The glittering court of the Queen of Spies and Prince of Thieves was a rowdy one. Women in a multi-colored silken robes danced on tables, shedding their draperies like falling petals of dying flowers. Musicians sang bawdy tunes as mead flowed like rivers into the jeweled cups for the nobles.

Queen Estelle lounged on her opulent throne, made of gold and human hand bones, a macabre affair said to be created from the hands of thieves and their treasures. She played with the hair of one of her favorites as he sought to kiss her lovely fingers. Phillip sat on the throne next to hers, trying not to fall asleep.

"My Queen, you look radiant. I am sad to hear that you have a new favorite, have you forgotten me so quickly?" A ravishing beauty approached the throne and gave a majestic bow, her clothes a fine brocade of blue and silver. Jewels show off her snowy complexion as her dark eyes roved over the Queen of Spies. She held onto the arm of a stranger, even as she spoke to her queen. Beside her, another man stood.

Queen Estelle leaned forward and captured the speaker's chin, "My sweet Anera, you haven't even met my new favorite and you're already jealous?" She gave her a light kiss , "Behave, and if you're good. I'll share."

Anera grinned at her queen, "I'll be docile a lamb." She turned and gestured, "I would like to introduce my friends, Lord Norian and Prince Jasreth."

Two men bowed to the Queen, one dressed in a black silk tunic, came forward "Hello Queen Estelle, your beauty makes me speechless ."

They were handsome youths, with touches of similarity that marked them as relatives. Estelle raised her eyes, "And yet, you never seem to be able to control yourself, Lord Norian. What are you doing, so far from Londaros?" She paused and placed a delicate hand to her mouth, "My apologies, now that the border as changed, you are even farther from home."

Lord Norian smiled, "We thought we could come and enjoy the Festival of the Fox before heading back. After all, we are neighbors."

He took a step closer, "I was hoping to ask for your Majesty's help in giving us safe passage back to our kingdom."

"You are not fit for my presence, much less discuss the current state of politics, Lord Norian."

Queen Estelle did not even glance up from her cup, "You are a dog beaten in the game of war, a bastard who will no longer have a place at his father's court. Tell me, what could you offer me that would remotely interest me in conversing with you?"

Estelle glanced at the other man, "Your brother, Prince Jasreth, now he is much more suited to talking to me."

Lord Norian's smile seemed frozen to his face as he stared at the woman on the throne who had not so much looked at him. His eyes were ice cold. He would make this chit pay soon.

Lady Anera hung onto Prince Jasreth as she tried to diffuse the awkward moment, "My Queen has a sharp tongue, Lord Norian."

Lord Norian glared at the useless Jasreth. Tonight the Prince of Londaros was clothed in silver, elongating his slender yet elegant figure. This eldest prince seemed to live without a care in the world.

Lord Norian had itched to kill this half brother of his in their escape but there was still a little value to his life. Until the end of tonight, of course.

Queen Estelle frowned, her power rose out of her. A gust of air pushed the bastard lord away from her, "Begone." He stepped back and in that moment, accidentally bumped into Lady Anera.

Lord Jasreth freed himself from Anera walked to Queen Estelle, "Cousin dear, you look radiant."

"I didn't know we were related." Queen Estelle looked up at the man with interest. He was scholarly in his looks, elegance and refinement in every inch of his figure. Estelle found this amusing, as every report she had read indicated this man was harmless. His presence in the court was little and while his bastard brother had every indication of seizing the throne, this prince had done nothing over the years to curb the ingrate's influence.

"We may not be bound by blood, but royalty is a burden that only a privileged few can share. That is a bond closer than friends." Prince Jasreth said smoothly.

"You are a silver-tongued fox, my lord." Estelle smiled, her interest piqued, "It's often said that we must keep our friends close, and our enemies closer." She sipped her mead, "I wonder which you are destined to be."

Jasreth smiled, "Whatever you desire, cousin." Estelle rolled her eyes and waved her hand, "I will not talk politics today, enjoy the festival." The three of them bowed and left the royal presence.

Anera steered Jasreth to the side, her grip on his arm like a vice, "I told you to shut your mouth. You'll pay for this." She had taken her hand off of him for a second and it had almost caused a disaster. Swiftly, she drew up her light magic and bound her to him again, making it impossible to move out of her grasp.

Anera gripped her handkerchief nervously and looked to Lord Norian. He muttered down on her, "The entire court has seen our exchange?"

Anera nodded imperceptibly, "They know that both of you are here now."

