A Rose From Starrick’s Garden
I debated if I should post this oneshot. It is completely self indulgent, I couldn’t pick a plot line, and well I just wanted A LOT out of one fic. It’s complete trash, but hopefully you enjoy it as much as I did.
Also, I am aware this fic is not cannon compliant at all, but just enjoy the dumpster fire of a fic I created :)
The research Evie had trusted her with, had lead to another dead end. Defeated, she had shuffled through the train car in search of Evie to relay the bad news. Evie’s voice indicated she was in the den, but another soft voice had Y/N pressing herself against the wall.
Shame flooded her for a second, eavesdropping was rude, but her curiosity won over in the end. A small smile played at her lips at the bashful exchange between the two. The subtle flirting had her feeling giddy inside. In her mind Evie and Henry were a match made in heaven, and she’d been watching the romance blossom between the two.
That smooth voice, tickling the shell of her ear made her jump. Her cheeks flamed red at being caught. It didn’t help that the person who caught her had to be Jacob Frye of all people. The smug bastard would hold this over her head for weeks to come.
“It’s not what you think…"
She knew it was a lame excuse, and by the quirk of his brow he conveyed that it was exactly what he thought.
“I wonder how my dear ol’ sis will take it when she finds out her best friend has taken up match making?” He pressed his gauntlet against the wall as he leaned close to her. “And when she finds out she’s the main target.”
The complete arrogance he conveyed had her shrinking against the wall. He was aware that he was in complete control of the conversation, and it amused him to no end to watch her squirm.
“There aren’t two people more perfect for each other…” She dared a glance up at him. Her statement seemed to briefly catch him off guard. He straightened, adjusting the lapels of his jacket. His next words were muttered under his breath. If her hearing wasn’t so keen she would have missed it.
“I can think of two people more deserving.”
Before she could inquire further he had already made his presence known in the next room. Y/N could already feel the tension in the next room grow. Evie’s obvious annoyance at her younger twin interrupting a shared moment with Henry.
“Careful Greenie, my sister seems to be having another fit again."
Y/N made her way into the room to find Evie ready to explode.
"You nearly wrecked England’s economy!” She cried.
“Nearly Evie, key word.” He said lounging on the sofa.
“Nearly? If fath-” Y/N was quick to intercede.
“Jacob was just about to brief me on a party Starrick will be attending.” She said shooting a pointed glance at Jacob.
Mirth danced in his eyes at the sight of Evie being worked up once again by his antics. “Yes, I was. A party your dear friend offered to go to in your place."
Evie’s shoulders relaxed a bit, "no rib crushing contraption for me then?"
"Precisely.” Y/N said with a nod. “Starrick is unaware of my involvement with the brotherhood, so it is possible that I may be able to glean some information from him.”
Evie’s eyes ran over her figure a moment, “with a bit of cleaning up I suppose you’re exactly the type of woman Starrick would take an interest in.”
“Yes, but how far are you willing to go for information?” Henry asked thoughtfully. “The most you could carry is a knife, which you would only have access to if you were…” Henry coughed, rubbing a hand up his neck.
“I believe the word you’re looking for is undressed Henry.” Jacob chimed in. His voice was taut as he shifted into a sitting position on the couch. “Which at that point Starrick will put two and two together, and her throat will be slit faster than either of us can blink."
"Then I’ll go unarmed.” Y/N said simply.
“You expect us to let you walk in there unarmed and alone, right into Starricks arms?” Jacob inquired.
“I think the plan is bloody brilliant!” Evie said excitedly. “Think about it, if he decides he likes you he may start inviting you to other places as well."
"A double agent infiltrating Templar ranks?” Henry interrupted, catching onto Evie’s plan.
Jacob scoffed, “do you even realize what you’re asking?” He said standing up, “you’re asking your best friend to not only court the Templar Grandmaster, but warm his bed as well?” He cried, exasperated at Evie’s schemes. “He could break her neck like a twig if he got the slightest hint that she’s an assassin.”
