Assassination gone...?(Tubytu kristie) Assassination gone...?

Chapter 1: Introduction

Ophelia

I walked briskly along the eerie hallway; you could probably hear a pin drop at how quiet it was. Other than the occasional co-worker, it was as if this hallway was deserted. I could hear every step, every click of my heel on the concrete as I came to a massive door with a eyeball scan.

OH? I didn't tell you? Well, I'm Ophelia Gold and I work for the government. Now I don’t mean sorting out taxes or checking the country's population or anything like that. No, I do the ‘dirty work’ as some say. I clean up riots that end up on the bad side, I make sure that there are no traitors or moles in the government and, worst of all, I end the lives of anyone I'm told to.

I lifted my white-dyed hair out of my face and put my hazel-eye right in front of the scanner. Once it finished scanning, I waited for the doors to open, which they did, and simply walked in like I owned the place.

"Thirteen" my boss, Anastasia, greeted with a curt nod as well as using my code name. I nodded and took a seat right in front of her desk. "Now, I know I haven't sent you on a mission that requires you to infiltrate the place in quite a while, but now I am. So go get your stuff and go get the debriefing in the room. Now."

I nodded my head and quickly left her office to get changed. I went down to the debriefing room and grabbed my file, ignoring all the glares that come my way. You see, our boss has a tendency to test someone, basically and initiation test, for about 3-4 years. If you pass, you become an assassin but if you don't, it’s the end of the line for you. Now everyone here has done 3-4 years' worth of torture by Anastasia but I only did about 1 and a half and she let me become one at 21. That was 4 years ago.

Everyone is still salty that I only did 1 and a half years, so they’ve started making rumors that I bribed her or that me and her younger brother are dating or something dumb like that. But anyway, back to the debriefing case. Huh, this’ll be...interesting


William Harrington

Born:1994

Age:27

Occupation: Crown Prince

Residence: Royal Castle, 2ndfloor East wing.

Your job: take him out as discretely as possible

Why?: the country is going into bankruptcy, this started when the crown prince was crowned.

Your disguise: Adviser

Your background: You’re a 25 y/o graduate, just came out from university. You have a ‘friend' who works in the palace but recently retired, and offered you a job. Get that job and finish the mission


Crown prince huh? Wonder how long this'll take. I walked into the garage, getting onto my motorbike and starting the engine.


William

I was pacing around the room, just waiting for the feedback. The thing is, there is a lot of things that has happened since I was crowned and it wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows.

I mean, it would be better if I wasn’t crowned, my sister is now being put in very difficult situations because she wasn’t crowned, now she needs a spouse. If she was crowned, she wouldn’t be forced to marry so in light of that, I have asked the government to assassinate me.

Of course, they don't know it's me but, what they don't know won't hurt them. I heard the phone buzz and I darted for it. It said that the deed will be done in 2-5 months and I grinned. I guess this may be a bit weird for anyone without context but I don't care because as long as everything works out, everything will be better. "Your highness, your lunch is ready" I heard a butler call. I walked out, my mood definitely better than this morning, and followed the butler to the dining room.

My mother and sister sat next to each other and my father sat on the far end of the table. Y'know like those really inaccurate descriptions of dining tables, yeah, those ones. I ate and happily went up to my office to finish some paperwork



Chapter 2: Job Interview Preparation

Ophelia

The wind blew through my hair as I took my helmet off. I sighed and stared at the haunted-looking double story house in front of me. I walked up to the house and rang the doorbell. I tapped my foot impatiently. I'm supposed to meet my ‘retired friend' so I can get the references to apply as an advisor for his royal highness.

The door opened and I was met with what seemed like a very petrified man who looked about 50ish. He nervously and skittishly beckoned me to come in. I sighed and walked in. “D-do you w-ant so-some tea m-miss?” he asked, looking down. Boss must've showed him the video, sucks to be him. “No, just bring me the files. Now.” I said in a demanding voice which caused him to flinch. I sort of felt bad for him, I mean he's gotten involved with the government assassins, who wouldn't feel bad.

