The Queens Trial between sisters Princess Hettie and Princess Delilah was one of the biggest failures of all the Queens Trials. Princess Hettie was killed on the first combat trial, meaning that Delilah didn't have to do any of hers. As it turns out, Delilah had poisoned her sister. A poison that made Hettie weak, disorientated and confused. She wasn't able to even fight back against the first soldier who attacked her. He killed her with only a single punch. A shame as princess Hettie was said to be an excellent warrior.

The King and Council knew something had happened in order for Hettie to perish like that. In fact, they knew that Princess Delilah was behind it. However, there was nothing that they could do about it. Princess Delilah was the only Dulavelle who could continue their line. She was a wicked Queen. The King thought that her husband would be able to control her. However, she used her own special potions, thanks to the Centaur Gift, to twist his mind. Making him easily susceptible to what she told him. He died before their son was old enough to take the Throne. She became the Queen Regent until he reached the age of eighteen.

~History of the Queen's Trials.

Cordelia gently presses the cold cloth against Kristoff's back, wiping away the blood.

"You really care for my son?" Councilman Drake asks. Cordelia nods her head.

"I do, Councilman," she replies with a gulp. "He is the deserving King," she replies. The councilman nods.

"It would seem that you are the only princess who will make an appropriate queen," he sighs, looking at her. "Perhaps, we could help each other," he smiles.

"I do not want to go against my father," she tells him. He laughs.

"No no, it won't be anything like that," he replies. "Your father isn't Kristoff's biggest fan at the moment. Or mine. Perhaps, with your help, we can get back into his good books again," he shrugs. She nods her head.

"I will see what I can do, Councilman," she replies. He nods his head and stands, leaving the room. Kristoff groans beneath her.

"Kristoff," she whispers, stroking his hair away.

"Why didn't you stop it," he growls at her. Her eyes sting with tears.

"I couldn't," she tells him. "You know my father doesn't listen to me. He doesn't respect me," she gulps. He tilts his head to look at her, still frowning. Though the lashing had been satisfying to watch, it has undone some of her work. Not to worry, she has a plan for that.

"Kristoff," she says her voice soft and musical. "I have to show you something, but you have to keep it a secret," she gulps. He twists his brows into a look of confusion. She closes her eyes and presses her fingers to one of her tears. Gently, she brings her wet finger to his mouth. He wraps his lips around her finger, licking away the wet tear. Her other hand hovers over his back. She heals it, pretending that it is her tear doing it instead of her. His eyes widen and he sits up quickly.

"You have the Siren Gift?" he asks. She nods her head.

"Does that include..."

"No," she chuckles. "I am a terrible singer," she tells him. "I am not manipulating you in any way," she tells him softly. He nods his head and scoops her closer as he stands. Looking in the mirror, he checks his back. Only faint white lines remain, barely visible. He grins.

"You can't tell anyone. Not my sisters. Not my father or yours," she gulps. "I don't know what they'll do to me if they find out," she gulps. He pulls her into a hug and kisses the top of her head.

"As if I'd want to share," he tells her. "You are all mine," he tells her as she lifts her head up to kiss him.

"You're mine," she replies back, looking into his eyes and her magic swirling around her. She can feel his devotion, especially after healing him. There is a dependence that he craves. He needs her like nothing else he has needed before. She is perfect. She is his. He is hers. She smiles and leans up, whispering in his ear. Her warm breath tickling his skin and sending shivers across his body.

"Shall we go back to our room?" she asks him. He smiles. He liked that. Our room. Of course, he liked the suggestion more. She takes hold of his hand and begins to pull him out of the room. He follows like a puppy.

...

"Okay," Ren says to Shaelyn. "You can go out," he tells her. "But, not on any missions. Not until you have learned some new skills." She nods her head.

"Okay," she replies.

"What would you have me do?"

"You and your sisters have many contacts across the city, don't you?" he asks. She nods her head.

"We do," she replies.

