The Serpentine's Revenge

Chapter Eighteen

It’s been days—I think. I left the infirmary, and returned back to the forest. But I haven’t left my tent, other than for necessities. I didn’t want anything. I told myself that, but deep in my heart I knew, that I wanted something. I wanted revenge. But going through revenge without a plan was suicide. I had papers scattered around me, each with a failed plan. I sat in the middle of it all, a whirlwind of ideas in my head.

I could poison him, but then I would have to get into the palace. I could just walk in and kill him or kidnap him, but Allura’s not stupid. She would have guards posted at every entrance. I sighed and dropped my head into my hands, when I heard a crunch of leaves.

My head snapped up, and I reached for my dagger. I saw the figure circle my tent, before standing in front of the entrance. I stepped over the sheets of parchment and closer to the entrance. I shot my hand, and felt my hand grasp at a shirt. I yanked the person into my tent, and threw them down. The parchment crinkled as the figure in a hood fell upon them. I launched myself onto them, and angled my knife to their neck.

“Who are you? How did you find this part of the forest?” I pulled off their hood, and my heart stopped.

Before me was a handsome young man with short black cropped hair. His brown eyes gleamed with fearlessness. He looked around my age.

“I was sent. To climb a fence in the forest, and I wondered why there would be one. I can see why now. To house a monster like you.” I pulled the knife away a touch. His voice. I shook my head, and pushed the knife deeper into him.

“Get out. Now.” I released him. He didn’t move. “I gave you an order.”

He laughed. A wonderful sound. “I don’t take orders from you.”

“If you wish to keep your life, I suggest you should.”

He ignored me. “The real reason I’m here is to give you this.” He handed me a piece of folded parchment sealed with wax. I didn’t take it right away. “Lord Ryker wishes for you to kill for him, Assassin of Azuria.”

“Obviously. Why else would anyone come to me? Thanks for offer, no thanks. I’m taking a break, for personal reasons.”

“Lord Ryker is willing to give you seventy gold coins, fifty silvers, and one hundred coppers.”

I raised my eyebrow and took the parchment. My fingers brushed his. I quickly ripped open the wax seal, and read the message. “Ryker wishes me to kill his son?”

The handsome man’s eyes widened. “If that’s what it says. Then, yes.”

Something was not right. “Who are you?” He stayed silent. “Tell me.”

“My name is Thomas. Thomas Ryker. The supposed heir to the Ryker Estates. But if my father wishes for my death, then I am just a son. Not an heir, not anymore at least.”

“Why does your father want to kill you?”

“I don’t know. But he clearly wanted me to deliver my own death order.” I ripped up the parchment. The fibres of the paper crackled as I tore it in half. Then half again. “You’re not going to kill me? Even with that reward?”

“There should be no reward if a father wants his own son to be dead.” He thanked me. “Go home. Tell your father that I refuse to kill such a person.” He nodded.

“And your name, Assassin?” Which name should I use? Dawn, Alexandria, Azuellyn, Anna? No. I know the perfect one.

“My name is Azuria.”

“What a beautiful name.” I smiled, and he left. My heart fluttered. I slapped myself across the face.

A few days later, I was in the market place. I needed more supplies if I wanted to continue my plan. With a hood over my head, shadowing my face, I twisted around the crowd. I reached the stall I wanted, and looked at the elderly woman behind the counter. I handed her a single coin. She nodded. Her frail hands shook as the grasped the vial and handed it to me. I slipped in beneath my cloak and gave her my thanks. As I turned from the stall, a body slammed into me, spraying me with water. My hood fell as I shook out my wet hair. I opened my mouth to yell at the man, but I stopped.

Thomas Ryker stood before me, a bucket in hand. I sighed. “Seriously?”

“I’m sorry—so sorry. I didn’t mean to get you all wet—I mean—sorry.” He shook his head, gathering his composure. “Here, let me take you back to my home, get you cleaned up.”

“Thanks but no thanks. I can clean up by myself.”

He practically belted out a laugh. “In a dingy tent?”

I rolled my eyes. “Better than a lavish bathroom.”

He looked confused. “How is a tent better than a bathroom?”

“Because I don’t have servants jumping up and down to help me get out of my clothes.”

“Please. I insist.” I told him I would but if he or anyone else touched me or my things, they would die.

He pushed open the glass door to his house, although it should be called a mansion. Stained glass windows stood tall and wide behind a grand staircase.

“Come. I’ll show you where to clean up. I get someone to fetch you some clothes.”

“Clothes? Oh, no. That’s not necessary.” He ignored me, and pushed me into a bathroom.

“I’ll be back in a few,” He said with a smirk.

I took in my surroundings. There was so much space, I shivered. The space felt cold and empty. I twisted open the tap, and clean water flowed out. I took the water in my hands and splashed my face with it. What the hell am I doing in this man’s home? I should be back in my tent. I need to finish my damned plan. Just as this thought occurred, there was a knock on the door. I opened it, and I saw a pretty young girl holding a couple sheets of fabric.

