Star Crossed Ball

QJ rolled over in bed, groaning at the loud noises coming from the kitchen. When he logged off, he worked out, took a shower, and had a big breakfast. For some reason, he still felt drowsy. He glanced at his hud. "Damn, slept two more hours."

"Where have you been, QJ?" Lotte smiled at him from the kitchen island. She was finishing the last of the eggs that Breeze had made them.

"Was on a quest all last night, for the Sandhealer Faction of the Dunjai tribe."

"The Dunjai tribe? Where is that?" Sato had heard them talking and walked out of his room to lean against the railing that looked down on the kitchen island.

QJ brought up his hud and showed them a map of the GnG World. "The Dunjai inhabit the Dunjai Desert, which is located in the central part of the Basara Continent."

"How the hell did you land a quest on the other side of the world?" Breeze's pretty face was frowning at him. "I want to travel like that too."

"Must be world reputation points. Mine went up fifty points when I made a Magnum Opus."

Breeze pounded the counter with one hand. "QJ! I demand you make me one of those too!"

"I will definitely try my best for all of you guys." QJ grinned at them and grabbed a water bottle from the fridge.

"Shall we do my pool work early so we can get a lot done today?" Lotte was looking forward to the ball. She had been a dancer like her sister before her accident. "You will ask me to dance, right?"

QJ nodded. "Yes to both."

It was nearly 1800 before QJ was finally ready to log back in. He had helped Lotte with her pool work and then had been getting ready to log in when Naomi and Tal had stopped by. From there, he sat in on a hud conference concerning the construction of his Notebook project. That had taken the better part of five hours.

Since it was almost dinner time, he made some sandwiches and ate with Breeze, who had logged out to call her sister.

"Crazy day..." QJ slipped into his VR suit and opened the chamber. He decided since it was going to be a long night, he needed the advantages that the VR Suit/Chamber offered.

Half an hour later, he walked down the Keep Hall to his shop. Almost no one was around since they were preparing for the Star Crossed Ball. "What's the rush?"

More than two hours before it was time. He stepped into his shop, and the first thing he noticed was the large stack of metallic bricks on his workbench.

"I was starting to wonder where you were." Robin peeked in from her office door. She was wearing her thief gear, all black and lightweight. "Brought you something nice."

QJ picked up one of the metallic bricks; it was soft to the touch, like wax. "Hmm... what is this stuff, and where did you get it?"

"It's Sakri steel, an Alchemist I know was hoarding it." Robin smiled sweetly; she handed him a small heart that appeared to be the same metal. There was an 'R' carved elegantly into it.

QJ held it in his hands. "It's very pliable. What are its uses?"

"Submerge it in water." Robin took the seat next to him and watched as he used a pair of tongs to place it in the barrel.

QJ watched as it changed color slightly and caused the water to warm up a few degrees. He placed it back on the bench when it stopped reacting a few minutes later. QJ let out a whistle when he picked it up. "Robs!! How much did you pay for this?"

Robin gave him a sly look. "It was free, of course."

QJ smiled and started testing it.

"Larry did a good job helping me." She watched him while he tested the metal. "You are so handsome when you work, hun."

QJ glanced up; Robin's orange hair was tied up in a simple bun, and her lips held a slight smile. "Lighter than aluminum, yet strong like steel. Thanks, Robs. I actually have a project just for this."

She leaned closer. "My sisters flipped when I showed them my hideout gun. They kept asking to see it."

"Did they?" QJ pulled out his notebook and started drawing. "Since it crits based on your agility rating, it should hit really hard.

"It's priceless to me because you made it."

"You say sweet things." QJ went back to drawing. "Are you trying to spoil me?"

"Of course." Robin watched while he drew; about halfway through, she gasped in surprise. "QJ, is that even possible?"

"Won't know until I try." QJ checked his hud and put away his notebook. "Time is short; want to chat a bit before I head to Maelstrom?"

Robin nodded and slid a hand through his arm as they walked back to the couch. She sat down next to him, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Larry wants to be a Songbird now."