He ran quickly up some stairs to get the files while I just mess with the ring on my finger, something I do when I'm bored or nervous and I'm definitely not nervous. He came downstairs with a file that looked about as thick as a wooden door. It seemed heavy but I picked it up in one hand, making it seem like it weighed nothing. I signalled him to open the door and he quickly did. I hopped onto my bike, placing the files on my lap and strapping it there. I turned to the nervous man in the doorway of the house and said “Thanks, and I suggest you get out of this as soon as you can. You don’t want to be involved with the government business”

He seemed to stare at me with shock and awe, probably from being able to hold this file with ease. He nodded while I put my helmet back on and revved the engine. I grinned under the helmet, knowing I was going to make this drive very fun.

Once I got back to my apartment, I unlocked my door and walked in. I dropped the file on my dinner table and went back to my door to lock it. I quickly whipped up some eggs on toast and got to reading the references.

So apparently, I am going in as an accounting graduate, 25 years old, single and Mexican-American. Not that great but it'll do. I finished my toast and went to my room to pick out an outfit for the interview. I decided on black trousers, a white shirt and a black blazer, knowing it would be better if I wore something formal.

I decided to call it a night and go to sleep soon after picking my outfit, knowing that I am going to need to practice my acting in the morning.


William

After lunch I went back up to my room to pass some time. An idea popped into my head halfway through reading. I should try to identify who the assassin is. Yeah, then I can get close to them and it'll be easier for them to kill me!

“Uh sir? Are you alright?” I almost jumped at the unfamiliar voice. It was the butler that called me for lunch. “Yes, why do you ask?” I said, regaining my composure. “Well, you started smiling and the book is upside down, so I doubt it has got anything to do with the book.” He explained. I looked at the book and it was indeed upside down. “Don’t worry about it, I was just thinking.” I replied. He looked at me sceptically before adding “Her highness the queen has asked that you go to her quarters after dinner.”

After he left, I let out a sigh before my mind started working. Oh no, what if she found out about my plan? What if she increases security? That’s not good. I tried to calm myself down and you may think I'm overreacting but there is a lot more to this than just my sister getting married. At the moment, there are many people who want me dead, excluding the government, and will stop at nothing to make it happen. So, logically it would be better if I knew when, or roughly when, so I could sort out the will, and write my goodbyes.

After dinner, I went to my mothers’ room. I knocked twice on the door and I heard a muffled ‘come in', so I did just that. I saw my mother sitting at her desk with a warm smile. She pointed at the chair in front of her desk, telling me to sit down. I fiddled with my thumbs, like a nervous child that just broke something, and waited to hear the news.

“Alright, William, I know you don’t want an advisor, and I don’t want to force you into anything but, you are obligated to have one and I think we have the perfect candidate.” Mother said with a warm smile, while passing me a page, that sort of looks like an ID


Ophelia Gold

Born:1996

Age:25

Occupation: Accounting Graduate, looking for job

Level of study: Top of her grade, 6 years

Family: Mother-Dead

Father-Unknown

Siblings-None

Physical description

Heterochromia: Left eye-blue

Right eye-hazel

White hair (dyed)

5’6/ 167.64cm


I thought about it before I realised. This is perfect. She's the one! She's the assassin! And she's coming in as my advisor, this is great. I made my expression as neutral as possible and said “Alright Mother, I'll let her be my advisor.” My mother grinned happily.

That night, I went to bed with a smile on my face. Excited for what’s going to happen next.



Chapter 3: The Interview

Ophelia

Getting up was a pain. I slipped out of bed and took a shower. While in the shower I couldn’t help but think about how this is all really stupid. I mean I could probably slip in and out within a day but safety measures, I guess.

Getting out of the shower I changed into my trousers, shirt and blazer and walked into my kitchen. I don't live in the biggest apartment but it's very cosy. Some may say its cramped but I absolutely hate it when it's just empty and boring. Like you do you, I guess.

I made some porridge and tea. Once I finished, I touched up my makeup, checked my hair and put on my shoes. I grabbed the references and my helmet, leaving my apartment and locking it. Once I got to my bike, I revved the engine and started the 30-minute drive.

During the drive I saw this black and white cat which caused me to start thinking about cats. Yes, I absolutely love cats, though I don't have one. And in my thoughts the idea that I adopt one suddenly popped up. I parked at the entrance of the palace, deciding I'd think about adopting a cat later, and showed my card to the palace guards. They nodded and allowed me in but stopped me saying they'd take care of my bike. I let them take my bike and as I walked around the corner, I could've sworn I heard the guard's squeal.

