(Ailith): Meeting the royal family

Ailith stepped out of the plane, glad to finally have landed. As fascinating as it was to experience flight, she wasn't very fond of it. In fact, the thought of her feet being anywhere but the ground frightened her. Ailith closed her eyes and took in a breath of fresh air. In Orbournth, even the air smelled cleaner. If she weren't here to assassinate the royal family, she would have quite enjoyed spending her time here.

"Miss Gallow, the royal family is awaiting our arrival." As Alex said this, he held open a car door.

"You're coming too?" Ailith asked, shocked. She had expected it to be a solo mission up until she discovered the hidden passages.

Alex didn't look the faintest bit bothered. "Of course. Did you really think Clarice would trust you enough to let you carry out the mission on your own? Think what you want of her but know she's not an idiot."

Ailith huffed an annoyed breath. Of course Clarice wouldn't spare her the mercy of letting her deal with it on her own. She stepped into the car.

The ride to the palace was fairly peaceful. Unlike Aharea, the people in Orbournth seemed more...carefree. Of course her observations were only based on watching the towns people as they passed by from the car window, she had yet to see the city, however, unlike the suburbs, the place seemed much brighter and people milled about their work looking genuinely happy.

She thought to herself. This would be a great place to live in. If she were to ever free Xavier, this is exactly where she would bring him, away from all the chaos in their home. He deserved better. She instantly regretted the thought. It wouldn't stay this way for much longer. The people here had no idea what kind of threat they'd brought into their kingdom.

The car arrived at the palace sooner than she'd wanted it to. From her window, she could see the king, queen, and their son waiting on the steps. As soon as it stopped, they started to walk over. Alex quickly exited first and held open her door. The queen was the first to approach her.

"Oh my," she said, "What a beautiful young lady you are. When I first heard Aharea would be sending over an ambassador I presumed she would be a bit more...old." she giggled. "I apologize for brashly assuming your age Miss..."

"Gallow."

"Miss Gallow." The queen smiled pleasantly, looking only the tiniest bit flustered.

The King was soon to catch up with his wife. He chuckled. "How many times do I have to tell you to think before you speak, Eleanor. It is rude to discuss someone's age so openly."

The queen laughed lightly. "Sorry, dear."

"Excuse my wife's behavior Miss Gallow. We really are pleased to have you here. We have been wanting to discuss a peace treaty with Aharea for awhile now. You see, the war that has been taking place between the two nations is very tiring. I do not wish to pass on that kind of burden over to my son. My wife and I were very excited when we received news that they would be sending over an ambassador to discuss a peace treaty."

Ailith smiled. The royal family was far more welcoming and easygoing than she had imagined. The thought of having to murder them made her shiver. How cruel her society was. It must have shown on her face because the king stopped mid sentence.

"Oh, have I been boring you? My apologies. Today is a wonderful day. It would simply be a waste to dally out here. Please let our butler lead you to your room. We shall share proper introductions once you are settled in and comfortable."

Ailith simply nodded. She would have to be more cautious in the future. As easy going as this family was, she doubted they would remain the same if they found out her real intentions of visiting their home.

The room they had prepared for her was extravagant to say the least. It was as comfortable and luxurious as a room could get. She was amidst unpacking when 2 maids scurried in behind her. Once they had her attention, they both did a low curtsy. "It is a pleasure to meet you your excellency." they started, in unison.

The maid with red hair spoke first. "My name is Anne and the maid next to me is Sarah.

We'll be your personal maids from now to the date of your departure. We hope to satisfy you in the near future. Is there anything you need for us to do at the moment?"

Uncomfortable with the sudden attention, Ailith replied hesitantly, "Uh, no. I'm okay."

They must have read too much into her hesitation because a look of concern flashed across the maid's faces and they quickly glanced at each other before Anne said, "Is there something bothering you? Are you not satisfied with us? Please give us a chance, your excellency."

"No, it's nothing like that. I just like doing things on my own. You guys can go."

Horror lit up on their faces. "Please let us help!" Anne said. "We promise we won't disappoint you."

Ailith was flustered by Anne's sudden reaction to her refusal. "I really don't need any help."

Looking all the more desperate, Anne got on her knees. "Please. If you refuse our help, the housekeeper will have us cut from the team. My grandmother is critically ill and-" Tears started to dwell in her eyes.

Ailith held up a hand, stopping her from finishing. She really didn't know what to say to that. On the one hand, if the maids found her weapons whilst cleaning, she would be put in immense danger and would most likely fail the mission. On the other hand…

"Alright. I'll allow it but, only under the condition that you are not to enter the room when I am not present." Ailith knew all too well what it was like from the maid's perspective. If only she could have had a chance at saving her parents too.

Anne was quick to agree, frantically nodding. "Yes, of course. Thank you, your excellency."

"Good, now get up."

She did as Ailith said. They waited until Anne's tears had subsided before Sarah said, "Would you like us to unload your baggage, your excellency?"

"No, I'll do that myself. And please don't refer to me as 'your excellency'."

"We apologize. How should we address you then?"

"Anything but that. For now, can the two of you leave? I need some time to myself."

"Of course." With that simple order, they left her room, closing the door behind them.

Ailith sighed and plopped herself on the bed. She could deal with them later but for now, she had to find a place to stow away her weapons. Grudgingly, she pried herself off the very comfortable bed and zipped open her luggage. It was a mistake to open it standing. The clothes Clarice had so neatly packed flooded out one after another and made a mound on the floor. Ailith groaned in frustration. Just as she bent to pick up one of the elegant dresses, a knock sounded from the door. 'I clearly told those maids I didn't need their help at the moment.' Ailith opened the door to tell them off again but froze when she saw who exactly it was standing at her door.

"Hello, Miss Gallow. My name is Quinton Orbourne."

The prince.