To Kill A King
Tags: First Story, First Post, Fiction Writing, Short Story, Fantasy

To Kill A King

The sun rose gently over the horizon of Duskrun. Its warm rays shone kindly into the valley below. The gleaming beams danced over the tree-covered mountains and slow-moving rivers, creating an angelic light that bathed the town.

“ALEX! I swear to God if you touch me again I’m going to stab you,” Jadyn bellowed before flicking her blade open. Alex rolled his eyes.

“Why would I even WANT to touch you, toad.” Alex spat, venom oozing from his words. Jadyn’s jaw dropped at this; she was NOT a toad. She spun on her heel and stalked off, her boots clicking against the hardwood floor of the tavern. Alex watched her as she walked away. She was definitely not a toad. She was small, 5 '2, and not even eight stone, but she was tough. She could take anyone in a fight and gladly would. She keeps a six-inch pop blade in her boots and she’s never afraid to use it. Alex had a pop blade. It was 5 inches with an oak handle, but he’d never used it. He hated fighting with a weapon. He used Magik as often as he could without getting caught. The King had banned any Magik use once he came to power. Everyone says it’s because the King himself can’t even summon a bloon (the first thing any child learns to summon, they’re similar to goblins). Alex despised Jadyn, but she was a good partner.

“Next time you even think about touching me, I’ll cut every finger off one-by-one. Got it?” Alex had wandered outside to see Jadyn crouched on the ground next to one of the town bards. She was close enough to kiss him but had her pop blade against his throat. Alex thought about pulling her off, but that knife would definitely end up somewhere it definitely did not belong. Jadyn stood, dusting the dirt and debris off her skirts.

“Well,” she stated before taking a deep breath, “I need a drink.” With that, she turned and sauntered towards the tavern doors.

“Jadyn!” Alex called after her. She stopped for a moment, before sighing and turning around.

“What?” she barked. She was clearly very ready for that drink. Alex opened his mouth to tell her that it was one in the afternoon but changed his mind. That would only provoke her more. He smiled before running straight through the door someone opened.

“You’re buyin’ then,” he shouted. Jadyn shook her head and chased after him, nearly tripping on her skirts. She flung herself on a barstool to keep upright before climbing atop of it.

“I hate these damn things.” She gestured towards her outfit.

“Why wear ‘em then?” Alex wasn’t being a smartass when he asked. She looked much better in pants than a frilly dress. He’d never admit he thought that though. He didn’t like Jadyn or anything but she is a female, and Alex has a very high appreciation for the female form when dressed in tight fitted pants. The bartender slammed their drinks on the bar, snapping Alex from his wishful thoughts.

“So,” the barkeep drawled, cutting off Jadyn’s answer, “Ya’ll’s hear bout that bounty?” Jadyn looked at Alex before shaking her head.

“There’s a bounty set-” He paused to look around and lowered his voice. “On the King.” He barely whispered that last sentence. He spoke as though the world would crash around them at any second. Alex’s eyes widened and he turned slowly towards Jadyn. She raised her eyebrows slightly, asking if he wanted to take it. Alex smirked. He took the bounty from the barman and tucked it in his pocket.

“Well,” Jadyn threw back her drink, “let’s get on with it then.” She jumped off her stool and left the tavern, leaving Alex scrambling to pay and hurry after her. She might be small but damn she moves fast.

Around an hour later they were both ready to leave, Alex packed the food for both of them because Jadyn couldn’t be trusted to remember enough for herself. He only got stuff for her because she’s a raging… you know, when she’s hungry. On the bright side, she had pants on now.

“Jadyn!” Alex called out.

“Yes?” She rolled her eyes, she was existentially annoyed as she described it.

“Do you have any room in your bag?”

“For?” She was so snappy today. He thought about telling her but it was about to be a very long ride and Alex wanted to at least pretend it was going to be pleasant.

“Ropes.” Jadyn stuck her hand out and Alex dropped the bundle in her hands, snickering because her hands were too small to hold them properly in one palm as Alex had done. Jadyn shot him a look, but secretly she thought he was adorable. She still hated him, but he is a male and she has an appreciation for the male species. That’s all.

“Can we leave now?” Jadyn’s horse stomped impatiently as though he agreed. Alex did a quick check of his saddle before mounting his own steed and gesturing for Jadyn to follow.