I took a couple of lefts and rights, knowing my way around since there was a map in the debriefing file, and I finally found my way to his highness’ office. I sighed and knocked on the door, not wanting to but I have a job to do.

I heard shuffling in the room before the door burst open. I saw a tall male, about 182 centimetres tall, light brown hair and green eyes with specks of yellow in it. I moved backwards, still clutching the references, and raised an eyebrow at the eager expression that decorated his face. “Are you Ophelia?” Was the first thing I had heard from him and I was slightly surprised by his thick British accent, but then I remembered that he is literally the prince of Britian. I nodded sceptically, not sure of how to react to this.

He grinned, from ear to ear, beckoning me to come in. I walked in, taking in my surroundings and looking for potential escape routes, just in case. He walked behind his desk and sat down while telling me to “Take a seat, please” I set my references on the desk and sat in the chair in front of his desk.

He opened a drawer which caused me to watch his movements, I mean he could have a knife or gun in there and don’t you dare say I'm being overdramatic, because that has happened before, but that's a story for another time.

He took out a significantly smaller file and plopped it next to my references. He then tried to move the files but it barely budged. I pressed my lips together, in attempt to suppress the laugh that was bubbling in my throat. He stood up and continued to struggle with the file before sitting down and staring at me with disbelief written all over his face. I lifted an eyebrow and asked with a smirk “Is it too heavy, your highness?” He gawked and asked “How- you? What??” I stood up, walking closer to the desk and picking up the file with one arm with a small smirk.

He looked at me in awe and shock and his mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.


William

I stared at the woman in front of me in shock. I couldn't even move it, let alone pick it up with one arm. ‘There’s no way she isn’t the assassin’ I thought, my mouth still on the floor. I quickly regained my composure and simply grinned. She narrowed her eyes, probably at my expression, and set the file on my desk.

“Alright, then let’s get the interview started.” I said, opening the file that I took out of my drawer. Though I didn't miss how she tensed and looked ready to pounce if I made a sudden movement when I first took it out. I flipped through the file, acting as if I was looking for something specific but she didn't look nervous at all. I’ve watched how my mother interviewed people and they at least looked a bit fidgety but she looked absolutely fine.

I asked her multiple questions about her studies and references and she answered me confidently, almost making me forget about the whole ‘she might be an assassin who I anonymously asked to take my life’ thing. Though when I asked her the last question on my list, it seemed to throw her off completely.

“And the last question, your parents, were they divorced or did your father, well leave?” At the time, I sort of forgot how much of a sensitive topic this is, so I asked straight forwardly. She froze and took in a sharp inhale. She blinked a couple of times before she let out a shaky breath and asked “Why, why do you need to know?” I raised an eyebrow, and keep in mind I had only realised after the interview that that is not a question I should be asking, and said “Well, I was given a list of questions to ask and that was a question that I'm supposed to ask. Well, actually its phrased a bit differently but it wouldn't have made sense because of the information we have-” She cut me off by saying “I am, I am not comfortable with sharing that with you, your highness.”

The air started to feel a lot more tense, and I could hear the clock ticking, which probably isn't very good. She was looking in the lap, fiddling with her ring on her middle finger. I decided I should probably end the interview; I mean she’s already hired so she doesn't need to answer that.

“Ahem, well then I guess it would be best if I ended the interview now,” I said, standing up which caused her to look up a me, one hazel and blue staring right into my green eyes, though looking at her eyes, it looked like something was off with her eyes but I couldn't figure it out. She stood up and I heard keys jingle ‘Must be her motorbike keys’ I thought while extending my hand for a handshake. She raised her hand to shake it, seeming to go back to the her from the beginning of the interview. The handshake was short-lived as she pulled her hand back to her side. “And I can't wait to work with you” I grinned, I seemed to be doing that a lot today, and she gave me a small smile in return.

“Well then, I guess I'll see you in a week, your highness” she stated before turning on her heel and walking off, turning a corner so she was no longer in sight. I walked into my office, calling someone to come and pick up her reference file. Once we finally found someone that could actually pick up the file, I had to get back to work but nothing could wipe off the smile that was on my face.


