It was something of a cross between a cruel joke on Angela, and a reprieve for the Terrowins. Xeik had decided to take Lewis and Simone on an all-expenses paid (though, they didn’t need it) trip; a vacation from it all. They had been non-stop busy since their rebirth, and Angela had barely given them a moment's rest past their daily duties to their children.

Angela was, of course, okay with the idea in concept. But once Xeik told her the location she had chosen, she immediately gave him an irked look. The Divine Mender was quite aware that a whale of a city was the absolute last place the Goddess would ever want to step foot on. A guarantee that she wouldn’t bother Lewis or Simone.

Of course, she had to agree that her constant stress tests of the Terrowin’s must have been draining them, so the vacation would be good for them. After all, her precious Night Phoenix experiment had paid off, and there were now six of them. Well, not counting the small flock that she wasn’t supposed to know about, but that's another tale entirely.

“And here we go,” Xeik said as they stepped into the lavish Coral Hotel. It was literally made of coral. At least, the important parts were. He stepped up to the staff, and talked through the reservations he had made. It wasn’t long before they were headed up to the rooms. Lewis and Simone had the Coral Corral as their room, an extravagant suite.

Lewis rolled his eyes when he saw it, but there was a moment where he paused. There was a loud, obnoxious noise coming from the suite next to them. It took him a moment, but when he realized who it was, he turned to Xeik. “Did you…did you plan this?”

Xeik sighed, “Oh no…” The door next to Lewis and Simone’s room opened, and Rhenakos popped out shirtless. There were scratches all across his body from gods knew what.

“Oh hey! What a surprise!” Rhenakos said with a knowing grin. “How’s the current events?”

The ex-assassin scoffed, “What the hell are you doing here? I thought we were supposed to be getting a vacation?”

“Aww, I’m here to make sure that your anenomes don’t catch you off guard.” Rhenakos gave a thumbs up and a wink. “Don’t worry. I won’t be over-whale-ming you at all.”

“Please make it stop,” Xeik groaned. “Just…just don’t bother them.”

Rhenakos gave a hearty laugh. “Don’t worry. I don’t plan on making any big splashes today. Os and I are on our own bone-fide vacation. Who knew you three would be here.”

Xeik merely gave them a dead stare. “I have a feeling a certain Goddess is up to something…” He had no proof, though. Well, it was fine. “I’ll have the wait staff bring you up some drinks. I'm sure you’ll need them.”

Lewis nodded, “Thanks. In the meantime…” He gave Simone a smirk. “Let’s go test the beds…I can’t wait to ‘sea’ what they’re like.”

“Angela damn it, it’s spreading,” Xeik said as he wandered down the hall to his own room.

“That’s the porpoise!” Simone giggled towards Xeik. She took Lewis’s arm and walked with him side by side as they made their way to the bed. “Have a good trip Xeik~” She ran to the door and looked down at him. “Make sure you sharken your skills~” She slammed the door and jumped on top of Lewis who was in bed laughing hysterically.

Later they met back up at the Clam Shell. A pretty little bar where mermaids were swimming around doing dances and entertaining. They would even pop out of the water to deliver drinks in magic bubbles from the bartenders. It was a hell of a sight.

Lewis and Simone were taking in the sights. “I’m glad we’re in a huge ass bubble under the sea because… We’re down quite a bit underwater.” Simone hadn’t warmed up to the idea of being in the whale city. If the bubble popped she couldn’t swim. At the end of the day though… Lewis had convinced her it would be fun and if the bubble were to just randomly pop he would swim to her and save her.

Xeik and Lewis were having the time of their lives with puns while Simone quietly sat down next to them writing ideas down in a book. She did this often whenever she had ideas for her novels. For her, this was relaxing.

It was the most fun that Lewis was able to have in a long time. Even with the constant threat of Rhenakos barging in, Lewis was actually starting to feel relaxed. He could feel Simone relaxing too as she jotted down her ideas, and knew that it had been a good idea for them to come after all. The night wore on, and soon Rhenakos ended up joining them much to Xeik’s displeasure.