"Words are a thing we use Alex!" Jadyn called out, but he was already quite a ways in front and ignored her. Alex didn't like Jadyn. She was just a good partner to have. That's all. This spots fine," Jadyn said quietly. She’d been almost silent the entire ride, which took about seven hours. She dismounted quickly and dealt with her horse before wandering off towards the river. She wanted time to think, well, more time. She’d just been thinking that entire journey but she couldn’t focus on her thoughts. She wanted Alex to notice, but it’s not like she cared. He was just a partner for a bounty. That’s all.

"Hey! Watch where you're walking!" Jadyn froze, she'd been so absorbed in her thoughts she'd forgotten to pay attention to where she was going. She looked down slowly to see where the voice had come from.

"Are you gonna apologize or…. cause you stepped on my tail lady." The voice came from a small lizard gentleman who was staring at her intently.

"I- uh, sorry," she stuttered, bewildered by the talking iguana.

"I should probably introduce myself. My name’s Silas." The lizard extended his scaly arm for her to shake.

"Jadyn," she said quietly.

"Well, Miss Jadyn, whatcha doin all the way out here?" the lizard questioned.

"Uh... we're going to Rackburn."

"Well, why in the world would you wanna go there? That’s where that God-awful King is ain’t it?" God this guy has a lotta questions.

"Because, Silas, there's a bounty and I'm a bounty hunter." Jadyn turned to leave.

"Waitwaitwait!" This iguana was little but geez was he loud.

"I think I can assist you, Miss Jadyn." She paused to think about this. What would Alex think if she wandered back with the first creature she found claiming to help. She shrugged. It’s not like she cared what Alex thought, and looked at Silas.

"I guess we'll find out, and if you screw me over-" she paused for effect.

"I hear iguana is lovely when roasted." Silas's eyes widened before he nodded. He wanted to help, he knew this land better than anyone else. And bounty hunters always have good food.

"Alex!" Jadyn yelled, causing him to jump and spill his drink.

“I found a friend.”

“What?” Silas wandered in front of Alex and stuck out his.. hand? Arm? To shake.

“I’m Silas, Miss Jadyn’s friend.” Alex’s eyes widened as he was staring into the face of a tiny, talking lizard.

“Close your mouth. You’ll catch flies,” Jadyn drawled, still amused at Alex’s bewilderment. Alex responded with something quite rude and Jadyn put her colourful vocabulary to use.

“HELLO!” Everyone jumped. There was a new voice among the three.

“I have innocent ears here.” A small head popped up from the undergrowth, propelled maybe a few inches off the ground by a tiny pair of wings.

“Good golly you humans are easy to scare.” He laughed.

“My name is Mendoshu.” The dragon smiled a strange sort of grin at Jadyn and Alex’s surprise. Silas was too enthralled with the fire to pay the newest acquaintance any mind. Jadyn shook off the shock rather quickly and shook the dragon’s… appendage and introduced herself, Alex and Silas. She told him about the bounty and the King and proceeded to threaten him the same she did with Silas if he thought he could pull one over on her. Mendoshu’s eyes widened and he nodded his head quickly, promising he’s faithful. Jadyn chuckled silently at his expression before yawning deeply.

“We should head’er to bed. It’s late and we a got a long day eh.” Alex stretched and yawned before climbing into the hammock he’d set up between the trees. He set Jadyn’s up, too, not because he liked her or anything, but she was off “making friends” and forgot to set a place to sleep. He knew she would be quite grumpy in the morning if she slept on the ground. She noticed her bed had been set up and she smiled just a little. Maybe Alex wasn’t the absolute worst person to be on this adventure with.

Alex woke first the next morning. He had barely had time to open his eyes before he heard it. Gunfire. There were at least a hundred of them advancing on their little camp. He hadn’t tried to hide but it wasn’t exactly out in the open. They set up at the end of a small ravine. There was only one way out which, come to think of it, might be fatal.

“Jadyn!” Alex whisper-yelled.

“Wake up! We gotta go!” Jadyn recognized the tone of urgency in his voice and shot up immediately.

“What’s going on?” she whispered blearily while rubbing the remains of sleep from her face.

“They found us,” Alex said with a grim look on his face. Her face dropped. A pit formed in her stomach that was immediately replaced by fear. Alex noticed Jadyn was visibly shaking. She seemed oddly worried for someone who constantly looked for fights and took great pleasure bringing bounties in from anywhere.