Chapter 4: Cats, code names and family

Ophelia

I was driving down the highway when I remembered, adopting a cat. ‘Should I? I mean, then I'd be forced to clean my clutter closet, and I have been meaning to. And I'd get a cat, yeah that'll be a good idea.’ And just to my luck, there's a pet shop just farther up the highway, near home. I sped up slightly, already excited, I dodged a couple of cars, narrowly missing a lamp post and finally seeing the pet store coming into view.

Hopping off of my bike, I chained it to a pole and almost sprinted for the store. It's been a while since I've felt so happy over anything, and I don’t think I mind it at all. I walked over to an employee, who looked like they wanted to be anywhere but here, and simply said “Hi, I'd like to adopt a cat please? Preferably a kitten.” They nodded and walked over to a door and opened it, signaling me to go in “Please, take your time.” They said in possibly the most ‘I’m-bored-out-of-my-mind' voice I've ever heard. I thanked them and gave them a sympathetic look.

I walked around before I noticed they were numbered. I played with some, but none of them felt like the one. I walked past one cage, not seeing a cat in there but I saw something out of the corner of my left eye. So, I backed tracked and crouched down in front of the cage and I noticed a lot of things.

Like the fact that I didn’t see this absolutely adorable (but seemingly beat up?) black-fur kitten with surreal bright green eyes or the fact that this cage was numbered ‘013’.

I opened the cage and it hesitantly sniffed my extended hand, after deeming me somewhat harmless it nuzzled into my hand. I smiled at it “Well aren't you just adorable? Do you have a name little guy? Or girl?” I looked at the cage an there wasn’t anything other than the date of birth, gender and the fact that it...was abused. My lips parted and I looked at it once again, her behavior making more sense now. I knew what she was doing was familiar.


Flashback to 12 years ago

I woke up to a scream. I was quick to get out of bed and tip toe downstairs. I walked down the long, empty hallway; I always hated this hallway, mother always made me practice walking properly so no one suspected anything.

I turned a corner to see 3 people, 2 big, buff guys and a strict looking woman in the middle pointing a gun at mother. I gasped which cased everyone to snap their head to me.

Mothers’ eyes were filled with rage as soon as she saw me. “You brat.” She seethed, absolutely livid that I told on her, even though I didn’t.

The strict looking lady looked at me before she took long, confident strides towards me. I flinched and stumbled backwards as she came closer. She seemed to notice and slowed down, scanning me.

Even though I was 13, I was pretty scrawny, as well as always covered in bandages that mother wrapped tightly on me to stop the bleeding. That’s why she said I have to wear long sleeves, so no one knew.

“Hey kid, what's your name?” The lady asked, in a slightly different tone, which I could only guess was an attempt at softening her voice. My throat hurt, but they might take me away from mother, and that’s a good thing.

“O-Oph-phelia" I stuttered, closing my eyes tightly, thinking she was going to hit me for stuttering, but surprisingly it never came. “Is that so? How old are you, kid? 8? 9?” She asked, while signaling the 2 buff guys to take away mother and I answered her “N-no, I’m th-thirteen, ma-ma'am”

Her eyes widened “Really? And don’t call me ma’am, my names Anastasia”

Anastasia then took me to the hospital and I had a check-up. The last time I had one was when I was 6, when dad was still here, but he left for someone else. After they did the X-ray thingy, Anastasia took me to her house. She said this’ll be my new home, if I wanted, of course.

I nodded immediately, and just like that; Anastasia had become my unofficial-mom.

She trained me every day when I turned 16 to become an assassin, one of the best. Which is why I only had to do her initiation test for 1 and a half years. And when she told me I’d have to have a codename, my first thought was ‘13’ and so, going with my gut I said that. Anastasia smiled hearing this.

I almost forgot that I was in a pet store, and I probably would’ve if the kitten in front of me hadn't tried to bite my hand in attempt to get me to pay attention to her. I smiled and picked her up, getting up as well. I walked over to an employee, telling them I wanted to adopt this kitten.

After sorting out the paperwork, I got some pet food, a list of things that she can't eat and her cage. After getting everything, I securely strapped Cleopatra’s cage (her name is Cleopatra or Cleo for short) and the food on my bike and slowly drove to by apartment, it was a short drive.

