The King's Assassin

by M.M. Brownlow

When the time finally arrived, Aislynn found that she was actually a little nervous. All of the young ladies of the court had been publicly discussing this event for a number of weeks. It had likely been much longer in private, she knew.

  Eryk was nervous too, and Aislynn felt oddly comforted by that fact. She could feel his anxiety as he took his place in the ballroom and awaited the announcement of the first of the ladies. As far as he was concerned, the sooner this started, the sooner it was all over. She couldn’t agree more, though she’d never admit it to Marja, who was really looking forward to the Ball.

  The ladies arrived in chattering groups of twos and threes, all prepared to try to make an impression on the prince that they hoped would choose them for his bride. Their fathers and brothers accompanied them, and the men were all equally eager for the women in their family to impress Eryk.

  There were about a dozen noble ladies attending, so the herald took awhile to announce everyone. Aislynn was the last, having the highest rank, with “the Lady Marja, of Evendell” preceding her and looking fabulous in her emerald green gown.

  “Her Royal Highness, the Princess Aislynn of Evendell,” the herald finally announced.

  Every eye was on her as she entered the room, her identity formally revealed. People had been seeing her around court and city these past few days, but nobody had ever inquired about her identity within her hearing. It was rather fun to watch the ladies absorb the information, realizing that she was that extra step above them, royalty as opposed to nobility. She actually felt a bit sorry for them, understanding how nervous it must make them, thinking that they had to compete against her. She knew they had nothing to worry about, but they didn't.

  The music started, the Ball beginning, as she moved into the room. She wanted to explore the area before she did anything else, so she and Cheta cut through the crowd, which parted easily, with everyone taking a step back from the “dangerous” animal keeping her company. Aislynn smiled to herself, finding their reactions funny. Everyone at home was used to the eesprid, but despite the fact that Cheta had done nothing to anyone or anything since her arrival, the people here remained nervous.

  As she circled the room, she nodded to the guards she recognized, noting their positions. Aislynn also took note of the exits, doors and large windows, just in case a hasty departure was required. There were no balconies in this room, which was excellent because it reduced the number of places to hide. She knew that Byron had checked the room thoroughly before allowing anyone in, so it should be safe. Finally, she approached Tarren on the small dais.

  “Everything looks good, your Majesty. I can’t think of any way to make this event any safer than it is.”

  “Well, that’s good to know,” he responded, distracted by the spectacle below. He was watching Eryk dance and chat with one of the ladies. Aislynn couldn't remember her name, but she was talking continuously while she danced, and she was dancing badly, constantly tripping over her own feet and causing Eryk to stumble. Aislynn was sure that she wouldn't be getting a second dance. Many of the other girls were also dancing, but they all watched Eryk and his partner, envious. Aislynn chuckled.

  “So is Eryk expected to choose one of these ladies tonight?” she asked with genuine curiosity. This custom intrigued her. Arranged marriages were still the tradition in Evendell. She was exempted from the custom because of her profession, but her older sister had gone to an arranged marriage in order to cement a treaty agreement.

  “Not exactly, no,” Collin replied as he came up on to the dais to take his position beside the throne. “The ladies here tonight are declaring themselves as eligible, and in an ideal world, Eryk would choose one immediately. We all know that Eryk will do no such thing, however. So the intention is to introduce everyone and have Eryk make a decision by Midsummer.”

  Aislynn knew very well that Eryk was not happy with all of this. He hadn't said anything directly during their conversations, but he hadn't needed to. She guessed that if he had his way, he’d be making the choice on Midsummer’s Day, having held out as long as possible. That would be just less than three weeks away.

  Leaving Cheta on the dais, Aislynn moved down on to the dance floor just as the music was ending. She walked up to Eryk, cutting smoothly in front of the lady who had been about to approach him for a dance.

  “Looks like you could use a partner who’s not as likely to step on your feet,” Aislynn said with a smile. “Need a bit of a break?”

  Eryk smiled back, and took her hand.

  “Thank you,” he said. “That last one was rather painful, in more ways than one. She nattered on about the weather, of all things, for the entire dance! It’s not a very promising start to the evening, that’s for sure. ”

  Eryk was glad that he was able to dance so closely with Aislynn. She was light on her feet and followed his lead without difficulty. Being so close meant that he finally got to hold her in his arms, and it also prevented him from making embarrassing mistakes like looking anywhere but her face. They danced for the rest of the piece, and then Aislynn spun away to leave him to his next partner.

