Most days, Zelos was a welcome distraction from the usual rituals of court. Her oldest friend rarely played the game by the same rules as everyone else, particularly when it came to speaking with her. Today, however, his mood was unusually serious as he presented her with a sheaf of paperwork. On the top was a short note signed with a moniker she had never seen before.
“The Draconic Phantom?” she read aloud, a slight crease furrowing her brow. She flipped through the pages and noted her own name among others. This was not the first time she had seen an assassin’s contract bearing her name, or her father’s. Even the Pope had tried his hand at assassinating the King, and her own life was hardly in any less danger. “So you think this Phantom may be involved?” she asked, and Zelos merely nodded in confirmation.
Hilda folded the stack of paper neatly into thirds and gave Zelos a crisp nod in return. “Thank you for bringing these to my attention. I will ensure that my Father sees these, and begin looking into Lady Toriana Reinhard. A noble family can hardly leave the city without anyone noticing.” Zelos’ usual smile returned momentarily as he gave her a mock salute and let himself out, and she sighed. Assassination contracts were always a hassle to trace, even if they were clearly signed. Lady Reinhard would surely deny all knowledge of such papers.
Hilda wanted an informant on the inside, as close to this ‘Toriana Reinhard’ as possible. She tapped the paper stack thoughtfully against her chin and wondered if the Lady Reinhard had a personal maid. Perhaps it was time for that maid to take a well-earned vacation.