Holy hell. That’s a lot of soldiers. Jadyn thought. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself and remembered who she was. Jadyn CragsBrande, world renowned bounty hunter and fighter. Alex KohlMaen, one of the highest ranked Magik users and the best partner she’d ever had. Plus Mendoshu and Silas: they had to be good for something. She took another breath and jumped out of her hammock with the grace of a drunken bear. Alex chuckled nervously.

“Get your shit together,” he barked quietly while picking up her weapons and handing them to her. They were quite a sight. Jadyn and Alex stood at the edge of their little camp. She had a Darke pistol in her hand, and a sword on her back. Alex was happy with Magik and his bow. He took a deep breath and looked at her.

“Ready?” Jadyn cocked her gun.

“Ready.” She took a deep breath and set her sights on the oncoming mass of the King’s soldiers. She smiled with sadistic pleasure and any remnants of fear evaporated. She glanced at Alex, attempting to get a read on his face, but he was excellent at masking his emotions. C’mon Jadyn. Focus! Distractions could be fatal, she didn’t have time for mistakes. She raised her pistol and set her sight on the first soldier. In- she squeezed the trigger. Out. Perfect shot. The soldier dropped, his face twisting in confusion and agony as his final breath was ripped from his lungs. The others paid little attention, they were mindless drones set on a single target.

Alex watched in awe as Jadyn mercilessly murdered the Kings army. He’d seen her do it a thousand times before, killing that is, but today was different. She seemed… attractive? It must be the endorphins talking, Jadyn was just a partner. That’s all.

“You just gonna stand there or…” Alex looked down to see Mendoshu and Silas at his feet. “Cause Miss Jadyn’s doin all the work for you.” Silas’s voice startled him slightly before he snapped back.

“No.” he stated lamely. The two creatures gave him a look he did not appreciate. Alex glared back before drawing his bow and taking aim.

“It’s not like you two are very helpful.” Alex said quietly before letting an arrow fly into the mass of soldiers. Silas and Mendoshu huffed and gave him a very offended look.

“Just you wait Mr Alex.” Silas said before spinning on his lizard feet and scurrying away, followed closely by Mendoshu. Alex rolled his eyes, he didn’t much care for those creatures. He drew his bow and centered his focus. Just keep shooting. He thought to himself. Just keep shooting.

Jadyn and Alex had killed as many as they could at long range, but the army was too close now. Jadyn drew her sword and set her jaw. Now things get bloody.

She was an animal in combat, her razor-sharp sword slicing through the air with perfect precision. The bodies were dropping like flies, all of them covered in inky-black blood leaking from gaping slits in their flesh.

“Miss Jadyn! Watch it!” Silas called. A soldier had managed to get behind her and she was seconds away from death. Jadyn spun on her heel and brought her sword down hard. She blocked the sword of the soldier and the metal clang was heard for miles. She gritted her teeth and pushed just a little harder and caused him to lose balance. His eyes widened in fear of his imminent peril. She smiled at his terror before plunging her blade through his neck, separating his head from his shoulders. Blood poured from his ragged stump of a neck and smelt of rank sewer water. Jadyn scrunched her nose in disgust. Silas gave her a terrified thumbs up from behind a tree and Mendoshu was vomiting a mix of last night’s dinner and flames. Jadyn laughed lightly, as though she hadn’t just murdered dozens of soldiers, and scanned the surrounding area for stragglers. The field was littered with bodies, the once glorious army was reduced to a pathetic pile of lifeless corpses. The few that survived had retreated like the bumbling cowards they were.

“Alex!” Jadyn called out, her exhaustion hiding in her words. “We did it!” She began to panic slightly as his lack of response. He was sitting on a rock with his back towards her. She walked over carefully, and placed her hand on his shoulder. He turned his head and she let out a terrified squeak. There was a massive gash on his chest and he was bleeding heavily. Her eyes were full of panic as she watched the blood pour. God there’s so much. Can people bleed this much? Why is there so much? Blood never bothered her before but seeing this much pouring from his flesh was worrying. She wasn’t a doctor and the nearest one wasn’t for miles and there’s no way Alex could last that long. Breathe. You can’t help Alex if you panic and faint. She took a deep breath and realized how pale he was. His breathing was ragged and his eyes were closed. Jadyn was the only thing holding him up.