  She found herself face to face with Branden, and he did not appear particularly happy to see her. Taking her hand, he spun her out on to the dance floor once more.

  “What, exactly, are your intentions here?” he asked her, his face serious, as he led her expertly through the steps of the dance.

  “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  The line of questioning confused Aislynn. She was certain that everyone had a good idea of what her intentions should be.

  “You don’t seem to be any more eager to marry than Eryk does, so what are you doing here? Do you intend to try to win him for yourself?”

  She opted for the mostly truthful response. “I was sent here by my father. It is customary to do that, after all. Eryk’s decision is his alone, and I really don’t have a lot to say about the matter.”

  “I know that he likes you,” Branden said, grimacing as he admitted that truth. “He basically said as much this morning. He wants me to spend time with you, to get to know you. He’s been spending a lot of time with you too, these past few days.”

  “Does that worry you? I know that you are his best friend–”

  “I’m more than that,” he interrupted. “I will be his chief advisor when he takes the throne. And before you, everything seemed to be wrapped up neat and tidy.”

  “Really? Well I’m so sorry to have put a kink in your ‘neat and tidy’ plans.” Aislynn was starting to get angry now. Branden’s tone was taking on an edge that was nearly threatening, and she didn't appreciate that at all.

  “I want you to leave. I want you to go back home to Evendell, and never return.”

  “Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but that isn't going to happen. Regardless of the outcome of this Ball, you’re going to have to get used to having me around.”

  As the music ended, Branden spun her one last time.

  “We'll see about that,” he promised. “Eryk will be marrying Alexius, and when I’m his advisor, I'll make sure that you are gone.” He spun her away and stalked off into the crowd.

  Disconcerted by the conversation, Aislynn moved over to the side of the room to think. She certainly didn't like being threatened, but there wasn’t a lot to do about it right now, so she decided to try and not to let it bother her. The idea that Eryk liked her and considered her a likely candidate for marriage did concern her and that concern was considerably more immediate. She moved back into the crowd, surveying the area as she walked around, and tried not think about what life would be like with a man who still thought the world revolved around him.

  The pattern she had set repeated itself over and over as the night wore on. She’d spend time moving around in the crowd of people, looking here and there and keeping alert for anything or anyone suspicious. Whenever she would feel Eryk’s anxiety building, she would dance with him f
or the next dance and then spin off into the crowd. Every time she did that, she’d find Branden glaring at her from somewhere in the room. She wasn’t sure why she kept dancing with the prince, but something about easing Eryk’s discomfort made it worthwhile to deal with Branden’s threatening attitude.

  During their last dance, something caught Eryk’s eye. She had her right hand on his shoulder and he clasped her left hand in his as they danced. He was staring at her wrist.

  “When did you have this done?” he asked, indicating her eagle-shaped birthmark.

  “Oh, I've had that forever,” she replied, trying to play it down.

  He looked puzzled, as if trying to figure something out, but left the topic and moved on to something else. “So are you having any fun?” he asked.

  Aislynn smiled. “Is that what you call this? Fun? I guess it’s not so bad, but Branden really doesn't like me. He’s spent all night glaring at me, except when he was threatening me.”

  “Excuse me? He did what? Branden wouldn't do that.”

  “Oh no? He’s bent and determined that you’re going to marry his sister, and seems to think that I’m a threat to that little plan.”

  Eryk had no idea how to respond to her accusations. He figured that it was possible, even likely, that Branden felt very strongly about Alexius, but Aislynn’s description of his behavior was so unlike him. Besides, Eryk knew that he had no desire to indicate his interest in Aislynn quite yet, so instead of answering her, he just kept silent.

  Finally, the evening was over and the guests were leaving. Aside from Aislynn, Eryk had spent the most time with Alexius, which seemed to please everyone except the other ladies in attendance. She seemed to be the clear winner to Aislynn, but Alexius didn't seem to see it that way, glaring at the princess as she stalked out of the room at the end of the night.

  Aislynn sighed. Some people just didn't like her, and Alexius had that particular emotion in spades, it seemed. Maybe she got the idea to hate Aislynn from her brother, or perhaps Alexius’ hatred had rubbed off on Branden instead. Either way, it was apparent that she should avoid the whole family for the near future. Aislynn said goodnight to Eryk and Byron and retired to her rooms.