“Hello, I’m Thomas’ sister, Ellia. He wanted me to bring you some clothes.”

I shook my head. “I already told your brother I didn’t need them.”

She shrugged. “I know, but I wanted to meet you. It’s been a while since my brother brought a girl home.” She stepped into the bathroom with me, and lifted up on of the sheets of fabric. It was a dress, and a hideous one in fact. The bright yellow almost blinded me.

“There’s no way I’m getting into that.” I reached out and touched the fabric. It was scratchy and the corset looked too small for any woman to squeeze into.

“How about this one?” Ellia lifted another one. Even more hideous than the last. The pink ribbon in front was twisted into a big knot. The rest of the dress was a dull green. I shook my head violently.

“Don’t you have any pants? A shirt?”

“No, unless you want to wear my brother’s clothes.”

“I’m not doing that, thank you very much. I’ll—uh— just dry off, and I’ll be on my way.”

The girl looked confused. Offended almost. “But Thomas said you would stay for dinner, as you are his new lover.”

“What?!” I stormed out of the bathroom, and looked around. I didn’t see Thomas. I was going to kill that boy.

Music filled the air. A beautiful sound. Notes rang through the air in crystal clear snaps. I stalked the sound, until I saw Thomas.

He was sitting at a pianoforte and his fingers were dancing around the keys with no hesitation. The song danced majestically through the air. I leaned against the door frame as I enjoyed the music that was being played in front of me. His finger pressed the last note.

I slowly brought my hands together into a clap. He turned around, shocked, clearly unaware that he was being watched. “Talented,”

He chuckled. “Thanks.” Time for business. My fist smashed into his face before I could think.

“Are you mad?! What was that for?!” He shrieked.

“I am mad! I am not your lover, and I am going home!” I turned around, but was stopped by a man, with an overly sized moustache.

“Thomas, what is all the yelling about?” He looked down at me. “Who’s this?”

“Uhh— Father, this is, um, my new lover. Her name is Azuria.”

“Azuria, nice to make your acquaintance.” I nodded awkwardly. “Son, what happened to your cheek?” I turned around and saw that a purple blotch now marked Thomas’ face.

I sized up to Lord Ryker. “I punched him.”

“Why would you do that?” I looked over at Thomas, and his eyes pleaded. Time to have fun.

“I caught him with another woman.” Sadness made it into my voice “I’m sorry, but I can’t stand being treated like nothing. I had to come and confront your son. Now that I have done that, it’s time for me to go. My father wants me no where near Thomas or any of your family, milord. I am truly sorry.”

“No. Stay! We will show you that the Ryker name is loyal and fair. Stay for dinner.” Before I could object, Ellia grabbed me back into the bathroom, and held up another dress. It wasn’t hideous this time. A lovely purple hue escalated down the dress. The sleeves were the lightest violet, while the bottom of the dress was the darkest. When I didn’t say anything, she threw the dress at me and told me to change.

As I descended the staircase, Thomas was standing there with his hand outreached. I took it gingerly and smiled. He led me to a beautiful dining hall, but I couldn’t focus on anything. The corset Ellia tied was digging into my ribs, and the sleeves to the dress were extremely tight, so much I was almost unable to move them. I sat down, next to Thomas and Ellia.

Soon, the table was filled with food and drinks. Aroma wafted through the air and to my nose. I’ve never smelled anything so delicious. I didn’t touch anything. Lord Ryker wanted me to kill his son. Poison in the food, maybe?

“A toast,” said Lord Ryker. “To our new guest, Azuria.” Glasses clinked and I smiled sweetly. “So, Azuria, tell us about yourself.”

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, the dagger I hid in the skirts of my dress poking me. “I—uh—I am a barmaid, at the local tavern. I’m afraid my family needs the money. After my mother died, it’s been hard to make ends meet, as my father is also a gambler. But he loves my siblings and I very much. That’s why he doesn’t want me spending so much time with your son.”

“Who is your father?” He asked as a servant refilled his wine, and he swirled it in his goblet.

More lies spilling from my lips. “You wouldn’t know him. He’s a nobody, like me.”

Lady Ryker, Thomas’ mother scoffed. “If you were able to catch the eye of my son, then you are not a nobody.”

“I didn’t keep his attention for long though. Thank you for everything, but I really should be going.”

Lord Ryker looked extremely offended. “You haven’t eaten anything.”

I chuckled nervously. “I’m afraid of what my father would do to my siblings if he finds out I was here.”

Ellia piped up. “Who are your siblings? I should know them, I go to school in the nearby schoolhouse.”

I smiled. “You wouldn’t know them, they are about my age. Their names are—um— Millard and Anya.” Oh s**t. What have I done? “Anyways, I really should be going. Thank you for everything, and I’ll take my clothes back.”

“Keep the dress, it looks lovely on you.” Thomas said. I blushed. When I was out of the dining room, I whipped my hand across my face.

Keep it together. Don’t let a boy ruin your plans for your revenge. I thought