“Guys!” Jadyn called out, the exhaustion was replaced with sheer panic. Silas and Mendoshu popped their heads up and saw the fear in her eyes. They scurried over to where they were sitting.

"We need to lay him down." Jadyn’s voice was wavering slightly but her face was set with determination.

“Silas, go get water from the creek and put it on the fire that Mendoshu is going to start. Mendoshu, start the fire. Both of you have WyldeAide, yes?” The two creatures nodded. “Thank Gods.” Jadyn breathed a light sigh of relief. Her work was far from done, but at least there was hope. As gently as possible laid Alex down so he was flat on his back, she used her pop-blade to cut the remains of his shirt away and used the water Silas brough and sterilized to wash off the blood. Once his skin was clean she could see the gash more clearly, it was made by a clean-edged sword and there’s no infection forming so it wasn’t poisoned.

“Alright, that’s where my first aid knowledge ends guys.” She motioned for Silas and Mendoshu to come over and use their WyldeAide to help Alex. God I hope he’s okay. Jadyn wrung her hands together in anticipation.

“He’ll be fine.” The moment those words left Mendoshu’s.. Mouth? Snout? Anyways, once he spoke a massive weight lifted off Jadyn’s shoulders and she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Silas smiled at this, no matter how much those two claim to dislike each other, they obviously really care for one another.

“Miss Jadyn you should get some sleep, Alex won’t be up for a while. Mendoshu set up your tent.” Silas gave her a blanket and a kind look and sent her on her way. Jadyn smiled and wandered inside the sheepskin tent to see Alex asleep on his bedroll. She took a deep breath and lay on her own bed and covered her frame with the blanket, the moment she closed her eyes she was asleep.

My entire body is on fire. White-hot tendrils of flaming agony raced through his veins and danced heavily on his skin. It felt like someone was sitting on his chest and hammering a nail into his skull. The thought of opening his eyes made him sick to his stomach, all he could hear was the pounding in his head. His limbs felt as though they were made of lead and he seemed to be sinking into the ground beneath him. There was an excruciating pain on his chest that spread its torturous fingers and dug deep into his flesh, pulling apart his ribs and squeezing his heart.

“Silas! Get in here.” Jadyn barked, using her irritated tone to mask her fear.

“He’s going to be fine Miss Jadyn just wait.”

“Wait?! He’s twitching on the bed like a lunatic and barely even breathing.” Silas sighed heavily and gave her a look.

“He’s going to be fine. Have some patience Miss Jadyn.” Silas said before sassily leaving the tent. Jadyn took a deep breath.

“Y’know.. I’m sorry Alex. I shoulda said no to the bounty, we don’t need it.” She dropped her head and lowered her voice. “Please I love-” Her voice cracked and she felt a single tear betray her tough facade.”Just be okay.” She sat down beside him and took his hand in hers and leaned her head against the wall, allowing sleep to overtake her mind once more.

When the soft light of dawn arose from the mountain tops and sent her gleaming rays down to greet the ragtag bunch, Alex had finally woken. But Jadyn was sound asleep on his shoulder and looked so peaceful, and Alex was terrified of her in the morning so he didn’t dare to move. Jadyn was still holding onto him and he thought it was adorable, her tiny hands wrapped around his much bigger one. She’s so- his thoughts were cut off by Mendoshu sauntering in, loudly telling them breakfast was ready. Jadyn opened her eyes blearily and stretched up slowly, stopping when she realized her hands were still holding his. She blushed and looked up at him, since when is he so tall?

“I- uhm..” She stuttered and trailed off. For once, Jadyn was speechless. She looked down at her hands but made no moves to untangle herself from him. Alex fought back a smile at her awkwardness, he’d known Jadyn for years, and he’d never seen her act like this. He squeezed her hand and she took a deep breath.

“You okay?” she looked down.

“Yeah... I think so.” Alex spoke so quietly she almost didn’t hear the next part. “I love you too Jadyn.” He lifted her chin so her deep, cerulean eyes could meet his hazel ones. She smiled gently at him and squeezed his hand. She kissed him lightly, her soft lips brushed delicately against his chapped ones.

“C’mon, Mendoshu and Silas made breakfast.” Jadyn left the tent, leaving him to follow. Alex groaned with effort and prepared for pain but none came, all that was left was a puffy, red scar crossing over his chest. He wandered out of the tent and his stomach growled, loudly.

