Chapter 18 Louis

There were a lot of unknowns in robbery and theft, more so if you're a ghost thief like me. The demon of Bagatelle showing up from nowhere after being arrested for two weeks, large unknown.

What a freaky nightmare, more so after stabbing my leg with a butter knife to find this wasn't a dream. The situation remains unchanged, and now my leg hurts. Bad day this turned out to be.

The only slight glimmer of light is that I wasn't in the room when Xavier walked in, so I slunk down into a seat where I could hear but hopefully not be spotted. I could see Harmony and Xavier holding hands at the table. I forced myself to ignore it so I could follow what they were saying.

"Well, I've been just fine Sir Xavier, what brings you out to this lovely town?" Harmony did well to keep her voice from cracking.

"Oh, just some kidnapped princess, nothing major like a member of royalty disappearing into the wide world." I got as small as I could in response to Xavier's words.

"I see, well than you must be busy so I'll just pay my bill and-" She attempted to stand, but the ashen armored figure just kept his hand in place.

"Sit, ill cover it. So, Miss thief you wouldn't happen to know where I could find one princess Harmony."

"She left, took a trip back home, I don't know who that is." Nice one princess! The disguise magic should let you pull off a mistaken identity scam.

"Not a very good magical disguise, my Lady, after all nothing would cover up your beautiful hair" Not only did he see through the magic, but Harmony blushed at the off handed comment. This man is more dangerous than I thought.

"Its not like that, how did you find me anyways?" Giving up the pretense she asked what was bothering her.

"A tracking tag when I caught you at the museum. They want the stone back by the way."

"Sold it already. Its how I'm financing my travel." I saw the man raise an eyebrow.

"You actually know how to use money now; my princess I didn't think you could ever learn."

"I always knew how." Snaped the royal. "It's just that I didn't really understand its value since I've always had it"

"I'm proud our you princess, now let us return." What a condescending attitude she wasn't five you know.

"I can't go back; I still have things to steal!" This tack was not likely going to work, but hey lets just see how things pan out.

"I knew he was mind controlling, you what did he make you do. A back rub? Matching items, he made you brush his hair?"

"What?" Yes what? I didn't make her do anything. What does this guy think I'm doing to her? In fact she's the one working me like a dog, having her teach her all my tricks and tactics.

"No, he didn't, he made you hold hands, that monster. What would he have done if you got pregnant?"

How does a monster that has left a trail of destruction across the two countries end up having such a pure view of relationships?

"You don't get pregnant by holding hands." Mabey, he spent too much time fighting and that's why he doesn't know this.

"Then it was just like my nightmare, he had you kiss him!" This guy…

"What is wrong with you!?" I want to know as well!

"That's it I'm taking you back right now!" Before I could do anything more, a man at the far table surged inward.

"Wait we still have to remove the magic!" Third prince exclaimed using some magic to prevent himself from face planting.

"Brother?!" Harmony exclaimed in shock.

"I'll take care of that thug; you take care of my sister." There was no room for negotiations anymore, the two males had their hearts set on breaking her and I had no way to help her. Great now I would have two people to break out of prison.

"It's going to be all right my lady just let me." Xavier cut in, slowly reaching forward with his free hand.

"No, wait, I, I it's not like that." Harmony stuttered trying to scoot away from the approaching hand

"Don't worry ill just slam magic into your brain until there's no magic left." Xavier spoke softly and as matter a factly as could be. This guy was a demon, not even giving her the option. What a scary method to break a magic enchantment though.

"No wait I already removed it, a little while ago!" Harmony spat out, causing Xavier to pause in his attempt to slam magic into the princess.

"Then why didn't you come home sister?" The third prince had been completely derailed; never had he considered that his sister would not run home to her brother at first chance.

"Because…Be…" I could see her scrambling in her head "Because I felt bad. I was looking for a way to make up for things." That sounds believable enough I suppose.

"You don't need to worry big brother will take care of everything." He cried a literal arc of tears flying from his eyes as he was so moved by just how kind his sister was.

"But I did so much harm. I stole a stone, and I ran out on my wedding and I just…can't" The pity angle, outstanding move princess. Even that jerk seems to have softened.

"Wy…wy…wyvern. There's a dragon terrorizing one of the mines that's on the boarder. Both countries are suffering I thought if I could just get rid of it." Harmony also had tears in her eyes but was looking far more distraught. I could see the suspicion in her knights face slowly

"Sister, so thoughtful, come Sir Xavier let us go chase this dragon." He turned to leave but a hand shot out trapping the prince

"Whatever you do you need, you know I will do whatever it takes." He let go of the princess than physically dragged the prince away "Wait here."

"Ow, what the hell was that for?" I couldn't overhear what they were say, but it was clear that the knight was calling the shots, going so far to cuff the prince. There were a few moments of heated discussion before the two returned to the table.

"I will go confirm this story, if it is true, we will consider your request. In the meantime, third here will stay with you. Until than return to your inn, ill be watching so don't get any ideas.

Finally letting go of her hand, Xavier stood, bowing to the princess. "Its good to see you well your highness, I'm glad your safe."

I'm screwed, with that girlish face and a blinding smile, who can top that? Not only that, even I can tell the man is jacked. His arms were chiseled racks of muscle. Its hopeless. Doomed, even the princess responded, blushing lightly when he fed her that last line.

"By your leave." Ugh I don't know what to do. I watched her brother pay for her food, before getting up. We had rooms at the same accommodations, but I couldn't just walk up and say 'Hey, I'm the guy who kidnaped your sister.'

I do wish to live. Both men in the area would eviscerate me. As they left an odd look fell on the princess face, I wasn't sure, but it had to have been a look of perverse joy? No, Lady Harmony is not like that in the slightest.

I followed behind them at a great distance, even waiting for them to disappear completely at times. After they entered, I sunk around back, taking the service entrance up to our rooms. Making sure that no one was in the hall, I collapsed on the bed running the conversation over again in my mind.

"We aren't actually going to chase a dragon down, are we?" I mumbled this to the empty room. Who is insane enough to do that? Military squadrons trained for that and took on that responsibly. Even the adventures and commercial specialist spent years preparing and training for the task, and three guys and a wind mage were supposed to take care of the matter?

"Not likely." I wanted to stay with the princess, I had long since fallen for her spunky carefree charm. Mabey I could use this chance to show off. Heroically defeating a dragon was the stuff of romance, right?

"Wow love does make you go insane, I am actually thinking of assaulting a dragon to impress a princess, who is probably head over heels for her knight." I shook my head and shifted on the bed, getting comfortable.

"Wait, this must be a ploy, she just needed an excuse. If I can just help her escape the prince, then we should be clear. If we just remove the tracking tag, there's no reason why we can't just continue. Plus, I can earn points with Harmony!

Making my mind up I moved from the bed and went to knock on the door next to mine.

"Room service sir." I spoke with as thick an accent as I could rapping the door. This way the prince will let his guard down. Nervousness flooded me as I waited for the door to open, yet nothing happened. Confused I listened for voice or movement before I knocked again. When I got no answer I tried the door and it opened.

The prince's body was on the floor, her stuff was gone and all that was left on a small writing desk was a small violet card and a piece of paper.

"Beautiful Music Typhoon Thief! Chase me if you can, better luck next time Xaiver." The first line was type set, the second was written in elegant loopy script. When did the girl have time to make calling cards? The letter however…

After reading the contents I went back and packed my things. I jotted a note down in case by some chance the princess returns.

I had to make it to Bagatelle as quickly as I could.