Fairy Tale Assassin - Chapter 16

Behind the Throne

Chapter 16

“Is he good enough?” Eva asked.

Rosemary sat on the couch next to the guild master. Both women held glasses of wine in their hands. Eva leaned back against the arm of the chair, examining the Queen of Hearts.

“Since he can’t read the ancient texts, he’ll never be an alchemist. He’s barely able to read the current books I gave him,” Rosemary stated after sipping her drink. “And he’s learning quickly. Even your favorite thinks he’s dangerous enough as a fighter to work for the guild now.”

“Doubtful,” Eva scoffed. “Gretel likes powerful noble titles, and she’s convinced he’s a fallen aristocrat. I’ve found no information about such a place called America. He made the story up. He’s nothing like a noble if can’t even read.”

“Nonsense. His use of language and writing show similarity to ours. Otherwise, he would understand nothing I’ve shown him. Covan’s done a good job of hiding this from me. While some of his words make little sense at times so, they might be useful as a cypher in the future.”

Rosemary leaned forward while pondering Covan’s actions.

“Strangely, I sense he carries the thinking of both noble and commoner. A disgraced noble would lie about their origin, just like others who’ve joined the guild. While this place called America may not exist by such a name, there must be a place where such things exist. You’ve seen his weapon design. That is not from a commoner.”

She leaned closer to the guild master, her eyes focused on the woman’s cleavage.

“You told me how surprised you were at his ability to kill Gilbert within a day of the girl’s kidnapping. If he carries even more of such knowledge, he’s worth keeping him close. Those same nobles you claim to hate still come on their hands and knees for special missions. They pay the guild well. They’ve offered you marriage more times than I can count.”

“I guess that’s true,” Eva bitterly nodded.

She looked at the older woman while thinking of ways to refute her words. Memories of the past crept back while she finished the rest of her wine.

“I don’t trust Covan. He’s too assured for his young age. The bastard is always observing everything. I don’t like how he looks at me. It reminds me…well, you know.”

“Yes, yes, you’ve told me many times about men,” Rosemary dismissed her complaint.

“Like me, they enjoy a woman’s looks and her body. Why must you push away talent because of that one time in your youth?”

The guild master’s eyes narrowed with a bitter expression at the question. However, she ignored it.

“I still have the problem with that damn Hunter’s guild. They want Covan dead and his little whore back. They’ll continue to pressure the guild. You know how much of a problem they can be. I say we remove the bastard’s head and get the gold from them for the red-hair bitch.”

Eva sighed at Rosemary’s glare.

“Yes, I know. Tis a fool’s dream. At this point, it would cause too many problems.”

“Not to mention, the loyalty the guild so desperately needs at all times would plummet,” the older lady pointed out. “Eva, I’m disappointed with your lack of thinking. You’ve pushed things too far. For your ego, you’ve publicly arranged a duel that gives the guild nothing. New members routinely die within the first few demanding jobs. You keep making it hard for yourself because of your arrogant pettiness to maintain control when it’s unnecessary. Covan and Ruby are nothing more than a guild member if they make it through. He’ll be under the guild’s control if we use him correctly.”

“My arrogance?” Eva smirked. “That’s rich coming from you, oh Queen of Hearts.”

Rosemary sat down with her unfinished wineglass which she placed on the table next to her. She chuckled before her hand suddenly grabbed Eva by her hair. Forcing the woman’s face toward her, the older woman smirked while she slapped Eva on the cheek. The guild master’s eyes widened as her expression lit up.

Rosemary forced Eva into a long, passionate kiss. When she finished, the woman pulled back Eva’s head and slapped the guild master across her face several times. Rosemary’s icy stare revealed no hint of compassion at the slight bit of blood trickling down Eva’s lip.

Rosemary pushed Eva away before she rose from the couch.