After getting her settled, I played with her and we ended up watching (well she laid on my lap while I stroked her fur) Descendants, what? I missed out on most of my childhood, let me be.



William

It's not even midday yet, but I already feel dead tired. My extended family has decided it would be a jolly good idea to visit us. Notice how I don’t think it was anywhere near jolly or good. Was it even and idea?! I mean, I’m starting to think they don’t think at all. I mean this isn't the first time they’ve dropped by just to create chaos but you don’t need to know those stories.

Anyway, the youngest's (who are about 7 and 10) are running around naked, soap in their hair and messing up the velvet carpets. The middle de- I mean children (Who are about 12,13 and 14) are jumping in the freshly cut bushes, that need to be showcased in 2 weeks. Dear lord, I need to apologize to the gardeners. And, thankfully, the eldest (who is 18) is just chilling in his room, being very anti-social, and I cannot tell you how happy am that he is how he is.

Good Lord, this is going to be a very, very stressful week.

No one

And just like that, Ophelia and William each had a very different week, but in the end, they will both end up in the same palace and same situation.



Chapter 5: First day of ‘Job’

Ophelia

This morning, I was woken up by Cleo which was a pleasant surprise. Firstly, I fed Cleo, making sure she's happy before going to shower. While undressing, I looked in the mirror and saw my hazel eyes staring right back at me. ‘I need to put in my contacts’ I thought absentmindedly while getting in the shower.

I wrapped a towel around my hair and checked the time. 06:32. I've still got about an hour till I have to leave for work. ‘Wonder if I could bring Cleo...’ I let that thought hang as I started making breakfast which consisted of porridge and juice. It was then 07:06 so now I had about 54 minutes until work, but I’d have to go about 20ish minutes earlier to get there on time. ‘I'm putting so much effort into something that’s not even that important.’ I sighed and left to get changed. This time, I put on a beige pants suit and white shirt on. I also grabbed my backpack, putting random stuff in it and some necessaries, like pocket knives just in case.

I played with Cleo till about 07:35 before I grabbed my bag, keys and helmet, definitely noticing the little stowaway in my bag but deciding against doing anything, while getting ready to leave. I was quickly outside, strapping everything that I wasn’t going to hold on my lap, though more carefully with my bag knowing there's a tiny, bright green-eyed kitten in there, and starting the engine.

I drove down the packed highway, dodging stray cars that were just off of the road. I managed to get to the palace with 5 minutes to spare. I gave my motorbike to the guards, taking my bag first, and quickly entered the building. I took confident steps to his highness's office. After finding the office, I knocked on the door and it swung open just a second later. I was then met with a very happy but tired looking Prince William. He made hand gestures as if to tell me ‘Come in’.

I walked in and sat down in the same chair that I sat in during the interview. He sat down in his chair and excitedly explained where I was going to work. I nodded and he took me outside to show me my office, which was right next to his. ‘Well, this is going to be very easy’ I thought. He left and a bunch of people came in, all babbling about things that need to be done, at the same time. “STOP.” I said, raising my voice so everyone could hear me and some of the stared at me, unmoving. “Alright get in a line, and if you can’t wait in the line, write a letter.”

And just like that, most were in a line while some had left to write a letter. ‘Hah, this is pointless.’ was a constant thought during the entire process. Once everyone had told me their problems and I answered the with good advice, if I answered with bad advice, it would have been very obvious that something is wrong with their information and I’d rather not have the royal family interrogating me.

I heard a small meow and quickly remembered my little stowaway. I opened my bag and took Cleo out of it. “Are you just going to stare, your highness?” I asked, looking at him through my eyelashes. I shifted my position so I was sitting upright, looking right at him. He looked at me in shock, probably that I had heard him come in but I've had 5 years' worth of training and 4 years of field experience, so it was very easy.

“Ah, no,” He said, clearing his throat and quickly making his expression neutral “I just wanted to check up on you but it looks like you’ve already done gods-work with the palace employees” He looked around as he said that, pointing at all of the significantly calmer employees walking around.