QJ laughed aloud. "I bet your sisters love that."

Robin nodded, holding back a laugh. "He picked Thrush's pocket; she was so mad."

"You do realize his name is Lonnie, right?"

"Thieves never use their real names. Do you remember mine?"

"Did you want me to start calling you Mai?"

Robin shook her head. "I like it when you call me Robs."

An hour later, Robin walked him to the Keep Gate; she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him softly. "I watched a video of you playing the piano at the Laredo Casino."

QJ smiled at the memory. "I like to play a bit."

"If I put one in my office, will you play for me?"

"Of course." QJ summoned Scorch and jumped into the saddle. "What are your plans for the evening?"

"Party at your house. I can't wait."Robin winked at him. "You're going to miss out."

QJ frowned. "At my house? Who's hosting it? We'll all be gone."

"Your mom," Robin tapped her chin, suddenly unsure if it was a secret. "You wouldn't get your girlfriend in trouble, right?"

"No, I wouldn't." QJ laughed at her expression. "If I get done early, I'll come by."

"We'll only be there for two hours; then, we are shifting to Ravenwood for a pig roast." She waved as he turned Scorch toward Briar Rose and rode away.

QJ trotted Scorch through the front gate of Briar Rose. The Dark Elf standing guard waved him by. He entered through the front door, and immediately the sounds of voices drew his attention.

"There's my date!" Dessi stood in the dining room frowning at QJ. "Tell me that's not what you are wearing.

"This isn't what I'm wearing." He smiled at her and then stopped to appreciate her efforts. "Very lovely, Dessi." She wore an embroidered light green dress that was worn off the shoulders.

Dessi smiled and spun once. "Thank you, QJ."

Aji walked in from the formal dining room, where several other voices could be heard talking. "QJ, you've finally arrived. Come with me to your room, and I will assist you."

QJ followed the dark elf up the stair; she was wearing a simple white robe since she wouldn't be going anywhere. It was his first time on the second floor; the last time he was here, the whole house seemed on the verge of collapse. She led him through a set of double doors and into the Grand Master Room.

QJ whistled. "This is my room?"

Walking through the double doors, an immediate right led to a spacious bathroom. It was modestly decorated with dark wood paneling and marble floors. Off the Bathroom was a huge walkthrough closest that led to a sitting library. The sitting room exited back into the bedroom, which had a nice desk and several floor-to-ceiling built-in shelves for books. "I'm guessing the last tenant was a big reader?"

Aji shrugged. "Maybe before his days as a blood-sucking monster." She walked into his closet and came out a moment later with his clothes. "Undress, sir. I may need to do some last-minute adjustments."

QJ nodded and disrobed, "Those are very traditional fashions. Shouldn't I be more Guns and Gore?"

Aji shook her head, "I saw them in the Exodus shops and really liked the look. I think this will be quite dashing on you."

QJ tried on the clothes while Aji watched. Black tuxedo with tails, black vest, white shirt, and black bow tie. "There's a reason no one wears these kinds of clothes anymore."

Aji handed him a pair of black leather shoes and topped it off with a rose on his lapel. "Think so?" She walked to the doorway, "Dessi! Could you come up here for a moment?"

"Damn... I need to get a title." Dessi walked through the doorway and started snooping around. She froze in place when she spotted QJ. "Goodness... you clean up nicely."

QJ gave her a doubtful look. "Tails aren't too much?"

"Classic gentleman. We are going to turn some heads." Dessi pulled him in front of the mirror next to his closet door. "See?"

"You do look nice, Dessi." QJ bowed low and escorted her to his doorway.

Aji watched Dessi leave. "Where's Cleo?"

"Doing instances at the Keep. Why?"

"You told me to prepare her an outfit." Aji crossed her arms in front of her chest. "You know how hard it was to work around her wings?"

"Damn... I totally forgot." QJ sighed and held out his hand. "Come."

A moment later, Cleo appeared in front of them. She was wearing her yellow armor. "Is it time for the ball, QJ?"