“Now, now!” Rhenakos said as he dropped down three heavy glasses filled to the brim. “I come bearing a peace offering. I promise I won’t be in your hair too much longer.” A strange choice of words for the brute of a man, but it was welcome as Lewis and Simone each took the peace offering.

Xeik rolled his eyes, “Fine.” He took his own drink and started to chug it. He needed it with the idiot around. Still, he was enjoying himself as much as the rest of them were, and as promised, Rhenakos left after making sure that the party had well and done finished their drinks, offering to buy more later if they wanted.

“Don’t be strangers, ey?” he said with a wink. “Have a good night! Sweet dreams!” With a wave of his hand, he walked away.

“What a weirdo,” the divine mender said with a slight hiccup.

“Ah,” Lewis replied as he slouched into his chair. “That was one was…really strong…” Whatever Rhenakos had ordered them was hitting like an airship. Of course the berserker hunter would go for something heavy. “I think…I think I’m good for the night. Right Mone?” He was starting to feel tired, too. Just how much alcohol was in that drink?

Simone drank down her own drink with Lewis and even she was beginning to feel dizzy. “Let’s retire then…” Xeik had to escort them both to their room and it was like putting two kids to bed as he tucked Lewis and Simone in.

The phoenix rolled over and put her arm around her husband as she snuggled into him. This was her favorite place to be once he had his arms around her. The world was lurching though. Was it the alcohol?

“So you are a twenty-one-year-old assassin. The Dusk Assassin or so it says. Your records are immaculate. You were recommended to us by a friend.” This noble-looking man had an astonishing amount of information on the white-haired man in front of him. “You’ll be compensated greatly for this.” The man snapped and a chest full of silver was brought over. “This is just the up front payment. You’ll be paid five hundred silver a month after this. Lodging will be provided as well as food for as long as you are hired. This might be outside the realm of things you normally do. I want to hire you to protect someone. She is a high valued target who is almost always at risk. I will tell you more if you wish to accept my proposal.”

They had met at a very small tavern. Almost everyone was gone and even the barkeep was nowhere to be found. It was almost eerie in a way. “My name is Edwin Voltrea, you can say I’m a merchant by trade.”

The Dusk Assassin sat across the table from Edwin, a crimson hood shielding his eyes as he thought about the proposal that had been given. He was the perfect weapon, a killing machine to be hired to eliminate whatever the client wanted. But this? This was something entirely different. His initial response was to reject the idea entirely. A deadly assassin and someone’s protector? The idea was insane.

“I-” He paused. The up front payment seemed far more than the already lucrative 500 silver a month. He smirked, something that was visibly unsettling to anyone who might be watching in on them. After all, a tavern was a place of information.

“I do not think I am suitable for such a role,” he lifted the hood back to reveal his dead stare, a complete contrast to his wicked smile. “However…I have a feeling that this is not an opportunity to pass up.” There was far too much to be gleaned from this. A high value target? A merchant? Having those as potential contacts in his back pocket would be valuable.

“Make it six hundred silver,” he said as the smile faded. “And we have a deal.” His face gave away no emotion. He was impossible to read.

“Deal,” Edwin replied almost immediately.

Lewis smirked. Desperation was a good sign…

—

Lewis Dusk, a low profile assassin by trade, found himself in a carriage with no windows. Edwin had not disclosed any further information, which the assassin was not happy about. Still, this was to be expected. Contracts had yet to be signed, and with such a high value target, Lewis almost expected a geas to be in play.

“How much longer?” the assassin asked, an edge in his voice. “We’ve already traveled for quite some time. From what I can tell…” He closed his eyes and did some mental calculations. “We’ve been traveling North for the past hour. A castle?” Perhaps it was a royal envoy or something. Maybe a scholar. They usually had targets on their backs for their research.

Edwin pulled out some paperwork, inkpot, and a quill. “Before I tell you anything more I need you to sign these papers. This is a magic binding contract that won’t allow you to speak about anything you see to the wrong people. If the contract allows it then you can talk about it. However, your protectee likes their peace.”

Lewis snatched the paperwork and signed everywhere he was supposed to. The magic took effect and Edwin smiled. “Very nice, we’ll get along splendidly Master Lewis,” it was cheeky how he spoke. The carriage abruptly stopped and Edwin looked concerned as he slid the little panel behind him open. “What’s the issue?”