Evie rolled her eyes, “don’t act like Y/N can’t protect herself. She’s a trained killer."
"So is Starrick!” Jacob cried, throwing his hands up. “When she’s caught in a Templar den, surrounded by a bunch of highly trained Templars her odds of survival drop to zero!”
“Oh just admit it Jacob, you can’t stand the thought of another man touching her.” Evie said brushing him off.
Jacob froze, and Evie’s shoulder’s stiffened the moment she realized what she had said. “Jake, I didn’t mean…it slipped.” She said softly, as if she were trying to approach a startled deer.
Jacob brushed past her, slamming the car door behind him. Y/N’s jaw had gone slack as her eyes darted between Henry and Evie.
Evie looked shameful, her hand covering her mouth as she sat down at the desk. She was still in shock over the secret she’d accidentally let slip.
“You should get ready for the party.” Evie’s voice sounded hollow. “We’ve been waiting to infiltrate the Templars ranks for years. We can’t waste this opportunity.” Evie’s crystal gaze seemed miles away.
Y/N’s eyes darted between Evie and Henry. He only offered her a shrug, as if this was another feud between the Fryes he’d rather not get involved in. With a sigh she left the two to scheme up their next plan.
She could expect very little help from Evie with getting ready, which left her with only one option. Find a Rook willing to stuff her into a gown.
She was lucky enough to find a few female Rooks occupying the bar car who agreed to assist.
White knuckles gripped the table as the lacings were pulled tight. “How tight do you want it ma'am?”
“As tight as it’ll go.” She gritted. She had concluded that Starrick’s suspicions would be laid to rest if she appeared overtly vain. No assassin would dare to waltz into a ball in a contraption they couldn’t breath in…right?
The deep red satin skirt hung heavy on her hips, and the shoulder sleeves left her feeling bare and exposed. After inspecting her reflection in the mirror she concluded that she could appeal to any man with minimal effort. “I"ll be right surprised if Mr. Starrick leaves your side at all tonight.” One of the Rooks concluded.
Y/N offered her a kind smile, “thank you Emma."
She grabbed the shawl wrapping it around her shoulders before making her way off the train. She was able to exit at (train station). Her next objective was to find a carriage.
Jacob watched the swish of a red dress disappearing into a carriage. A frown pulled at his lips. It was just like Evie to get her way. The mission was the only thing that mattered to her. When he had returned to the train car to plead his case once more she had quoted their father at him, "don’t let personal feelings compromise the mission.”
It had mattered very little that the mission involved her best friend. She could be extremely shrewd at times, and there was little he could do or say that would change her mind.
The carriage was easy to catch. In a flash he’d opened the door and seated himself across from her. A look of shock was plain on her face, and a bit of fear once she realized she was unarmed. A scowl quickly appeared on her face as soon as she recognized him. “Jacob Frye! How dare you scare me like that!” She hissed slapping him with her fan.
“Oi, I was only checking in love.” He said, and a blush dusted her cheeks at the word “love.” The unresolved tension from earlier hung in the air.
Y/N was the first to look away, giving Jacob the chance to take her in. She was stunning. The dress complimented her soft skin, and the low neckline of the dress created a beautiful decolletage. He’d never seen so much skin on the assassin, and greedily his eyes hungered for more. He had to avert his hazel eyes, “you won’t have any issues catching Starrick’s eye in that.”
(E/c) eyes flickered down at the ensemble. “Evie will be thrilled.” She muttered.
Jacob leaned forward capturing her chin in his hand tilting her gaze up into his hazel pools. “I’ll be on the rooftops, if there are any issues signal me and I’ll get you out of there."
To his surprise she threw her arms around him engulfing him in a hug. "Thank you Jacob.” She pulled away quickly, “perhaps I’m more nervous than I thought."
Jacob quirked a smile, "I’ll be there if you need me love.” With a soft kiss to the back of her hand, he disappeared out of the carriage and into the night.
