Killing the youngest Prince would guarantee this political game of marriage and alliances would end. Nash crept into the boy’s room and stood above his unmoving form. The boy had pushed the covers away, and his chest was exposed. “Forgive me,” he said as he plunged the dagger into the boy’s visible flesh.
This wasn’t the first youngster he had killed, but it was definitely the last. Nash planned on letting King Sargus know of his intentions to retire from the assassination business.
Nash exited the castle and retrieved his horses by pulling them out of the time-stream. He mounted and rode through the gates before letting time flow naturally again.
Nash took his time getting home. King Sargus was conducting business in the throne room when Nash arrived. His advisor, Agamen, waved the guards out of the room.
“Is it done?” Sargus asked conspiratorially.
“It is. There is no chance of an alliance through marriage between Drenad and Praetha,” Nash announced.
“Realllly?” King Sargus said, surprised. “You killed all three Princes?”
Nash looked him in the eye, “Yes, I did,” he said.
Sargus wiggled his finger at Agamen. He understood and retrieved a large chest of coins from behind the throne. “I had hoped you would pull through, Nash, so I had this prepared for you,” Sargus said as Agamen struggled to drag the chest forward.
“Thank you, my King, but I have a request as well,” Nash said.
“Go on,” Sargus said indulgently since he was in such a good mood.
“I want to retire. I’m done with killing,” Nash said.
“That’s fine for now,” King Sargus said. “But, you may have to come out of retirement if the kingdom of Kheozia needs you.”
“I understand,” Nash said. He thought this might be the King’s response. He would accept his pay and quietly move in the night to never be seen in Kheozia again. The Soul Assassin was retiring whether his King approved or not.