“She’s out here.”

“Fuck my life. LLYWELLYN, YOU SON OF A BITCH,” Edwin threw his hat down before calming himself. “Come with me. You are about to meet your protectee.” He got out of the carriage and looked around. They were around the cliffs and he pointed down to three figures. There was a red-headed elf on horseback with a woman behind him. She was looking at the sea.

“She is your protectee. The Empress Simone Beatrice Monte Auclair… and I’m going to go deck an elf prince. LLYWELLYN!” Edwin yelled and Llywellyn looked up with a smirk.

“What? Jealous?”

“You know it’s not safe for her to be out here with his men roaming about.” Edwin stomped his foot and Simone looked up at him sadly.

“She wanted to see the ocean. You kept her locked up in her room for two wee–”

“Her maid put poison in her tea. We had to fire most of the staff because we had to re-vet everyone. Your highness I know that you don’t like it… but please…” He was pleading with her but Simone just looked out at the ocean.

“I just wanted to be free for a moment,” it almost didn’t reach their ears how quiet she was.

“I’m going to take her back… Untwist your balls. As long as she’s with me she’s fine,” Llywellyn made a face before taking her back towards the castle.

“Of all the rotten princes to be visiting right now…” He honestly didn’t know which one he hated more. He led Lewis back to the carriage and began to explain. “Llywellyn is one of the worst influences…” He sighed a bit in defeat. “He can protect her but he can’t stay here in Auclair for long, only a few hours at best. They grew up together and it was thought they would marry when she came of age… However, she doesn’t really find anyone to her liking… So there’s been a rush of men trying to claim her. Not to mention the one trying to take her for his own. We’ve defused the situation many times including finding magic bombs hidden below the city. We cannot protect her and the city at the same time. Which is where you come in.”

Edwin crossed his arms and looked towards Lewis. “The enemy is a man who is hellbent on breaking her and using her as a breeding tool. Making her less than human. He had the balls to appear and say so himself. She won’t say it but she’s terrified. Llywellyn’s father yanked him back and has restricted his time here so he can focus on building relations for Sulwal and not beating a dead horse that is his relationship with the Empress.” He sighed more. “Do you understand the type of situation this is? Would you like to meet her now and actually talk to her? Or do you need time to think about this more?”

The carriage stopping was sudden, and Edwin’s reaction was even more surprising. Even without prompting, Lewis would have exited the carriage to see what all of this was about. Surely enough, to Edwin’s dismay, there was a woman on t he back of a horse with a red haired man.

Llywellyn. Lewis knew the name from somewhere. It took him a moment before he remembered from where. Prince Llywellyn Celestina, third in line for the throne of Suwal. A high value target indeed if they were associating with someone of elvish royalty. Perhaps a consort of his.

It was then, that Edwin introduced his true client. The Empress herself, Simone Beatrice Monte Auclair. That got a reaction out of Lewis, despite his normal stoic demeanor. His eyes widened, and he looked between the Empress and Edwin. As the argument ensued, Lewis had an internal struggle about what he had just signed up to do.

On one hand, he thought to himself. …the Empress, huh? Protecting her is a high risk, high reward scenario. Six hundred silver, plus the one-thousand fronted to me is nothing to scoff at. But, I’ve heard of the recent attacks on her kingdom and her throne. Well, rumors of course. That failed attempt at an assassination was a woman that Lewis had known for ages. Saphielle… what a failure she was. Not a major loss, but the fact that Saphielle only went for the high value targets says quite a lot. I’d be putting myself in their sights as well…

Edwin finished his conversation with Llywellyn and the Empress Auclair, and led Lewis back to the carriage. Edwin seemed quite done with the whole situation, but seemed rather desperate for Lewis to still accept the contract.

“I’ve given it some thought already,” Lewis replied without emotion. “If I had known just who we were dealing with, I would have requested far more money.” He smirked as Edwin seemed visibly worried. “But don’t worry. I have my professional pride. I accepted the contract as it is now, and I will see it through. We can meet later, though…once I’ve settled in.”

