“You’re late.” A woman’s voice growled from the corner of the almost empty tavern, sitting on a chair shrouded in shadow.

I chuckled. “Fashionably.”

I sat opposite her, bringing a candle with me. Not so I could see her face - although it was quite beautiful, battle scars showed her courage and strength - but so I could see if she would draw a sword on me, or try to attack in any other way. Knowing the sacred guard, that would most likely happen, considering the fact that I’m a thief, maybe even a murderer, can’t remember for sure.

Looking round, the loneliness of the singular souls drinking from their tankard on small tables was almost palpable.

_Pathetic._ I couldn’t help but think. If your lonely, become enemies with the King’s guard, then you will have loads of people to talk to, even if they’re not the best company.

“You know why I brought you here?” The woman said, not even a hint of emotion on her face.

I turned back round to face her and ran my hands through my hair.

“Not really, no.” I chuckled again.

The only thing I knew was that as I was running from the guards last night - that time I hadn’t done anything wrong, I swear - they placed a note inside my pocket. It said to meet hear. It was tempting to not, but I was still intrigued. Now I regret that decision and I’m probably gonna die.

The woman showed her annoyance from a faint snarl, which I barely even noticed.

“You are here because…” she paused, as if it were a difficult thing to say. For some reason I expected her to say we were on a date. Sadly, not the truth.

“We need your help.”

My eyes widened. “You trust me?”

“No.” She said, almost too quickly.

A laugh burst from my lips. “Smart move.”