William

I was amazed as it is just by how she handled dealing with the employees but now I'm just surprised she knew I had come in without even looking at me. ‘There's no way she's not the assassin’ I thought, excitedly. I looked at the kitten in her lap and I had a sudden urge to pet it. She raised an eyebrow and asked “Do you want to pet her...?” I nodded, sheepishly and she bent down, putting her kitten on the carpeted floor. It slowly walked up to me, sniffing my shoe before it nuzzled into my legs.

“Her names Cleopatra or Cleo” she said offhandedly, going back to reading something on her desk.

No one

And so, 3 weeks had passed though Ophelia hadn't gotten any chances to do her actual job. But as time went on, she started to notice just how... well nice William is and she didn’t see how the country was going bankrupt. So, in light of that, she did some research on the previous king and found out that the previous king had actually been stealing from the treasury, and it was only showing up now. As well as the many times he bought things that put the country in debt. She also found out that the insurance payout if, hypothetically, William died, would be more than enough to put the country back in a stable position.

But while she was researching all of this. William was starting to get worried. He needed the assassination to be done as soon as possible. So, he decided, he was going to confront her tomorrow, and lucky for him, she plans on doing the same though hers is, a little bit more, on the nice side.



Chapter 6: Confrontation

Ophelia

After finding out this information, I decided that I would resign from my fake position. Why? Well, I was given the mission to assassinate the person causing the bankruptcy and, well, it isn't exactly William. I quickly grabbed my resignation letter, which I was given when I started my fake job, and started filling it out. I made a fake excuse as to why I'm resigning.

Now you may think that ‘Oh you should just assassinate the previous king and all will be jolly!’ No. That’s not how this works. Even if I did assassinate the previous king, it wouldn’t change anything and because of my morals, I am not going to kill someone who has nothing to do with this.

I sighed and pet Cleo, who had jumped onto my lap, deciding to go to sleep.

Waking up is always a pain, and it will never not be. And so, waking up in a bad mood, I grumpily showered, put in my contact lens and put on my royal blue pants suit and a white shirt. I fed Cleo and my mood lifted a lot seeing that she fell asleep on the cat bed I bought her.

After eating breakfast, I grabbed my resignation letter, helmet and keys, leaving for the palace.



William

I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about today. I shook my head, just telling myself I'm being paranoid. I went to my office and started with the paper work before the door opened, not hearing any footsteps, I just assumed the wind had opened the door but that was quickly shut down by a couple of papers being put on my desk.

I looked up and was met with Ophelia's hazel and blue eyes staring right into my green ones. I looked at the papers she put on my desk and lifted an eyebrow. Resignation letters. Hold on, what? She's resigning? Why? Isn’t she the assassin?

“You’re resigning?” I asked, surprise decorated my face as I stared at her. “Yes, I have written my reasoning in the letter, and if that is all, I have to go.” She was about to leave before I blurted out “But aren't you supposed to assassinate me??”

She stopped in her tracks, slowly walking to the door and closing it. The air thickened as she walked towards me, pulling out a gun from her pocket. I gulped, feeling pretty scared of the woman in front of me. “Do tell, how do you know that" I feigned confidence and stated “So you are the assassin.”

She dropped the gun as she sighed, realization written all over her face as she said “So you’re the anonymous information provider huh.” I smiled and asked “So now that you know, are you going to shoot?” Her eyes widened “What?! No!”

“Oh, come on, you just have to pull the trigger" I said, opening my arms, leaving my throat and chest widen open.

“Look, I’m going to be real with you,” she said, rubbing the bridge of her nose as she continued “usually, when a country is going bankrupt, it's because whoever’s in charge is stealing from the treasury. But once I spent more time with you, you're just,” she threw her arms up in the air “you’re just a nice guy! So, I’m not super into murdering you. Nothing personal.”

“But if you don’t, my sister won't get the life insurance payout and the country will be in debt for the next century” I said, throwing my hands up.

“I’m pretty sure arranging your own death is insurance fraud.” She tried to reason.

“Your whole job is to murder people,” I said “and your worried about a little insurance fraud?”

She pinched the bridge of her nose and said “Okay, back up. Let's think about this rationally. Have you ever thought about faking your death?”