"Then, you'll go and visit them. Different ones every day." She smiles and nods her head. "Happy?" he asks. She nods her head eagerly.

"Very," she replies.

"Good," he replies, his tone grumpy. She rolls her eyes and goes to leave the room.

"Shaelyn," he warns after her. "Pull a knife on me again and you'll be out of here," he growls. Her mood drops and she gives him a glare of his own.

"Lock me away in my room again," she begins. "And you won't be alive to kick me out of here," she threatens before slamming the door shut behind her.

Evie is in Shaelyn's room when she returns.

"What are you doing?" Shae asks casually.

"I've got you some new clothes," Evie says, holding up clothing. Shae smiles and walks over. "We can't have you walking around the city in your fancy dresses," she chuckles. "Not when you're one of us now." Shaelyn removes the dress she is wearing and grabs a pair of black leather trousers and pulls them on. She then takes the red shirt for her top half and tucks them into the trousers.

"You just need a jacket now," Evie says. "But, I don't think Ren will give you one for a while," she sighs. "Not until you're an official member of the group and taking part in more heists and crimes," she sighs. Shae shrugs and pulls on the dark brown boots before attaching a small knife to the belt around her waist. The look is pretty casual. The off the shoulder top is smart, but nothing unusual.

"How are we going to disguise your face?" Evie asks with a sigh.

"You don't need to worry about that," Shae replies and transforms into the other form that Nianzu had given her. Evie jumps back with wide eyes.

"What the fuck?" she exclaims. Taking steps forward, Evie grabs at the long platinum locks Shae now styles.

"You look like you, but not like you. It's strange," she gulps and looks at Shae's new eye colour. "How?" she asks, shaking her head. Shae chuckles.

"A gift, from a unique friend," she replies. Evie nods her head and Shae transforms back. "So, what am I going to have to learn before I go on heists and crime sprees?" Shae asks.

"You're going to have to learn how to pic-pocket," she sighs. Shae nods her head.

"I'm sure I'll be able to get the hang of it," she replies with a nod of her head.

"You're going to have to start making friends too. When we go out on missions, we know we can trust our teams. You're going to have to gain their's." Shae gulps.

"Okay..." she sighs.

"Which means less arguing with my brother..." Shae groans and sighs.

"He's so fucking infuriating," she sighs.

"I know," Evie chuckles and pats her friend's shoulder. "But, he is our leader and he is respected."

"Fine, I'll try and play nice," Shaelyn replies. Evie laughs again and the two leave her room, heading toward the main cavern again. It is busier this time. Though Shaelyn knows what to expect and though she struggles, the changes to her hearing don't overwhelm her as much as last time.

"You know Ben," Evie says, a slight blush in her cheeks as she speaks to him and Shae.

"Morning Ben," Shae smiles, looking between the two. Evie pinches Shae's arm, making Shaelyn squeal and swat her off.

"Good morning, princess," Ben replies with a smile.

"Shae, please," Shaelyn replies. He nods his head.

"Ben is the best at pickpocketing. He'll show you the ropes," Evie speaks quickly. "I'll let you two get on I think my brother wants to speak to me..." she rushes off quickly. Shae shakes her head as she watches her friend disappear towards Ren. 

"Shall we begin?" she asks Ben. He nods his head and the two walk to another area of the expanse of caves and passages that the Knights live in. Ben begins to explain the basics behind his skill. Shaelyn listens eagerly and works with Ben for most of the day. She isn't very good at it, but she'll learn quickly.

"So, what do I have to do to pass your training?" she asks with a laugh as the two make their way to dinner.

"If you can take something off Ren without him knowing, I'll tell him you're ready for criminal life," Ben laughs. Shae grins.

"What a perfect challenge," she says. "Though I think I'll wait until I've had a few more weeks of lessons first," she tells him.

They enter the cavern. There is shouting as a team enters carrying large bags full of gold and jewels. Shae's eyes widen as the riches are tipped across the floor.