"Yes, thank you for all your hard work, Cleo." He smiled at Aji. "Thank you for reminding me, Aji."

"Everything else is ready. I'm going to help Cleo with her outfit."

Half an hour later, Dessi, Cleo, QJ, Ringo, Lotte, and Breeze boarded a luxurious coach that pulled up in front of Briar Rose. Breeze and Lotte were both going with boys from their freshmen class and had planned to meet them at the Palace Ballroom.

"Is this your coach, QJ?" Ringo ran a hand over the red velvet seating.

"Yep, it was completely refurbished by the Jol clan. They did a great job." QJ sat next to Dessi; she had slid an arm through his.

Dessi wore the slightest fragrance of jasmine; the sweet scent tickled QJ's nose. "The Red Dome tent has made an awesome Guild HQ for us, QJ. I have to thank you again."

Ringo smiled slightly. "That was pretty generous of you, QJ."

QJ gave them both an innocent look. "Haven't I always treated the 3rd year class well?"

Dessi kept her face expressionless. "Maybe?"

All of their huds dinged at the same time; by agreement, Breeze opened hers since she was closest to the middle.

A pale gentleman dressed in white appeared on the hud. "Greetings, Guest of the Star Crossed Ball. Tonight's Events will start with Introductions. This goes according to your Rank. If you are here with a higher-ranking partner, then you will be introduced as escorting them. You will be issued a number; please be ready when your introduction is made. The introductions will stop after the Lord and Lady ranks.

Ringo glanced at Breeze, and Lotte, who had both recently attained the rank of Lady. "What does your number say?"

Breeze looked first since her hud was already up. "[Tier 8 rank 13]."

Everyone started checking their huds; Dessi was technically the lowest at [Tier 8, rank 41].

Ringo smiled at her ranking, "QJ... What is your ranking?" She displayed her at [Tier 6 rank 4]. "Should be relatively the same as mine, right?"

QJ displayed his ranking, and the small group turned suddenly quiet. [Tier 3, rank 1]. "That can't be right." He pulled up his ranking profile; his Viscount ranking had been removed. In its place was [Sandhealer Faction Leader]: Equivalent Rank/Foreign Duke.

"Um... QJ? What the heck did you do in Dunjai?" Breeze looked like she wanted to cry. "How am I supposed to catch up with you?"

For once, QJ looked confused, "Well... Sierra Sandhealer is the leader of the Sandhealer Faction, not me. I merely helped her with a faction quest."

"You'll be introduced right after the King's Children." Ringo couldn't keep the grin off of her face, "Let's keep our eyes on the prize tonight. Get Guild Quests; the higher, the better."

QJ nodded, "No worries, I think we will definitely land something nice."

The Grand Ballroom Hall had three sections. The upper balcony was filled with influential people that didn't have enough pull to land an invitation. Directly below them was the dining area; the main table was directly in front of the dance floor. The dance floor itself was a vast expanse of gold-infused marble.

The OP guild met in the main hall outside of the Ballroom. Cedric joined them and moved further up the line with Ringo.

"We have to move up QJ; the tier three banner is much closer to the main door." Dessi smiled up at him, suddenly glad that she had asked Ringo's ace to the ball.

QJ walked with Dessi down the hallway. There was almost no one next to the Tier 3 banner. Princess Lilly waved at him from the Tier 2 area. Annabelle was with her; she stared at QJ for a long moment before turning away.

Dessi pointed to a Gold door off to one side. "The King will come through there; announcements will start shortly after."

A cold hand on the back of his neck made QJ jump slightly; he already knew without looking who it was. He kept a straight face when he turned to face her. She was dressed in white, with elbow-length white gloves. A gold tiara sat on her dark hair, and warm green eyes smiled at him.

"Hello, QJ." Angel smiled sweetly, letting her eyes wander over him. "You look good enough to eat."

QJ laughed aloud, causing more than a few people to stare. "Going to eat me, Angel?"