She steadied her breathing as the carriage pulled up to the stone mansion. The carriage driver assisted her out the carriage. Her sides were already aching as she made her way up the steps of the house. She fanned herself in hopes that it would draw more oxygen into her lungs, but it was no use. Many eyes were drawn her way when she stepped into the gardens. Satisfaction grew inside when she noticed even the Grandmaster had paused mid sentence to stare. She threw him a small smirk before heading towards the dance floor.
The bait was laid, and all she had to do was wait for him to bite. Her eyes were about to dart to the rooftops when she felt a hand press into the small of her back. “I don’t believe I have made your acquaintance.”
His voice was elegant, and refined. One would suppose it was due to good breeding, and coming from a proper upbringing. “I very much doubt it Sir, I just arrived in London not three days ago.” She turned to face him, but found herself even closer to him as he guided her closer with his hands.
“Dance with me.” It wasn’t a request, he was a man who was used to being in control.
“I take it you always get your way?” She inquired as he lead her to the center of the dance floor.
“I’m a man who knows what he wants, and you look like a woman who knows what she wants.”
Her lips quirked up, “I confess my strong will has lead me into trouble at times.”
“A rose among the weeds, beautiful to look at, but painful for those who cannot handle the thorns.” His palm felt solid on her waist, and she caught his eyes drinking in her figure that was on display.
“Have you handled many roses then?"
She found herself chest to chest with him. His eyes were hypnotic, and his body radiated power and control. A shiver went down her spine as his fingers trailed up her back. "Never one so sweet.”
His lips were dangerously close, and propriety was insisting she pull away. She was unsure if it was the corset making her pant, or her heart that pounded dangerously inside her chest.
A smoke bomb went off, and the shuffling of feet could be heard. She felt hands pulling her from behind. Crawford’s arms felt like a steel cage as they tightened around her. She was being pulled in both directions. “Let go of her.” That snarl could only belong to one man.
“This has made the game more interesting Jacob.” The smoke had started to clear and Starrick’s expression was predatory. Cold steel pressed against her throat, and Jacob immediately froze. “What would Jacob Frye do to save a rose?”
“Let her go, this is between you and me Starrick."
Starrick touted, "I suspect she is an assassin. More’s the pity, she would have looked absolutely divine spread across my desk.” Gloved fingers tightened around her esophagus. She fought desperately to pry his fingers off. “I wish this had been under more sensual circumstances.” His low voice tickled the shell of her ear.
Panic flooded Jacob’s eyes, until a lucky blow found its mark. Y/N could feel the hard impact of bone against her elbow. It was enough for him to loosen his grip. Jacob sprung to action pulling her to him and grappling to the nearest rooftop. He took off across the rooftops. Y/N doing her best to find any speed quicker than a brisk walk. Jacob realizing she wasn’t close behind, stopped to find her picking her way across the roof. “Why did you lace that thing so bloody tight?!” He cried.
“Why did you decide to ruin the mission?!” She countered.
“I rescued you from that man’s skeevy arms!"
A roll of her (e/c) eyes was all she replied, "just find us a carriage. I can’t run in this!”
Jacob was quick to zipline them to the ground. He found a small carriage and unceremoniously stuffed her in. She hadn’t even seated herself when the carriage jolted forward, throwing her into the leather seat. “Can this thing go any faster?” She cried finding several blighters on their tail.
“I’m sorry your highness, did you want to drive?” Jacob quipped back.
A gunshot echoed behind them. “Glad to know I got dressed up for my funeral.” She shouted angrily.
“Oh, Y/N I’ve been in worse spats than this. We are perfectly fine.” He said simply. It wasn’t a second later when another carriage slammed into the left side of theirs. Y/N wished she hadn’t gazed out the window. It all seemed to happen too quickly. Jacob had taken a sharp turn onto the bridge when the blighter carriage had slammed into theirs. The world was upside down a moment, and Y/N knew she was headed right for the Thames.