“Odin on a dinner plate I am starved!” Alex exclaimed, Mendoshu popped over with a plate full of food and a coffee mug.

“Well no wonder, you haven’t eaten any real food in four days! We got Jadyn to feed you some broth but I’d hardly call it a meal.” he chuckled.

“Four days?” Alex looked confused.

“Yeah but don't worry, we had lots of food and Mendoshu and Silas know how to find plants and I shot a deer yesterday and the river over there is clean.” Jadyn was starting to ramble. Alex bit back another grin, whatever happened in those four days had changed her. She’s not as stoic and annoyed as she always was, she seemed happier and less reserved. What on Earth did Silas and Mendoshu do to her? Alex was broken from his thoughts when he heard Jadyn scream.

“SILAS! What have I told you about touching my food?” Ah, there she is. Alex chucked, and after getting a look from Jadyn, buried his head in his food for the remains of breakfast to avoid eye contact.

“Mendoshu, Silas, will you two please take care of the camp? I need to talk to Alex.” Jadyn spoke in a hushed tone and kept her head low, she was blushing like mad and wasn’t about to let anyone see that. The two creatures exchanged an excited glance before agreeing, they’d seen the tension between these two from the moment they met. Maybe they’ll finally put their ego’s aside and admit their feelings. Jadyn nodded her thanks and wandered off to find Alex.

“Hey.” She found him sitting in the grass next to the river. “Can we…” She trailed off. She was terrible with feelings. She’d never had a “real” boyfriend or anything like that, she’d had a few flings here and there but who has time for that? Alex seemed to know exactly what she was going to say and nodded before gesturing that she sat beside him.

“So..” Alex started before trailing off, he wasn’t good at this either. Jadyn smiled a little bit, she enjoyed knowing he was just as awkward as she was. Jadyn cleared her throat.

“Do you wanna pursue the rest of the bounty?” She questioned.

“Yeah, I’d love to kill that bastard King.” Jadyn smiled, she’d said they didn’t need to before and she didn’t even know if he’d heard that, but she was happy he wanted to.

“Y’know… we still need to talk about it.” She said quietly, as though she wished the words didn’t have to leave her lips.

“Talk how?” Alex dropped his head. “Jadyn… I love you and-” He stopped for a moment. “And I wanna be with you or whatever.” Alex was blushing madly, and Jadyn was feeling claustrophobic from the tension surrounding them. She laughed off the awkwardness and gingerly leaned into him, taking care not to be too rough. He wrapped his arms around her. Jeez, she's tiny. He kissed the top of her head and settled back against the tree.

“You ready to kill a king?” She asked.

“Tomorrow.” He said, smiling contently.

Tomorrow came much faster than the two wanted, but nonetheless they got themselves packed and ready for their journey. Ready to slaughter an army, and execute the king.

“SILAS! MENDOSHU!” The two snapped their heads up at Jadyn’s screaming. “Time to go.” she chirped happily before loading her stuff on her horse. Silas and Mendoshu had puzzled looks on their faces.

“How do you deal with that?” They asked Alex quietly. He laughed and shrugged before trailing after Jadyn.

“Silas is going with you.” Jadyn rolled her eyes dramatically before dumping Silas into an empty saddle bag.

“EXCUSE ME!” Silas complained loudly.

“You’re fine.” Jadyn swung up onto her horse and set off for the next part of the journey.

“Ready?”

“I guess so. Let’s go Mendoshu.” The little dragon flew up from the ground and landed himself comfortably in Alex’s bag. Jadyn urged her horse forward.

“Let’s go.”

This half of the trek was much more pleasant than before, Jadyn wasn’t a chatterbox or anything but she was more talkative and less… terrifying? Alex wasn’t that scared of her but she could definitely be a little too prickly for his liking.

“Are we there yet?” Mendoshu whined.

“Actually, yes.” Jadyn said, her tone laced with exhaustion.

“What?” Silas said, popping up from the saddle bag. The horse’s movement made him sick, so he spent the journey curled inside Jadyn’s saddle bag feeling sorry for himself.

“Yeah, we’re here. The castle is right up ahead.”

“So what’s the plan?”

“Soon as the sun sets we attack. We have ‘bout an hour before then.” Alex said, dismounting his horse. Jadyn nodded before doing the same, lifting Silas from the bag and setting him on the ground.