I was about to reply but then what she said actually processed. That’s actually a good idea. “But wouldn’t it just be easier if you just, y’know, shoot me now?” I asked. She sighed and said “Look, your highness, I have morals as well. And murdering someone who has absolutely nothing to do with my mission, is going against my morals. So, faking your death, is something I’d rather do. Whether you want to or not.”

I nodded and we soon began scheming. We came to the conclusion that we’d fake both of our deaths by making it look like someone broke into the palace and killed both the prince and his advisor. She then told me I wouldn’t have to worry about props, as she would take care of that and I just had to sort out my will.

No one

After the 2 had planned the entire thing, even coming up with a story, Ophelia had left, taking her resignation letter. They decided she wouldn’t resign so it didn’t look too suspicious, like she resigned just before he died, that sounds a bit too coincidental. She had gone home late that night; scheming had taken a while.

William had gone to sleep right after she left but Ophelia had gone to explain what she was doing to Anastasia and ask for some props. And, once again, the two had very different nights but they would both tie together soon enough.


Chapter 7: Preparation, The Truth and a Rat

Ophelia

This morning, I woke up to my phone ringing. I picked it up, unhappy that I had to wake up an hour earlier than usual. “What.” I said tiredly. “Good morning to you too, Ophelia” I heard William’s voice ring through my ears. I sat up slowly and responded with “Good morning, William.” If you couldn’t tell, that was sarcasm.

I heard him chuckle before he asked “So when are we going to start Operation Fake Our Deaths?” I smiled at both the name and his impatient-ness. “Don't call it that,” and now it was my turn to chuckle “and, with how things are going on my side, our wax sculptures should be done in 4-7 days.” “Wax sculptures?” he asked, oh right I didn’t tell him yet. “Well, to make it as realistic as possible, I asked someone to ask someone they know to make wax sculptures of us, which will take about 3 more days, the fake blood is being imported from America in... 2 days and making the fake us look shot will take about 2 more days.” I said, while getting up to do my daily routine, which was just taking a shower, washing my face, eating my breakfast, giving Cleo her food and grabbing everything I need for work, fake or real depending on which I’m going to that day.

I put my phone on speaker as I grabbed some clothing for my real job, seeing that today was the only day I didn’t have to go to my fake job. “...so, your real job, its...?” I heard him ask. I hummed; it would be alright if I told him, I mean I did tell Anastasia about him. He is smart, intuitive and fast on his feet so he could potentially be a data analyzer. We don’t have many of those, especially ones that can do field work. But, it's all up to Anastasia. “I work as the ‘underdog’ I guess; I do the dirty work for the government like cleaning up riots, snuffing out the moles on the inside and, as you know, assassination.”

“Thats so cool” he said, and I was slightly confused. I literally murder people and he thinks’ that’s cool? Starting to think I’m not the only one with problems. “I mean you do all the things everyone else doesn’t want to do! If not for you, there'd be a lot more people dead on the street, or selling government secrets!” He supported his first statement and he sort of made sense. I smiled, though he couldn’t tell, I was slightly prouder about my job.

“Is that so,” I said with a small laugh. He let out a breath and asked “Uh can I ask, I don’t really know why but your left eye, it just seems a bit... Off? Sorry if it's weird or anything it's just been bothering me and-” I cut his rambling off by answering his questions “Yes, you can ask a question, both of my eyes are actually hazel and it's not that weird, you were curious”

He let out a sigh of relief, I assume, and asked another question “If that wasn’t true, then the information I have, how much is true?” I thought about it, I think I have a pretty good judge of character, and I think I can trust him. Besides, he can't do much with that information. “I was born in 1996, so I am 25. I work for the government, as the underdog as you already know. Uh I never went to proper school; I was homeschooled all my life. My-my m-mother is in jail, my father eloped with another woman and I am an only child.” During the last sentence, I had to swallow a lump that made its way in my throat. I blinked away tears from remembering my early life with my biological mother. “Is that so? OH! And I’m sorry about when I asked about your parents, I swear I didn’t mean anything by it, it was just a qu-” I cut him off saying it was fine.

I took in a deep breath and simply told I told him I need to end the call to get ready for work.