Angel nodded. "Probably later." She patted his shoulder and continued walking down the hall until she arrived at the Tier Two banner.

QJ shrugged at the look Dessi gave him. "Spider Queen from TAP, she has taken over a territory here."

"She's beautiful." Dessi stared at her when she walked away.

"You are beautiful also, Dessi." QJ smiled slyly; since she made him come to the Ball, he was definitely going to tease her a bit.

Unexpectedly Dessi blushed and dropped her eyes. "Thank you, QJ."

The gold door opened, and a moment later, a procession of people walked through. The King of Maelstrom was wearing silver robes that shimmered in the light. A brief sound of trumpets was followed by the introduction.

An old man in a black suit carried a large parchment in his hands. "His Royal Majesty King Quilyn of Maelstrom!"

There was thunderous applause from within the Ballroom as the King and his retinue proceeded through the doors.

QJ watched as the introductions proceeded. He held out his hand, "Come."

A moment later, Cleo appeared; it had been decided that this would be the easiest way to bring her. QJ smiled at her dress. It was quite short and seemed to be made of yellow glitter. She wore gold sandals on her feet that hovered slightly over the ground. A small white scepter with a star on the end finished off the look. "Does that scepter work?"

Cleo shook her head. "No, but when Aji showed me, I absolutely loved it!"

"Well, you look very nice, Cleo." A flood of warmth washed over QJ's thoughts. Cleo moved behind him since she was part of his escort.

Ten minutes after the introductions started, QJ was next in line.

"Introducing The Sandhealer Faction Leader QJ, escorted by Lady Dessi." QJ walked out with Dessi on his arm, and Cleo following behind. Their applause was moderate, but there were plenty of whispers from curious spectators. He smiled at his luck, Dessi and he took up the last two seats at the King's long table. Cleo moved toward one wall where retinue members were standing by.

"I don't mind saying QJ, no one from the Academy has ever sat at the King's table." Dessi was watching everyone at once; occasionally, she would point someone out and whisper their identity in QJ's ear.

Annabelle and Lilly were seated next to Angel on the far side of the King's table. QJ was more interested in the people coming in. So he didn't take the time to identify everyone.

The introductions took about an hour. Immediately upon finishing, an orchestra started playing; the King stood and walked to the floor with his wife. His entire table stood and walked out with him.

Dessi looked at QJ nervously. "You aren't going to step on my feet, right?"

"Probably, but it's your own fault for wearing that dress in front of someone my age." QJ teased her; the usually modest Dessi wore a dress that hugged her full breasts.

Dessi winked at him. "I always figured you for a leg man."

QJ shook his head in denial. "Nope."

They both laughed and then started dancing after being cued by the King. Dessi had thought that QJ would immediately sit down after the first dance, but instead, he stayed through the first five dances. They were the last couple from the original group to leave the dance floor.

Dessi leaned against him as they walked back to their seats. "That was very sweet of you, QJ."

"When carrying such a lovely rose, it's natural to want to show it off." QJ kept a straight face when he said it.

Dessi smiled and let him seat her. "If you get too fresh, I'll tell Ringo."

"Oh? What if I do this." QJ bent and whispered something in her ear.

Dessi's face turned beet red, quickly she grabbed her glass and took a long drink. "I wouldn't dare tell Ringo that."

QJ laughed and grabbed his own glass. "Sorry, I'll stop teasing you now."

"..." Dessi.

"Going to ask someone to dance." QJ stood up and walked toward the middle of the table; both Annabelle and Princess Lilly glanced up at him. He stopped next to the King. "Forgive me, your Majesty, would you permit me a dance with Queen Iya?"

The King glanced at his wife, who had been pestering him to dance with her again. "Of course, good sir! You have my blessing."

QJ escorted the Queen to the dance floor. She was probably his mother's age and was still fairly attractive. However, QJ knew that if the rumors were true, the King barely spoke to her anymore. He danced with her for several dances before returning her to the King.

He stopped next to Annabelle's seat on the way back; deliberately, she moved her chair back as if to stand up. He put a hand on the back of her chair. To the casual observer, it appeared as if he pulled her seat out.