“Oh! How I missed solid ground!” He cried.

“Anyone ever ya you’re a drama queen Silas?” Jadyn drawled. The lizard scowled at her before wandering over to see Mendoshu.

“Let’s get this camp set. We really don’t got much time.” ALex said grimly. She nodded again, tied up her horse, and started setting up.

“Whew. Just in time eh?” Alex said.They’d finished setting up camp as the sky began to turn beautiful shades of pinks and reds, it looked as though the gods had set the heavens alight.

Jadyn stood for a moment to admire it’s wondrous beauty and Alex couldn’t help but notice how perfect she was. The sun caught her cerulean eyes and he could get lost in those gorgeous pools of blue. He really did love her, he has for a long time. But Jadyn never seemed like the type to settle for anyone, she deserved the world, and Alex wasn’t sure he could give it to her.

“Alex. Hellooooo.” Jadyn laughed, breaking him from his thoughts. “Get your shit dude, it’s time.” She was quite casual with her tone but Alex could hear the notes of fear buried beneath her relaxed drawl.

“Alright. Everybody ready?” Jadyn asked. Silas, Mendoshu, and Alex all nodded. Everyone was armed to the teeth with everything they had, they weren’t taking any chances.

They moved quickly and quietly, taking out the first two guards at the back gates. Their bodies dropped with unceremonious thuds but no alarms were raised. So far so good. Jadyn thought.

“Alex, go around that way. We need to split up or they’ll find us.” He nodded at Jadyn’s orders and they split, silent under the blanket of night.

Jadyn walked slowly and purposefully, every step was planned and deliberate. She came across two more guards at the side of the castle and didn’t stop to think before they were both dead, black blood pouring from the holes in their heads. Her Darke pistol had an amazing silencer thanks to Alex.

Once all the guards outside the castle had been killed, it was time to move it. They were all terrified, but they were ready. There was a beautiful price tag attached to the kings head, although they didn’t need it, holy would it ever help.

“Ready?” Jadyn whispered, her voice strong and even. Everyone nodded and Alex opened the door. It was about to get messy.

The floor was covered with bodies, lifeless corpses of those with nowhere else to go. No one with a family could be here. This place is void of all love, and happiness. It boils your blood then turns it black, it takes young men with a longing for purpose, and turns them into rage-filled monsters with one track minds. Jadyn recognized some of the faces from grade school, from a simpler time full of home cooked meals and days spent beneath the sun. A time before they worried about life, and what you must do to survive. No one truly wants to be here, all of these soldiers were created out of necessity, out of the promise of food in their bellies and a bed to sleep in.

“Jadyn!” Watch-” Silas’s scream was cut off by the stomach-churning squelch, crunch, and thud of Jadyn’s sword traveling smoothly through the oncoming soldier's neck. His inky black blood covered the pristine, white floors. Forever staining it with the life of man with a name no one knew.

“Okay.” Jadyn breathed. “I think that’s all of them.” Alex nodded.

“Ready to find the King?” Jadyn smiled.

“Born ready.” She said sarcastically, before wandering to the stairs. She motioned for everyone to follow her as she slunk quietly up the staircase.

They got to the top floor and found the door to the kings room rather quickly. There were two guards at the door, one on the wall, and two more just past the staircase. Five guards total. We can do this. We can totally do this. Right? Everyone’s thoughts mimicked each other, they were all terrified. If they screwed up now, it was over.

“Ready?” Alex whispered. Once again everyone nodded. They moved fast and silent, the only noise was the sound of the bodies falling. Jadyn’s sword slid effortlessly through the air, demolishing anyone it’s path. The kings’s door stayed closed, he hadn’t woken. Thank the gods. Jadyn thought.

“Hey Alex, you can take this one.” Jadyn said quietly. She’d killed lots, she didn’t need this one. He gave her a look.

“Come with me.” He said, like they weren’t about to go decapitate their king. Jadyn bit back a smile, when he spoke she got butterflies in her stomach and her head felt fuzzy for a moment. Jesus Jadyn snap out of it!! She’d fallen pretty hard for him, and he for her.

“Let’s go.” She said quietly, opening the heavy oak door to the kings room. The both took a deep breath to slow their racing hearts and steady their minds, it was important they got this right. Or they were both going to die. Alex went in first, killing the guard that stood by the kings bed. He used a simple spell to end the guards life, he didn’t deserve their time. And Alex wanted to save his energy for the king.