Edwin sighed with relief, and soon the carriage arrived at the gates of Auclair.

Auclair was a massive castle sitting above a large town. From what Lewis could see, the town was alive with the sounds of bustling villagers and merchants. A healthy and happy economy; signs of a strong leader. That meant a lot. Of course, a healthy economy also meant that it was ripe for the taking. Being a female ruler in this world meant that it was assumed she would marry.

“Something tells me she rejected that idea,” the assassin said as he grabbed his bag of gear. He started to walk forward, and a butler raised his hand to stop.

Lewis glared at the man, who was clearly trying to take his belongings for him. “I can handle my own equipment,” the assassin said with a scowl. “Out of my way before I slit your-” He took a sharp breath. He let it out slowly. “I would much rather handle my own bags. Please and thank you.”

After settling in one of the highest towers available, Lewis found himself being forced into the bath house. Several maids and butlers were throwing things at him, demanding he be at least presentable for the lady, and soon the assassin was standing at the doors to the main hall.

“Is this really necessary?” he asked, straightening the overcoat he had. “All of this…formality bullshit?”

Edwin looked at him for a moment and thought about it, “She just doesn’t have any interest in marrying for power. She has enough and doesn’t long for anymore. She would rather find love. Her words, not mine. The position she’s in… She can afford that. Our armies are enough to keep threats at bay but we can’t protect her as well as the land.” His voice was soft and he looked broken. “And I can’t risk losing her that way. As you can tell… If she wants something she gets it no matter the means. She isn’t reckless about it either. One of her other suitors could have taken her if she really wanted to but she wanted for Llywellyn to climb up into her room and smuggle her out the window. Llywellyn’s magic is the perfect counter to what is going on. She’s quiet though and likes the library most days. But she also likes walks in her gardens… Which she hasn’t been able to do lately. It hurts everyone to see her so confined which is why we’re asking you to protect our jewel.”

Edwin was waiting once he was done and smiled, “It’s good to look the part as well. You might be out with her on occasions so she can finally get back to almost living her life like normal. Come on she’s waiting I’m sure of it.”

Instead of meeting in the throne room or anything like that he lead Lewis to a green house type room. The sun was shining in and she was laying there on a chaise soaking up the sun. “You shouldn’t sleep in this room… at least for right now.”

“I’m just resting my eyes,” Simone spoke softly as she pulled herself up and looked over Lewis. “Who is this?”

“This… is my gift to you. He will give you back your freedom. At least as much as I can give it back.”

Simone made a face, “So he is a ball and chain?”

“Please don’t be difficult…” Edwin sighed a bit.

“Does he actually know who you are or did you tell him you’re a merchant?” She called him out and Edwin stuttered. “Edwin is my spymaster but he has a knack for different trades. When he gets bored he disappears for a bit working odd jobs.” She was speaking with every letter coming in harsh.

Edwin put up his hands, “Alright, alright your highness… I get it.” He bowed to Lewis, “Please take care of her.” That left the two of them alone.

“Do you like tea?” She was odd in the fact that she didn’t ask Lewis for his name or his skill set. She was speaking to him like an old friend. She poured herself a cup and stopped lightly. “You must think I am foolish for letting my guard down so easily with you,” she looked up at him innocently. “But if Edwin brought you to me that means that I can trust you. He is one of the few I hold very close to me and know very well.”

As they entered the main hallway, Lewis was struck at the beautiful architecture around him. It had a sort of warm familiarity to it, a welcoming place that allowed for warm gatherings and happiness. Which, for Lewis, was strange. That kind of emotion usually eluded him, but he pushed that feeling aside. Perhaps he was getting sentimental as he grew older.

What a useless feeling that would be.

Of course, the Empress of Auclair was nowhere to be found in the main hall. Instead, Lewis was led to a side door, which opened up into a courtyard with a greenhouse near the end. Edwin brought him in, and made a comment about the Empress and her sleeping habits.

Lady Simone denied it, of course, and looked upon Lewis with a curious gaze. Lewis met her stormy gray eyes, and for the first time in his life, could not find his breath. Something about her seemed almost mystical, her gaze stealing his own. Of course, her immediate response to Lewis being called a gift was to lash out at the poor man who had offered Lewis.