"Of course, I'd like to dance with you, QJ." Annabelle smiled sweetly and slid an arm through his.

They danced the first dance in silence before QJ finally spoke. "I was going to ask you to dance, Annabelle."

Annabelle leaned against him, her hair tickling his ear. "You should have asked me first."

"Oh? Why is that?" QJ held her close; he could feel at least two weapons. A small dagger and a hide-out gun.

"Did you bring my Magnum Opus?" Annabelle's brown eyes smoldered, "I didn't realize you were a skilled gunsmith.

"Sorry, the Magnum Opus was for my girlfriend."

She pinched his waist, making him jump. "You have a girlfriend?"

QJ nodded, "I'm afraid so. Why are you pinching me?"

"I don't believe you." She fluttered her brown eyes at him.

QJ shrugged. "She's the Keep Commandant. Stop by and introduce yourself sometime."

"Perhaps I will." They danced two dances, talking quietly about Maelstrom politics. Her dark eyes stared at him, "I can count on you, right?"

"Haven't I come through in the past?"

A tap on his shoulder caused him to turn around. "Enough of this QJ. It's my turn now." Angel smiled sweetly at Annabelle before shooing her away with a white-gloved hand.

Angel gave off a dangerous aura; even the spymaster was wary of the unknown royal.

"Careful Anya, she's an important person in Maelstrom." QJ shrugged helplessly at Annabelle as she glared at him and then walked away.

"What the crap, QJ? When did you start flirting?" Angel squeezed his cheek with her fingers. "It's those damn Silverleafs again?"

QJ laughed and continued dancing. "What do you think of Cleo?"

Angel stole a glance at her former soldier. "Strong and getting stronger. Giving her to you was a good choice."

"The Drones are getting stronger also. If you need them, we'll be ready." QJ finished the dance and started walking her back to her seat.

"You are my only ally QJ, and my good friend." Angel kissed his cheek when he held her chair for her.

QJ went back to his seat to grab a glass of wine before heading out again. He danced with Breeze and Ringo before finally grabbing Lotte's hand and pulling her out on the dance floor.

"Finally asking me to dance, QJ?" The music slowly significantly, and the lights dimmed.

QJ nodded. "The best for last." He glanced up at the starlights. The ballroom had a retractable ceiling, and the stars, and moon were shining brightly.

"That makes me sound like dessert." She pulled him close, deliberately causing their tempo to slow.

It was very nice; Lotte's hair smelled like mint, and she danced lightly on her feet. "There are a few different replies I could make to that; none of them would be appropriate."

Lotte smiled sweetly. "You are such a handful." Something caught her attention, and she stopped dancing. "QJ?"

QJ glanced upward to where she was looking. A ball of fire was approaching in the distance, and as it got closer, more people started noticing.

It entered the ballroom through the open ceiling. A beautiful bird of fire that glided easily in the air. It had the attention of the entire room; the King's guard quickly moved in front of him to block any attack.

The bird hovered for an instant, long flaming wings sending waves of warmth through the room. It bowed its head to the King and then retreated back through the Star ceiling. In its place was a black basket. The crowded ballroom erupted in chatter.

"Was that a Phoenix?"

"Did you see it fly? So beautiful."

"What did it leave behind?"

A sentence from the King silenced everyone. "Bring it to me."

The nearest guard cautiously approached the basket and picked it up. "It has envelopes in it, your Majesty. A lot of them." The guard walked back to the table and set the basket in front of the King.

The King stared at the basket and then looked back at his guard. "Read one."

"Yes, Sire." The guard picked up a black envelope that lay on top, and gently opened it; a white chip engraved with a Phoenix fell onto the table. There was a short sentence. "You have been invited to the Grand Opening of the Casino Phoenix Royale, tomorrow night at 8 pm." The guard looked up at the King before turning the envelope over. "This one is addressed to Princess Liliana Strom."

