“Unreachable tower. I am familiar with the criminals who run my streets, soldier.”
He flinches as if she slapped him.
“Rumours have been spreading like wildfire. Word has gotten out that the borders may open-
“Shut those rumours down.”
“It’s too late, ma’am.” He stutters nervously, “The new mayor has promised the general population a brighter future. A future where everyone can benefit from the black market, not just the board members.”
Irritation tightens her jaw.
“Erik Prince is making waves.”
“A mayor with a mind of his own.” Clicking my tongue, I cast a sly grin her way, “Your pet project is rebelling already, mother.”
“So it would seem.”
“His stepdaughter is an easy target, however given her relationship with Marlin Seaborn…” I trail off, letting the thought simmer, “You would risk losing the support and the investment of the Seaborn family. Both of which create quite the impact on your council.”
“The stepdaughter is out of the question.”
“And so is the man she calls a father.”
Curiosity spills into the lingering frustration, dimming the fire in her eyes by the slightest degree.
“You sound confident.”
“I am confident that the new mayor has already won the favour of the general population.” Flicking out my blade, I start wiping the bloody residue on the inside of my thigh, “If you cut him down before he has the chance to fail, you are crucifying yourself. Reinstating the image that Erik is the leader they have been waiting for.”
The guard watches me with suspicious eyes, the easy toss of my knife coming a little too close to the scruff on his jaw.
Far too blonde for my liking.
“If you let him continue to fan the flames, however, you may find yourself with a mayor wearing a noose around his neck. Just waiting for the right opportunity to fall through a trapdoor.”
“You propose to let the rumours play out.”
“And see how Erik handles the fallout of unfulfilled promises.”
Pressing the blade to my lips, I skim the razor along the sensitive flesh. Maleficent watches closely, her eyes tracking the curve of a malicious smile.
“A saviour who cannot act upon his good faith, well... that right there is just a man.”
Lipstick stains the serrated blade, a delicate reminder of who holds the power in this town.
“A knight destined to die upon his own sword.” Thin lips pinch together, the first hint of a smile breaking through the Dragon's stony expression, “Quite the tragedy, indeed.”
“Ma’am? There was one other thing.”
The guard straightens, shouldering his way back into the conversation.
“The unsolicited attempt to enter our borders was done by a group of people. An unidentified group who only had one thing in common.”
He swallows, perspiration breaking out beneath Maleficent’s stare.
“They were all wearing animal masks.”
My mother stills.
