~*Seto*~

Tap...

Tap...

A leaky drain pipe slowly drips water into a small puddle nearby me, making a constant, and surprisingly soothing, taping sound as it does so. It was caused by the light rain that was blowing over the city, making its once bustling streets seem almost like a ghost town as all of the sun loving residents take shelter in their homes.

Most of them at least. I look down at the small white note in my hand once more.

What to know where your book is, dear prince? Meet me in the alleyway between Main and Birch around middy without any guards, and I'll tell you where it is.

I couldn't help but feel paranoid about the situation. Why did I agree to do this? Thinking to myself, I reach down and brush my free hand against the sword at my side. I could probably stand my ground if I'm jumped by one or two thanks to Preston, but any more and I might be in trouble.

The sound of quiet footsteps echo from somewhere behind me, and I instinctively draw my sword, recalling what minor information my father told me about assassins. "We love long, narrow alleyways and staying light on our feet. If you focus hard enough, you can hear us sneaking up and avoid an attack."

"You're quite observant, young prince," the muffled voice of a man echoes through the alley. "Do not fret, I wasn't tasked with killing you just yet." I turn around to see a masked man of average height standing before me. He wore dark clothing, and held an iron dagger in his right hand. "They often choose to attack with the hand opposite of their target's dominate hand." As I recall my father's words, I look down to see that I grabbed my sword with my left hand. Preston will not be pleased by this...

"How did you know I was here?" I ask, raising the sword to his masked face.

"A little bird told me," the man says with a small laugh, twirling the dagger between his fingers. "Also, this belongs to one of your guards." The assassin throws the knife to the ground just in front of my feet. "He lost it when a thief stole the book you're looking for."

I keep my gaze on the assassin as I lean down to pick up the dagger, careful not to let him leave my sight. Pulling the dagger out of the ground, I read the name engraved into the blade before sliding it into my pocket. Kenworth did mention losing one of these.

"Where's the book?" I ask, lowering my sword slightly once he is completely unarmed. I can't let my guard down too much.

"I travelled all the way here from Nei'woof, and I get nothing in return for helping the crown?"

"You'll get the crown's gratitude in return of your information," I state coolly, narrowing my eyes at him. The rain overhead started to fall harder as the two of us stood in the narrow alley.

"Ah, but that's not what I want." The assassin takes a step closer to me. "I've heard rumours about you being quite the kisser, Seto."

My face heats up with embarrassment, and I take a step back. "I'm sorry, but I'm not attracted to men," I explain quickly, looking around for an option of escape.

"How badly do you want this book, Seto? I can tell you exactly where it is, and all I want in return is a kiss. Doesn't that sound like a good deal?"

"Tell me where it is first, and the kiss will come second." I narrow my eyes at him again.

"No can do." The man laughs again. "If I tell you beforehand, you'll try to run away. Don't worry, I don't kiss and tell." I glare at the man, and take in a deep breath. Do I really want the book that badly?

"Fine." I finally cave in. "One kiss, but I have to see your face beforehand." The man laughs before reaching upward and pulling the mask off his face.

"You play a hard bargain, Seto." The assassin smirks at me, his eyes shining with amusement. He appeared to be around my age, blonde and blue eyed. What did I just put myself up to?