"Stand back!" Ren orders with a laugh as people eagerly wait to take some. "No one is taking this," he tells them and they all groan. He laughs. "I think that people from the slums randomly selling stolen jewellery might draw some attention," he begins. Shae looks around, remembering that a lot of these people aren't actually full knights. They are just people who live in and around the slums who are looked after by Ren and his group. 

"We will go to some of our contacts to sell before handing out the money equally," he tells them. Mumbles of agreement follow and the riches are scooped back up again. Shae walks over to Evie.

"Wow," she says. Evie is grinning.

"Today has been a good day," she replies.

"I can see," Shae chuckles.

"Ren and his team will take it to Roz soon" she sighs and frowns.

"Ahh," Shae nods.

"Yeah," she replies. "He's a sneaky fuck," she chuckles. "He won't buy it for what it's worth, but he knows we will have nowhere else to go to get rid of it so he can get away with it." Shae frowns. 

"I know him. He's an old friend of ours," Shae smiles. "Has anyone ever threatened him? That usually works for us," she asks. Evie laughs humorlessly.

"Of course," she replies. "But the man has muscle," she sighs. Shae smiles and nods her head, watching as Ren and his team pack up the bags and get ready to go out. Pulling on their jackets and scarves.

"Perhaps, he needs a meeting with a princess," she tells Evie.

"Ren won't let you go out. You're to visit your contacts only and tell them the stories that aren't true about your sisters. He doesn't trust you enough to be actually involved in Knights business," she tells her. Shae ignores her and walks over to Ren.

"I'm coming with you," Shae tells him.

"What did I say about..."

"Do you want the correct price for your gems?" she asks. Ren raises an eyebrow, looking between Shae and Evie.

"Evie..." he growls. "What did you tell her?" Before Evie can reply, Shae speaks.

"Roz is an old friend of ours," Shae says. "I'll get him to give you what you want and more," she tells him. "I promise."

"How do you know Roz?" A woman asks as she pulls the bag over her shoulder. Em, her name is Shae thinks.

"When my sisters and I couldn't get out hands on any money in the castle, we would bring some of our jewellery into the city. Just like anyone who wants to discreetly sell, we went to Roz," she shrugs. The woman laughs.

"You were ripped off, just like the rest of us. Roz doesn't change being a greedy old man for anyone," she replies.

"Actually, Roz always gave us more than we asked for," Shae replies then shrugs. "But... If you don't want to know if that's true or not I'll just stay here and you can come back with less than what you're giving..."

"Fine," Ren growls. "You can come. Someone give her a cloak," he sighs.

"Me too?" Evie asks, trying her luck. His glare has Evie sighing and giving Shae a sad smile.

"Sorry, Evie," Shae sighs.

"I just want to be included," she replies. "He never lets me go out. Stupid over protective arse," she mumbles and walks off. Shae sighs as she is handed her black cloak.

"Keep up, princess," Em tells her with a smug grin as the team begins to race out of the caverns.

It is dark in the city. Midnight at lest. They run quickly through the streets. Not needing to hide as everyone is asleep. Shae can't help but smile as fresh air fills her lungs.

There are the occasional patrols, but they are quick to dart down another way. Roz lives in a decrepit house near the centre of the city. It is a whole square of buildings that look as though they are abandoned and falling apart. They push open a door that is close to falling off the hinges and walk inside. The inside, compared to the outside, is massively different. At first, the wooden slats on the floor are creaky and hole-ridden. Yet, the further inside you get, the more polished they become. The walls cease to have cracks and transition to a plush white colour. Decorated with silver candelabras and paintings. Two large men stand at the entrance of an archway. They stiffen upon seeing the group but don't move to stop them. The archway leads into a huge courtyard. The roof made up of coloured glass and the large square full of shelves that glitter from the number of sparkling jewels and ornaments sat upon them. It is an organised mess. In the centre of the square room, is a plush wooden desk. A throne-like chair behind it. The man sat in it is small. With straggly dark brown hair pulled over the top of a baling head.  He stands upon seeing the group, clicking his fingers. From around the room, large warriors appear. Standing straight at the edges and watching eagerly.