The King's serious look faded as he leaned back in his chair. "So it's like that." He motioned for his guard to continue. "Deliver them at once."

There were forty invitations. Some of them were royalty; others were merchants and civil leaders. QJ was one of the last people to get one. He glanced at it quickly and opened it up.

"Phoenix Royale? Can you bring a date?" Dessi asked casually while sipping her wine.

"Don't push your luck, Dessi. I see you coming a mile away."

"Please share your Guild quests if you get one!"

QJ laughed and shook his head. "Denied!"

A messenger stopped next to the table and placed a note in QJ's hand.

[System Message] An important leader has requested a meeting. Do you accept?

"Yes."

[Meet the King]

Quest Type: Royal Faction

The King of Maelstrom has

requested a personal meeting

with you. He will send someone

to pick you up after the Ball.

QJ whistled softly. "Now we are talking."

Towards the end of the evening, the doors leading to the Royal Gardens were opened, and those who occupied the lower level were invited out to enjoy fireworks. The group from OP and their dates were gathered together in one of the lower flower gardens.

"Looks like someone is looking for you, QJ." Ringo elbowed her Vice-Commander and pointed toward a darkened path. Annabelle was motioning for QJ to join her.

"Hmm... Be back in a bit." QJ approached Annabelle, carefully looking around. "Something wrong?" The dark burgundy dress she was wearing made it difficult to see her in the shadows.

Annabelle nodded. "One of my operatives lost track of someone I wanted to keep tabs on tonight. He went into an area infamously known for liaisons. Since my operative was by herself, she couldn't follow."

"I see. Need me to be your cover so you can check up on them?" QJ lent her his arm. "We should hurry then."

Annabelle slid an arm through his and started walking toward the orchards that were just beyond the lower gardens. "Thank you, QJ, you are a true friend."

QJ smiled and assumed the role of the suitor. "I am designing a gun, especially for you; not sure how it will turn out."

Annabelle's dark eyes smiled, and she leaned against him. "You say the sweetest things; perhaps we should walk through the orchards." She lowered her voice. "Watch yourself in here; anything can happen."

The entrance to the orchard passed through a flowered archway. The shadows deepened, and the sounds of moaning could be heard. QJ felt his face heat up; more than one couple was engaged in the pursuit of carnal pleasure.

"There." Annabelle led him to a bench that was close to an occupied gazebo. She pushed him onto the bench and then sat on his lap with her arms around his neck.

"Darling, I'm so happy that you've returned." Annabelle turned so that she was facing the gazebo. She kissed the side of his neck noisily. "No more business trips this month. I can't bear it."

QJ rested his hands lightly on her hips, talking in low tones while keeping an eye on the surroundings. "They are getting up!" He pulled her closer and kissed her, holding the moment while the couple exited the gazebo. Annabelle moaned against his mouth, returning his kiss.

Annabelle waited until they were walking away before she released QJ; her lips were wet from kissing. "We have to follow them."

The couple walked through the orchard and stopped at a small fountain. QJ and Annabelle watched from a distance as they went their separate ways.

"Shit." Annabelle broke into a run with QJ right behind her. They arrived at the fountain a few seconds later. "Follow her, and I will stay on him."

QJ nodded. "We'll meet up later."

*Fade*

You have faded from view.

QJ hurried down the stone path. There was a small gate that exited the Orchards; it had been left open. He found her a few minutes later laying in the shadows next to the Stonewall.

"Sweet Mother." The woman's throat has been slashed from ear to ear. The amount of blood on the ground and splattered on the wall told him she had been killed there. He quickly searched her; she had no items of interest except for a small note that was neatly folded. He opened it up and read it.

"I will ensure the target is alone, do not waste the opportunity."

[System Message] You have discovered a hidden quest. Do you accept?

"Yes."

[Mysterious Note]

Quest Type: Unknown

Discover the origin of the

mysterious handwritten note.

QJ checked the area for any further clues before carefully stowing the note. "Let's hope Annabelle had better luck."

He left the body where it lay and took an alternate route back to the lower gardens. The fireworks were just coming to a close; Ringo saw him approach and met him before he joined the others.

