M.E. 735. It was late spring. Dark clouds hung over the city of Insomnia, blocking out the moon and stars. Rain beat down on the buildings and anyone unfortunate to be outside. Valerie just so happened to be one of those unlucky few. But the weather was the least of her problems at the moment. She had a mission to focus on.

She was perched on one of the outcrops on either side of the Citadel's main entrance. She was crouched, hidden among the shadows and out of the dim lights that emanated from the windows. There were many guards standing watch all around the Citadel. But for Valerie, it wasn't difficult to avoid them. The darkness obscured her and the downpour drowned out any noise she might've made.

Valerie gazed up at the many windows, her brown eyes searching for a way in other than the front entrance. Her shoulder-length, red hair was drenched and plastered to her skin. She placed a hand over her swollen abdomen. Her condition was quickly tiring her. But she had to complete her assignment, no matter what. After scanning the side of the Citadel, she couldn't find an opening anywhere, at least not one she could get to.

She quietly sighed in defeat, her gaze darting down to the entrance. After making sure the coast was clear, she swiftly climbed down and slipped inside. She was quick to hide herself in the shadows, letting her dark clothing keep her hidden. Fortunately, it was late, and most of the staff were off duty, leaving most of the halls and rooms vacant, including the lobby. Valerie carefully observed the directory next to the front desk that gave a layout of the Citadel.

Valerie smirked to herself. How convenient for me, she mentally said. Now if I were a king, where would I be? She knew, at that hour, that Regis had to be either in his room or in the meeting room. She decided on the meeting room. She hoped he'd be there - alone. Valerie absolutely did not want to see the queen or the king's shield. She wasn't keen on killing anyone that wasn't her target, at least not anymore.

There was suddenly a ding from one of the elevators. Valerie instantly bolted behind the desk. She listened as a small group of people exited the elevator, talking amongst themselves about politics and whatnot. Valerie listened to their footsteps moving past her position and toward the exit. Their voices faded and became inaudible.

Valerie peeked around the desk, catching a glimpse of the robes the people wore. Council members maybe? This only confirmed one thing for Valerie - that the king was indeed in the meeting room. Once the people were gone, she went to an elevator, pressed the button, and went inside. She rode it up to the floor the meeting room was on, stepping out and scanning the area.

She suddenly heard male voices approaching from down the halls. Valerie quietly hurried down the hall and stopped right around the corner, gluing her back to the wall. She peeked around just enough to see two men heading for the elevators. She instantly recognized her target.

"Moving away from the meeting's outcome, how is your son doing, Clarus?"

"Very well," Clarus replied. "He's definitely an Amicitia. He's only two, but there isn't a doubt in my mind that he'll one day be more than worthy of the position of King's Shield."

I small smile graced the king's lips. "I'm certain he will."

Valerie narrowed her eyes. Shoot, his shield is present. This complicates things. She knew she needed to act now. She slid a small throwing knife from her glove and readied herself. She would have to be lightening fast and her aim would have to be perfect. In the blink of an eye, she threw the knife. It flew right toward Regis's head. But Clarus was quick to block the sudden attack with his own blade, having caught sight of the attacker.

The king then reacted as well, summoning multiple weapons and sending them at his assailant. Valerie rolled out of the way as two blades crashed into the wall where she had been hiding. She charged toward them, pulling her dagger from her sheath. She quickly closed the distance and swung at Regis. He blocked and dodged her attacks while Clarus attacked from behind. In her weak state, Valerie was no match for them and was knocked to the ground. The two men stood over her, weapons pointing at her.

"How dare you attack the king!" Clarus yelled, enraged by the attempted assassination. "Who sent you?!"

Regis placed a hand on the shield's shoulder, silently telling him to back down. The king had taken notice of the woman's condition and the fact that she was now just sitting at his feet, her dagger on the floor. Valerie was terrified for her child. She placed a hand over her stomach while panting, fearful tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"Why would anyone send a pregnant woman on an assassination job?" Regis questioned.

Valerie looked up at him and clasped her hands together. "I'm sorry! Please, forgive me! I didn't want to do it - I had no choice!" She hung her head down, fearing a grave punishment for her crime. "If I didn't take the job, they were going to kill her! They were going to kill my baby!"

Regis's weapons disappeared, but Clarus kept his sword ready, suspicious of the woman. The king crouched down to look at her. "What is your name, woman?"

She fearfully gazed at him. "V-Valerie. Valerie Solani."

"Who sent you?" he asked, getting straight to the point.

"My chief," she confessed. "The job was given directly to me. And if I didn't take it..." She rubbed her enlarged stomach. "They vowed to kill my daughter." She sadly gazed at the king. "I know that doesn't excuse me for what I attempted. But I beg of you, Your Majesty, leave my daughter be. Once she is born, I will accept whatever punishment you see fit, but spare her, please."

The terror and sincerity in her eyes was all too evident. Regis stood up, gesturing for her to do the same. She rose to her feet and silently waited for the king to speak. In truth, he believed in her words and expressions, and now he thought back over her desperate pleas.

"Valerie," he finally spoke, earning her full attention. "What skills do you possess?"

She was caught off guard by his question, but answered truthfully, "Assassination."

"Besides that," he replied with a chuckle. "Anything more ordinary for everyday life?"

"I... can cook," she said. "And sew, a little."

Regis smiled lightly at her. "That settles it, then. I could use another chef in the kitchen."

Valerie's eyes were wide with shock. "Your Majesty," Clarus interjected, "you can't be serious! You mean to put this woman, who tried to kill you, to work here?!"

"It would be a shame to let such skills go to waste," Regis said. "What is your decision, Valerie?"

Valerie was stunned. Is he... serious? He's willing to put me to work, after what I just did? She swiftly bowed her head. "I accept the offer, Your Majesty. And I thank you, for taking pity on this pathetic woman." She smiled joyfully. "I will do whatever you ask of me. I am forever indebted to you."