"Can't be too careful," he grins, gold teeth visible behind his thin lips.

"Roz," Ren begins and puts the bags down on his desk. "You know why we're here and we know the drill," he tells him. Roz grins again and pours the contents of the bags across the desk.

"A nice collection," he grins, running his hands through the golden chains. "How long you been working for all of this then?" he chuckles, his voice raspy as he lifts up one piece and smells it.

"We want Seven-hundred coins," Ren tells him. Shae raises her eyebrow. That's low. Roz sits down heavily, slumping back in his chair.

"Why do you continue to play this game with me, my boy?" he grins as he runs his hands through the pile. "I've told you before. Shifting stolen goods is very difficult. Not to mention the danger it puts me and my business in. You can't expect me to pay such a price for such risk," he sighs. "I'll give you five..." he says. "That's the highest I'm going. Especially as most of this looks to be Fae jewels. They wouldn't have come off certain High Future Fae, would they?" he asks. Ren goes to answer but Shae speaks up.

"Really Roz?" Shae asks from beneath her hood, stepping forward. Roz's eyes widen and he stands quickly, straightening his suit and hair. Shae pulls down her hood and smiles.

"Princess," he gulps. "I didn't realise you were working with this group now," he continues as the guards around the room disappear. "If Princess Fallon here?" he asks, his voice shaking slightly. Shae laughs and shakes her head.

"Not today," she replies. "Your business is with me." He sighs and nods his head. 

"Thank goodness," he shudders. "You know, I've always prefered working with you and Princess Rayana. You're much nicer. Princess Fallon and Illyana are a little scarier. Not that I don't like them of course," he continues to spurt out. "I am all for Princess Illyana being our next queen. The True Queen will rise and all that," he laughs nervously.

"Roz," Shae smiles and he shakes his head.

"Of course, business," he gulps. "How much would you like?" he asks.

"One-thousand," Shae replies. Em scoffs behind them then stops as Roz stands.

"Of course, I can get that for you right now. You are very kind, princess." He leans forward. "I'll even give you an extra hundred if you don't tell Princess Fallon that I tried to rip off your friends," he smiles shakily. Shaelyn laughs.

"Deal," she replies and shakes his hand. He rushes off quickly and comes back with five bags.

"Two-hundred coins in each," he grins. "Here is your hundred," he says to Shaelyn as he pulls out another bag from under his desk. The knights quickly pull the bags over their shoulders.

"It is always lovely doing business with you, Princess," he smiles. Shae laughs and walks around to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. He blushes and gulps.

"Roz," Shae begins.

"Yes?" he squeaks.

"No one is going to find out about the princesses involvement with you or the Knights are they?" she asks. He shakes his head.

"No no no no," he says over and over again. "My lips are sealed as they are with all my clients."

"Good and now you know of our close relationship with the knights... Am I going to have to continue visiting you just to make sure you are giving them what their goods are worth?" she asks. He shakes his head.

"Of course not. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine," he says and nods his head quickly.

"Good," she smiles. "It is always lovely seeing you, Roz," she smiles. He blushes again and clears his throat.

"You too, princesses. Did I tell you that you are my favourite?" She laughs.

"Yes, Roz. Every time I visit," she replies. He nods his head.

"Good, good," he chuckles. "Just as long as it is you coming to see me and not Princess Fallon," he gulps.

"It will always be myself of Princess Rayana as long as you behave," she warns.

"Always," he promises.

"Goodbye, Roz," Shae smiles and they leave. Once they are outside and out of sight, Em starts to laugh.

"What the fuck?" she asks. Shae laughs. "What did Princess Fallon do to him?"

"You don't want to know," Shae chuckles and they run back to their base.