Lady Mari approached us and upon seeing the place she was stunned.
" You did this?" She asked her gaze sweeping over the place.
I nodded. " I had some help..."
" Oh is this for you and Xavier.?"
" Chloe will also join us..." I added and her eyes lit up. Turns out my suspicions were true she does want Chloe to marry Xavier.
" Oh well if it isn't too much to ask...would you join me for an evening stroll..." She asked and I was extatic. I was looking for a way to skip this dinner so I of course agreed.
****
" You need to make sure Xavier dhows up to the dinner. Don't tell him I won't be joining. Just give him the note..." I said to Lilly as I got dressed in a short black dress with a trail and a cloak to cover up.
Lilly nodded. " You two have the weirdest love relationship ever..."
" Love . There is no love . Just benefits..." I said as I huuried out of the door to meet Mari in the town square.
*****
It had been a while since I'd gone out to walk by myself. No guards. No Austin who was currently away and no Lilly. Just me and Lady Mari.
I arrived at the designated location but Lady Mari was nowhere to be seen . I bought some sweets and sat by a bench waiting for her. The town was buzzing with activities. It was honestly something I missed. Working.
Just then some children who were running around accidentally cut me on the leg.
" Ouch!" I said but before I could scold them they were gone .
I sighed and stood to grab a band aid from the nearest shop. I happened to know the owner but didn't reveal I was married to the emperor. It wasn't safe .
I sat down and after I cleaned up my wound with his help . I placed a band aid . I had taken a few steps when I suddenly felt light headed. I tried shaking it off but I fell unconscious.
****
I woke up bounded to a chair and my mouth covered. It was dark and I could no longer hear the noises of the town . We were no longer in town .
There was a bulky man seated before me and he didn't seem like someone I knew.
" Didn't anyone tell you the streets are dangerous princess?!"
He laughed and I rolled my eyes. He moved to remove the cloth on my mouth.
" Do I know you?" I asked as soon as he did.
" Not really but am about to become a rich man..." He said and I was stunned.
" Do you mean by robbing me. Sorry but I got nothing on me . But if you want money just free me and I'll give it to you..."
The guy laughed. " Oh I don't want money. I want a position. And I'm not stupid..."
I was utterly confused. If this guy thought that Xavier would give him a post he was utterly foolish.
" Look buddy you're making a mistake. Just tell me your plans...we are going to be here a while..."
" Well..." He hesitated." I'll spread a scandal that you're my lover..."
I sighed." Honestly I feel belittled since one you aren't my type and going for me you'll probably be beheaded..."
He jerked up furious. " You don't know the suffering we go through...."
Just then two other guys walked in their faces covered unlike the big guy. One of them took out a sword and slashed the guy's throat and the guy fell to my feet with a thud.
I watched in horror as the guy used the guy's body to wipe off the blood on his sword. Tears threatened to flow but I simply took a deep breath. The killer had a sword tattoo on his arm. All of them did.
" He spoke too much and his work was done anyway..." The other guy said in a hushed tone near my ear.
" We don't..." The killer said. " I'll speak once . "
My heart was pounding madly in my chest. Tears gathered at my eyes.
" You are going to go back to the palace and gather you're things and come back here..." The killer with dark eyes said.
" What if I won't. You'll kill me! I'm not scared!" I said bravely.
" I know you aren't that's why I won't kill you but you'll have no parents. I've got my men right outside your house..."
My heart clenched." You wouldn't..."
I laughed at their faces and blinked the tears away.
"Now you listen. I'm giving you a chance to stay alive . Leave me and my family alone and you'll walk out with your body intact. "
I had freed my hands and leaned in to his face . I used my power to slam the door shut and then stood up and met the guy's gaze.
I could see I had shaken him up.
" Little..."
I grabbed the other guy charging towards me by his throat and squeezed. The guys were stunned and I spoke up.
" I believe we are done here..."
The guy whiphered as his friend lost consciousness and I dropped him to the ground.
" Fine .... we're done..."
He scurried away leaving the guy passed out and I crouched down tears streaming down my face. Turns out intimidation does work as Austin said it would. I needed to get back before anyone noticed I was gone. But who the fuck wanted me away from the Emperor!