The guard died silently and the king stayed fast asleep. He was a thin, horrible man. His hair was receding and he had ugly scars all across his hollow face. Alex woke him using a strangulation curse, not letting it kill him though, just cut the oxygen long enough to make his brain hurt and panic.

He woke up gasping for air and Jadyn briefly contemplated psychologically torturing him, but that would take far too long for the result she wanted.

“Wha- what’s going-” Alex cut him off.

“Shut up.” He barked, he had zero regard for this man. He was worthless to him, ALex wanted nothing more than to squish him like dirt beneath his boot. But Jadyn likes to have fun with their assignments, she likes to play with them. Alex cut the man’s oxygen again, his face stoic and expressionless and he twisted his hands, nearly killing the king. Nearly. He stopped just in time to leave him gasping for air and clutching at the invisible hands on his throat. Alex could have killed him ten times over by now, but he was going to let her have her fun. He nodded at her, he’d done all he wanted to. It was her turn.

“Well, well, well. Look what we have.” Jadyn crooned. The king had a terrified expression on his ugly face.

“I- I don’t know wha- what you want but you can have anything. Anything!” He cried. Jadyn smirked.

“Begging for your life? How cute, and pathetic.” She spat. Alex knew no matter what the King promised or how much he begged, Jadyn had her mind set. He was going to die. She pulled her knife from her boot and ran it gently beneath his chin, the blade pressing into his flesh just hard enough to draw blood. The king’s blood was red.

“Wow. So not only are you a pathetic whiner. You’re a wimpy little bitch.” Jadyn was angry, he’d put his soldiers through absolute hell, it was enough to blacken their blood. But he couldn’t do it. He was too scared. The King’s eyes widened further with fear.

“No, nononono! I’m sorry! Please-” His cries were cut off, Jadyn had enough of listening to him whine. She plunged her knife into his heart and smiled. Blood began to stain his shirt, and then the bed. She could have killed him a hundred different ways that would’ve been instant and relatively painless, but this lousy excuse of a King deserved to feel the excruciating fear of knowing the end was imminent. His pleas were halted as he began to choke on the blood that poured over his lips, gargling on the promise of death.

“Why.” He breathed, chest heaving with effort.

“Because.” Jadyn smiled as the life drained from his face. “You were just another job.” She twisted her knife that was still buried in his chest, hoping his last few moments were terrifying and painful. He flinched once more before his body went limp. Jadyn pulled the knife out with a satisfying squelch and turned back towards Alex. He was almost impressed with what he just witnessed in a very strange sort of way.

“Well. We’re done here.” Jadyn said, wiping the kings blood on his sheets. Alex nodded.

“What do we bring to show he’s dead?” Alex asked. Jadyn shook her head.

“The news will be out in the morning, by the time we get back we can collect. But we gotta go. It’s almost dawn.” He nodded.

“Where’re Mendoshu and Silas?” He asked.

“Probably hiding. They get queasy.” Jadyn chuckled. Alex smiled and took her hand in his and they left the castle.

They made it back to their camp just before dawn, in time to sleep the day through before heading home. Silas and Mendoshu were back at the camp like Jadyn had predicted, they’d even made food for them.

“Ah! Don’t touch Miss Jadyn!” Silas exclaimed when she reached for some bacon.

“Here. Go clean up and you can have some. Both of yous.” Mendoshu said, handing them both clean clothes and soap. The soft light highlighted the amount of blood and dirt on the both of them, they really did need a bath.

Once they got to the river Alex stopped and grabbed Jadyn’s hand.

“What?”

“Jadyn-” He started, his voice low. “I don’t know if this like means anything to you but I really like you and I y’know wanna be with you and whatever and I wanna be with you for a long time and-” She cut him off.

“Alex, I’d love to be with you.” She smiled and kissed him. He was slightly taken aback by this, but quickly began to kiss her. The feeling of her soft lips against his was something comparable to heaven. He ran his hands through her hair and down her back, letting them rest on her waist. She let her head rest against his chest as his arms wrapped around her. Jadyn just stood and listened to his heartbeat, and for a moment they forgot about everyone and everything. They stood in complete tranquility and silence, utterly enthralled with one another.