She gave him a relaxed smile. "Something important come up?"

"QJ nodded, "Murder, Conspiracy, and double-cross. Same as always."

Ringo handed him her ladies handkerchief. "Sounds very clandestine; now remove the lady's lip rouge from your face."

He wiped his mouth casually. "Necessary part of the mission. All gone?"

"Yes, " she shook her head when he tried to give it back. "Just keep it."

"Any sign of Annabelle?" QJ asked.

Ringo shook her head. "Not since you left."

"Sir!" A palace page approached him and handed him a message. He waited patiently while QJ read the message.

"I've heard great things about you. It's important that we talk at once." A wax seal imprinted with the King's ring adorned the bottom of the note. He shot a glance at the page. "Does this mean now?"

The page nodded.

"Go ahead, QJ. I'll keep an eye out for Annabelle." Ringo waved him on and walked back towards her group.

QJ followed the page at a brisk walk. He knew that the palace was quite large, but thirty minutes of walking down hallways and up several flights of stairs gave him a higher appreciation of that fact.

Finally, they arrived at a private study. The page knocked twice on the door and then turned to QJ. "Head on in, sir."

QJ opened the door and stepped into a dimly lit room. It was your typical study, except everything was really luxurious. The King was leaning against the railing of the balcony, waiting for him.

"Although I was curious to learn more about you, QJ, I am surprised that you reached out to me." The King's arms were crossed over his chest; his eyes were filled with curiosity."

"Sire? It was you..." A dark noose settle over the King's head, and an instant later, he disappeared over the side of the balcony. "Holy ..." QJ ran for the balcony and peered over. A scream from below had several people pointing upward.

"Someone has killed the King!"

"There he is on the balcony!"

"Guards! Guards!"

QJ jumped away from the balcony and ducked back into the room.

[System Message] You have been implicated in an assassination. Escape the palace without being seen. The following limitations have been set on you. 1) You may not stealth. 2) You may not use any portal or return-type items. 3) The (Incriminating Note), is now a no-drop item.

QJ reread the note he had picked up on the dead woman earlier. "I will ensure the target is alone, do not waste the opportunity. Yep... I'm boned."

He exited the room and sprinted down the darkened hallway, the sounds of boots approaching spurred him into action, and he ducked inside the next door he came to.

[OP: QJ] All members return at once to the Keep!

QJ used his deguild option to leave One Problem.

[System Message] Do you wish to leave One Problem?

"Yes."

The room he ducked into was a smaller bedroom, but at the moment was unoccupied. QJ took a moment to breathe and stepped out onto the balcony. Since he had turned a corner, he could no longer see the King's Balcony.

Looking up and he spotted another balcony; it was the last floor before the roof. He used his rope to climb, and although there were lights and noises everywhere, no one noticed the dark-dressed figure climbing up to the roof.

[Whisper: Ringo/QJ] What's going on?

[Whisper: QJ/Ringo] I've been implicated in the King's assassination.

[Whisper: Ringo/QJ] Damn... so that's what all the commotion was. Are you safe?

[Whisper: QJ/RIngo] No, not at all.

[Whisper: Ringo/QJ] Do your best.

QJ closed his comm and crawled to the edge of the building. The grounds of the palace had some sort of emergency lighting, and even though it was after midnight, barely any shadows could be found. The guards all had dogs, and they were sweeping the area for intruders. A movement far below caught his attention. Annabelle had returned; she was slowly making her way back toward the palace.

Twice she narrowly avoided guards by ducking into bushes. Finally, her luck had run out. She was crouched behind a retaining wall; guards with leashed dogs were approaching from either side.

"Sweet mother... They won't just kill her outright, will they?" QJ sighed heavily and stood up. "Guards! Guards! Up here on the roof, I surrender!"

[System Message] You have failed to escape the Palace undetected.

[System Message] You will be charged with a capital offense. Execution for a capital offense results in loss of character. Your trial will be held in two weeks.