Training For The Worst

Jamie's POV

I waited for the morning to show up as I knew that very soon I would have to deal with Trina.

She was not a nice person to deal with. I was afraid of what would happen in the long run. Would she have my head for betraying her and not doing anything or would she forgive me and tell me to go again?

The last conversation we had, she had made it very clear that she did not want me to fail.

If I did fail she would have me destroyed.

Things would have been different if Trina wasn't threatened by Jane. At least I would still have my life back and I would not even have to deal with any of her trouble.

Yet here I was.

I wondered if Jane knew that she was giving me so much trouble.

***

By morning, I could hear Trina's chariots showing up which did nothing but increase my anxiety.

I rushed out to welcome her as she walked into the house without looking at me.

The woman's icy glare bore into me as she demanded an explanation for my failure. I could feel the mental distress of her venom as I gulped. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my trembling voice.

"Your Majesty, I... I did my best," I stammered, my eyes looking at the floor. "I hired the most skilled assassins in the land, but... but they were unsuccessful."

The woman scoffed, her voice dripping with disappointment. "Unsuccessful? I entrusted you with a simple task, and you couldn't even see it through? Tell me, Lady Jamiel, what use are you to me if you cannot even arrange the death of a single woman? I thought you two grew up together. 

"What's holding you from actually killing her? Something tells me you're not doing this as I want you to. Something tells me you're really not putting the effort needed to take her out."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her disappointment bearing down on me. "Your Majesty, I assure you, I had everything planned really well. I provided the assassins with all the necessary information, but... but it seems that their target was more formidable than we anticipated."

Her eyes narrowed, and I could sense the anger building within her. "Formidable? No woman should be able to stand against the might of this kingdom. Tell me, who is this woman? Why does she pose such a threat? Isn't she supposed to be blind? I could have done this myself but I have too many eyes on me after the last time I tried to have her poisoned. I can't afford to sully my hands this time. That is where you come in and here you are wasting my time. I ask you again, why does she pose such a huge threat to me?"

I hesitated for a moment, debating whether to reveal the truth. But her patience was wearing thin, and I knew I had no choice but to confess. "My lady, the woman we sought to eliminate... I think she's being protected by the gods."

A flicker of amusement crossed her face, and her eyes widened in disbelief. "The gods? You mean the gods we don't see but pray to? The ones who in books single-handedly defeat entire armies? Is that who you say is protecting the blind girl? This is getting more interesting with each passing day. How stupid do you think I am?"

I could feel a knot of fear tighten in my stomach. "Forgive me, my lady. I am the stupid one. I should have known better. I underestimated her, and for that, I deeply apologize."

The woman's anger seemed to simmer down slightly, replaced by a cunning smile. "Well, Lady Jamie, it seems we have a dilemma on our hands… again. Your sister is a thorn in my side, and I will not rest until she is taken off the earth. But if your assassins were unsuccessful, then perhaps it is time for a different approach."

I looked up at the woman, confusion flooding across my face. "A different approach, my lady? What do you suggest?"

A sinister smile moved in her eyes as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "We shall handle this matter ourselves, Jamie. You and I will confront Jane, and we shall end her together."

My heart skipped a beat at her words, the gravity of the situation sinking in. I had heard of prince Kirigan's prowess, his ruthless efficiency on how he had dispatched his enemies without mercy. 

The thought of facing him head-on while trying to kill Jane sent a chill down my spine. But I knew that defying this woman was not an option, and so I reluctantly nodded.

"As you wish, my lady. I will do whatever it takes to fulfill your command."

She smiled at the thought of that before looking around.

"Some of my men told me that the so called assassin you brought up to handle this business for you was none other than that silly boyfriend of yours," she said which had my heart beating faster. 

"How did you…"

"…know?" She completed without looking at me. "Trust me girl. I know everything that happens around here. Your silly boyfriend had one job. Make sure she's dead. What does he do? He tells half his force who hide mediocre people to do this job. If you've sent him again on this job I want you to follow him and personally pick people who would complete the job just in case you and I fail."

"But if we fail again, I doubt we will have any chance at beating her again."

"Oh please," laughed the woman. "Don't be silly. It's Jane. How hard can it be to kill one blind woman?"

"Um, pretty hard," I said as she got to her feet and started for the door. 

"On second thought, handle the training and I'll handle Jane from the palace," she finalized.