"Good. Remember, when the Queen dies, it must look like Prince Jasreth did it." His voice was low. He gave a small smile to his brother, "How do you like the death I planned for you, brother? It will be glorious."

"I'd rather be alive, if it's all the same to you." Prince Jasreth said calmly.

Lord Norian smiled, "Once this city is under my control, I will know every move of that wretched Killian." He tried to look sad, but failed, "Brother, I will miss you. But fear not, your younger brother will join you soon."

Prince Jasreth stared at him coolly and said nothing. Anera looked around nervously, "When will your mage arrive?"

Norian patted her hand, "Soon, my dear. Soon "

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"Philip, where is your friend?" Queen Estelle asked, a little annoyed. She read a note that her attendant had passed her with a frown. Prince Philip shrugged, "You're the Queen of Spies, not me."

The steward struck his staff once.

In the wings of the grand staircase, Miri looked at Cybelline with excitement and nervousness, "How do I look?"

Cybelline smiled at her sister, "A vision."

It was true, for Miri had become a radiant young woman. She had told Cybelline that the infusion of magic from the red flower broke through the spells that kept her a child. The magical land in the ring protected her as the magical transfusion took hold, keeping her safe until she was able to control her own powers.

Tonight she accompanied Cybelline to the ball, eager to see the outside world. Ithos had grumbled, but Myrai had smiled at her daughters and agreed.

Cybelline held out her arm, "Let's go." Miri smiled and took it as they stepped into the room.

The room opened and the steward announced, "Lord Cyrus"

Heads turned, the news of the newly made favorite and spread around the city like wildfire, everyone was curious about the youth that had stolen, if temporarily, the Queen's Heart.

He dressed simply in a light tunic that drew out those devilishly green eyes, a contrast to the true flame of his hair. His features were delicate, but not effeminate. He moved with confidence, a half smile playing at his lips. There was something about him that promised danger and adventure, it was intoxicating to anyone who walked with death.

Beside him stood a girl of the same age, her chestnut hair falling in perfect ringlets around her gentle features. She had the curiosity of a doe mixed with the excitement of a girl making her debut at court. Young eligible lords felt their hearts nearly fly away at the sight of such innocence. But the cold eyes of the new lord beside her made them shudder and look down. All except Prince Jasreth, who studied the pair with unconcealed interest.

Estelle's lips twitched into a half smile as she looked at the pair. She stood up as they approached, her hand out raised, "My Lord Cyrus."

Cybelline looked at the hand and without hesitation, shook it.

An audible gasp rose at this faux pas. Estelle only smiled and continued to hold onto Cybelline's hand, "My Lord, but who is this lovely creature?" She looked at Miri who was holding onto Cybelline's other arm.

Miri smiled shyly, unaware of the animosity that seemed to be seething out of the Queen of Spies.

"My sister." Cybelline said coolly.

"Oh!" Estelle exclaimed with obvious happiness and gathered Miri in a enthusiastic hug. "You are but a doll!" She looked at the girl who clutched her new favorite and a crinkle appeared in between her brows.

This would not do. She led them through the sea of interested courtiers, observing them without seeming to.

"Would you like to have some refreshments?" Miri shook her head.

"How about some food?"

Another shake of the head.

"A tour of the castle?"

Miri tightened her grasp on Cybelline and shook her head still.

Estelle suddenly smiled, "My dear, you must simply open the festival with a dance. It would be an honor you can't refuse."

With the determination of a charging bull, Estelle extricated Miri and looked for a suitable partner. Prince Philip would have been her first choice but that man knew how to avoid her whenever the word 'dance' was said.

Luckily, he was not the only prince in attendance.

She smiled triumphantly and walked Miri to Prince Jasreth, "Cousin, this is Lady Miri. You must share the first dance with her."

Lady Anera's hand tightened on Prince Jasreth's arm, "But my lady, I was hoping to keep Prince Jasreth with me tonight."

But Estelle was in no mood to listen. She wanted to show favor to Cybelline by having her sister dance with a prince. And no one was going to stop her.

"I'll make it up to you, Lady Anera." And pulled Lord Jasreth away from her. She placed Miri's hand into Jasreth's large ones and pushed them onto the dance floor. With a wave of her hand, she signaled music to be played and left without a backwards glance.

Miri felt herself being thrown from the safe arm of Cybelline to fall face first towards a tall and slender youth.

Strong arms held her steady as she looked up confused. A pair of eyes that seemed to stretch towards the depth of infinity stared back at her.

He smiled down at the enchanting creature, "May I have the pleasure of this dance, my lady?"