“I intend not to be so restrictive, My Lady,” Lewis said as he crossed his arms. Bowing was a useless gesture. As a guest, formality was for show. As a protector, though, a formality was dropping his guard.

“I figured he was more than a simple merchant,” Lewis said as he looked upon Edwin. “I would not have guessed a Spymaster, though. You seem far too…” The assassin thought for a moment, his dead gaze trailing back to the Empress. “Erratic. But…that is neither here nor there…”

Edwin bowed out afterwards, leaving Lewis and the Empress alone.

The silence between the two did not last long as Lady Auclair almost immediately offered tea. “I would much rather have coffee. But..” He held up his hands. “Do not worry about what I want. I will take care of my own needs.” He stared at her for a moment. “Your eyes… they’ve seen a lot. I recognize that look.” He walked up to her, his brown eyes locking with hers for a moment.

“My name is Lewis Dusk. I won’t go into detail about what I do…but I will offer you my services. From what I have been told, you are quite the free spirit. I don’t care…” He tore his gaze away from her, and walked down the path and to the edge of the greenhouse, leaning against the entryway. “Do as you wish. My job is merely to make sure you don’t come to harm. Nothing more, and nothing less. Like I said before…I don’t intend to be a ball and chain.”

With that, he fell silent. As an assassin, he barely had any desire to talk more than required. As Simone moved between the plants, watering and weeding them, Lewis’ eyes never left her. A watchful guardian.

At once, though, Lewis tensed up, his eyes moving to the doorway in the courtyard. He relaxed as a man who looked similar to the Lady Empress wandered into the courtyard. At once, he smiled, noticing her. Lady Simone seemed at ease with his presence, so Lewis backed down. It wasn’t an attempt on her life.

“Simone, have you forgotten what tonight is?” He was easily a head taller than she was, and seeing the two side by side, Lewis could have sworn they were siblings. The man got very close to the Empress, though. Uncomfortably close.

“Please refrain from touching the Empress,” Lewis said with a bored tone. “The Lady Empress seems mildly distressed in your close proximity. That can be taken as a threat on her life…”

“If you ever need anything don’t hesitate you ask. I am if nothing else… a good hostess. Especially to those that aid me when I need it most.” Her eyes met his and she thought about it. “Maybe I’ll tell you sometime.” A private person who liked her books and her plants with the occasional ocean dashed in.

“Thank you…” She looked up from her plants to Lewis. “For not being a ball and chain… It’s suffocating to think about it.” There was a look in her eyes. A painful memory maybe? But as soon as it was there it was gone.

She spent the better part of an hour watering her plants and rearranging them in the sunroom. Taking out the bad parts so they could grow better. She was very delicate with her shears as she worked. Once the man came in she looked up at him, “Oh, Felix good morning.” Her eyes were cautiously watching him. The relaxed woman that Lewis had met was now stiff and alert. There was no trust in her movements.

When Felix went to touch her arm she pulled back instinctively. The skin on her arms and shoulders had bumped up as if a cold draft blew through. She was thankful for Lewis to speak up. “Oh… Did Edwin get you a puppy?” Felix sounded cocky.

“Enough,” her voice was fierce and it sounded unlike her. “Don’t taunt my protector.”

“Protector? Dearest cousin am I not enough?”

Simone narrowed her eyes at him, “You rank forty-third in sword-wielding. You don’t know magic. You run at the first sight of trouble. And you suck at debates.” Her words came out as if Lewis had given her a bit of courage. “So no, you aren’t enough. Or are you forgetting it was on your kitchen watch that I was poisoned?”

Felix narrowed his eyes at her, “It’s not good to be so emotional as an empress. People might think you will do something rash.”

“On the contrary, they don’t think that at all and wish I would move forward. I will attend the ball do not worry about that but please refrain from getting closer to me today. You know I don’t like to be touched without permission.”

Felix bowed to her and glared towards Lewis. “Empress and Dog.” He left slamming the door on the way out.

Simone held a sad look on her face before she picked back up her watering can and started to take care of her plants again. “Do not trust him. He is a snake hidden in a rose bush.”