Jacob had been thrown out of his seat when the carriage tipped over. He braced himself for the cold water. When he surfaced he found the carriage slipping below the water’s surface. It was then that it dawned on him that Y/N would be stuck. He dove under searching blindly for the carriage. The murky Thames making visibility poor. He found a window and began to smash through it. He pulled her body through the window, but found the dress was stuck. His hidden blade set to work shredding any material he could get his hands on. When the dress finally loosened, he pulled her free and pulled them up to the surface.
The shore wasn’t far and she was barely breathing. As soon as they reached shore he cut the lacings. She coughed up water, gulps full of air burning her lungs. She was freezing, and the white shift sticking to her skin made her realize how exposed she was. “J-j-j-a-a-cob Fr-r-rye,” her teeth clattered as shivers wracked her body.
“Shh love,” he said softly as his eyes ran down her, inspecting her for any damage. Self consciously she covered her chest. The shift was extremely see-through while wet, and she was mortified the younger Frye twin had practically seen everything at this point. To her surprise there was no trace of smugness in his eyes. Only concern, and possible guilt.
“Let’s get you back to the train before you freeze.” He said simply.
“I cant walk around London like this.” She said gazing down at her stockings that were caked with sand.
Jacob looked her up and down, “I think this is the best you’ve looked yet.” Hazel eyes flickered down at sopping linen that was barely hanging onto her body.
“My eyes are up here Mr. Frye.” She dead panned. She immediately got to her feet. “Well I suppose if I’m to be a trollop, I shall be the best trollop London has ever seen.” She set off towards the train tracks, shoulders back and head held high.
Jacob’s head cocked to the side, how he loved a woman with spunk. However, he was just starting to realize just how see through that shift was. If there was anything Jacob Frye considered himself to be, a gentleman was one of them. He was quick to remove his over coat and soon engulfed her in it. A shiver ran down her spine when the dripping coat hit her shoulders. He scooped her up in his arms, and he was surprised to find out how light she was in his arms. “Jacob!” She squeaked in surprise.
“Now come love, a gentleman wouldn’t let a lady stroll about the streets in her undergarments.”
“A gentleman wouldn’t have made me go for a swim either.” She grumbled.
His chest rumbled with a chuckle. “I am taking you for a moonlight stroll, and what’s more romantic than that?” He inquired. “All in all, I would say this was a successful date."
She sputtered, "a successful date?"
"Fancy clothes, a carriage ride, an evening swim, a moonlit stroll, and you’re almost completely naked. What more could I have done to make it a success?"
A blush stained her cheeks, "pray, what gave you the notion that we are on a date?"
A smirk spread across his lips, "you never denied that we were on a date, besides there are some positively wicked things I’ve wanted to do to you all evening.”
“I think this whole night started, because your jealousy got the best of you Jacob."
His grip tightened on her, "what do I have to be jealous about love? My hands are the ones touching your arse not Starrick’s.” His breath tickled her ear as it lowered an octave, “and what a lovely arse it is."
"Why haven’t you said anything?” Her voice sounded small. Unsure if this was a conversation the two should have.
He sighed, “I never thought you’d give a bloke like me a second glance.” He said with a simple shrug.
“Jacob, you literally stuffed me ass first into a carriage, then proceeded to wreck said carriage in the Thames. I should be pissed, but honestly it’s a little endearing. I know you mean well.” Her hand came up to cup his face, and a small blush appeared on his cheeks.
“What in the bloody hell did you do Jacob?” Evie’s voice snapped the two at attention.
“The mission was a success Evie!” Jacob said with a grin.
“Starrick’s men are all over London looking for you two! You wrecked a carriage off the bridge, and Y/N where on earth are your clothes?"
"The bottom of the Thames…” she said sheepishly.
“The mission was an utter disaster!” Evie cried.
“That is where you are wrong. Your mission was a disaster, mine was an utter success.” Jacob said proudly. “Now if you don’t mind dear sis, I would recommend staying far away from my train car for the rest of the evening.” He leaned closer to his sister, “I have plucked a rose from Starrick’s garden that I plan to worship thoroughly."