The floor had been cleared, the lights glittering off the granite floor as he swept her through the hall, his touch on her waist feather light. He guided her as if she was a falling flower, their movements like the breeze that determined her wanderings. Courtiers marveled at the grace of the two dancers, for they seemed to be one flesh and one soul.

Cybelline watched passively and wondered if it was acceptable to drop the young prince into a ditch later.

Ithos would definitely approve of this plan.

She half listened to Queen Estelle, and used most of her attention on the strange foods in front of her. Food, as always, was most important.

The dance ended and the two of them stared at each other until the last haunting note of the lute reverberated in the hall. Thunderous applauded startled them out of their reverie. Miri returned to Cybelline, her face a little flushed. Estelle was a little disappointed, but brightened at the thought of the next activity.

Estelle stood, "Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight we take part in our tradition of selecting a new Queen of Spies. As the Queen, I will defend my title against any contenders. Any noble lady above the age of 12 may enter. If they are able to best me, the they shall become the new queen of spies."

She turned to Cybelline, her eyes bright, "Will my lord follow me to the event?" Cybelline bowed graciously, "But of course, your Majesty."

Estelle led them out a large courtyard, thousands of nobles took to the high stands as they muttered among themselves.

"Queen Estelle will not be beaten by any new comer, it's impossible."

Miri and Cybelline watched as sixteen women of different stature rode into the fields. They wore loose fitting robes that were easy to move around in, each carrying a quiver full of arrows and a lethal looking longbow.

"Are they going to shoot at each other?" Miri looked at the wide field, "Is this a fight to the death?"

A noble heard her and chuckled, "Little Lady, we are a city of spies and thieves, we value quickness and subtlety. What you are about to witness is a competition that happens only once every few years."

He pointed out to six large crates that the servants had brought out. They opened each crate, and tiny creatures no bigger than the size of a lady's palm, flew out of the crate. They scattered into the air, their bright blue glow impossible to miss in the night. They flew everywhere but it was as if an invisible barrier barred them from escaping the field. They screamed in anguish. The crowd roared in approval.

"What is this?" Miri asked through numb lips. Blood had drained from her face until she looked ashen.

"The game of course." The helpful noble continued. "These are the pixies that are a specialty to our city. We breed them for this festival, they're wickedly fast. The lady who is able to shoot the most will be crowned winner." He cheered with the crowd, who rose to their feet at the sight of the first kill.

Estelle raised her bow and her first arrow was true. The pixie screamed and exploded in a bright burst of blue, leaving only a tiny blue crystal in its death. A servant ran onto the field to collect the little gem, a mark of success for Queen Estelle.

Death after death was followed by cheers. There were hundreds of tiny faeries that flew in the sky, but soon the ground was littered with gems.

Miri looked at the nobleman beside her, "How do you stop this?"

He looked at her as if she was insane, "Only when the winner is declared, does the game stop."

Miri clutched Cybelline's arm, "I'm going to be sick. I have to do something." Cybelline looked at the casual savagery below.

She had known that this world was deeply wrong. Had tried to ignore it, telling herself that it was not her affair. She had thought that she was a monster, having killed so much in her past life, but these people...

Perhaps what this world needed was a monster.

She patted Miri's hand, "Let me."

The noble next them frowned, "My Lord, you can't interfere. Only women are allowed to compete."

Cybelline smiled, "Understood." She stood, walked down the stand, and disappeared back towards the castle.

A pair of eyes watched Cybelline stand up and walk away. Killian had observed the youth with a slight frown. Where was this young lord going?

"My lord, the preparations have been made. Once Lord Norian acts, so will we."

Killian nodded, he looked down at the reports in front of him, frowning at the news in his hands.

On the field, Estelle drew her bow and took careful aim at a pixie, victory would be hers tonight. She let loose, the string singing in her hand. The arrow soared into the sky.

TINK... another arrow had hit hers with so much force and accuracy that it could not be a mistake. It pierced hers and threw it off course. Estelle looked around, enraged.

Silence on the fields as thousands of pairs of eyes focused on the emerging figure.

Lord Killian looked up from his reports with a frown.

In that moment and all the moments thereafter, he would forget the machinations of men. He would forget wars and destinies, of loyalty and betrayal. He would forget pain and suffering, of power and might.

In that moment, when dream became flesh, and illusion became reality, he felt a jolt to the heart. Fierce electricity ran like fire in his veins, joy unbridled raced through his soul as he stared at the new figure that appeared on the field, a bow in her hand. Unmistakably woman and unmistakably her.

She had walked out of his memories and into the night.

She had finally appeared.