William

‘I hope I didn’t make her mad. Oh no. I made her mad didn’t I. She might not help with the ‘Operation’. She probably doesn’t want to be friends. Of course, I go off making the only person who was my friend for something other than my money. Hell, I might even like her as more than a friend but I may never know now because of my stu-’ A butler cut off my thought by saying the guests were here. I sighed to myself, deciding I’d apologize again later, but for now I need to put on my best ‘I-am-a-prince-you-need-to-respect-me' face.


No one

While William was panicking about the parent question, he didn’t know that Ophelia had already forgiven him weeks ago. She knew from his tone that he was actually sorry, and he wasn’t just saying it for appearances. Ophelia had done her daily routine and left for work.

She was walking through the empty hallway when someone bumped right into her. Ophelia looked up with a glare, keeping her ‘talk-to-me-and-I-will-decapitate-you' look on point and the person that ran into her immediately felt even more terrified than he was before. He was already scared because he was infiltrating the government but now it was as if he looked medusa right in the eyes, he was petrified to the point where he couldn’t move.

Ophelia studied the man in front of her, who looked no older than 30, searching her brain for any new recruits but she couldn’t remember any, the latest recruit was from about last year. ‘How unfortunate’ She thought, as she asked, well actually she demanded “What's your name?” “M-Mar-Marcus ma-ma'am” She inspected ‘Marcus’ when she saw he had some very, very important files behind his back. She sighed and pulled him by his tie to Anastasia's office.

Once she did the eyeball scan, she walked in, still choking ‘Marcus’ with his own tie, and threw him onto a chair in front of Anastasias desk. “We’ve got a rat” Ophelia said, using the codename for a thief that attempted to steal something important, and simply walked out, ignoring the screams coming from the room she had just left. She had things that she needed to do anyway.



Chapter 8: Fake Death

Ophelia

Even after the incident earlier I was still in a bad mood because of it but I got a text from William that lifted my mood slightly.

William “tHe PrInCe”

I’m so, so sorry. I swear I didn’t mean anything by the question. I understand if you're mad. Im really sorry. Please tell me if I overstepped a boundary or something

Typing...

Me

Lol, William it's okay. I just had to get to work earlier, plus the whole thing with my mother is really the only thing I don’t like talking about.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I almost laughed at how paranoid he was being, though it was nice that he cared about whether or not I was mad. This all happened right outside my apartment. I unlocked it and was met with Cleo smashing herself into my legs. I smiled and picked her up.

I locked my door and went inside to check Cleo’s bowl, she's usually like this is her food dispenser is stuck. But the bowl was full and the dispenser was definitely working, I wonder, maybe she just wanted attention.

I walked into my kitchen to make dinner and I decided to make myself something nice, which consisted of chicken curry, naan bread and a glass of coke. I dished myself of the curry and sealed the rest for tomorrow. I ate, happy that it actually tasted good, and went to bed.


No one

About 6 days later, the wax sculptures were done, and they could finally start ‘Operation Fake Death’.


William

“So, we just need to...put some of this fake blood around the fake us?” I asked, holding a packet of fake blood (I hope its fake, it looks real and smells real). The dim light of the moon filtered through Ophelias office, making the wax sculptures that looked scarily real look even more real under the light. Ophelia opened a packet of fake blood and nodded at my question before she whispered “Shhhh lower your voice, if someone hears you, we might get caught” She then proceeded to squeeze some of the fake blood around the fake wound, the head and upper part of her wax doubles chest. I did the same but the fake wound was in the stomach rather than the head so I put it there.

It looked so real I almost couldn’t look at it. The doubles were actually made of wax and something else just in case they cremate the bodies so it actually turns into ashes and doesn’t just melt. Ophelia whispered “Alright, then let's get out of here, quick.” She then pulled me to an open window, tying a rope around my waist as we slid down the side of the palace, avoiding all the cameras. We left the palace and quickly put on helmets to ride her bike. She drove down the highway, probably going faster than the speed limit, and took me to an abandoned looking warehouse. She put did some kind of finger print scan which caused the door to open.

“Let's go” she said simply, while walking inside. I trailed behind her like a lost puppy, looking around. It was weird. It definitely looked better on the inside than the outside though. There was almost no one here, just a couple of people in small groups here and there. I then turned to Ophelia and I was slightly surprised. She had a glare on, taking confident steps down the very long hallway. I also noticed how everyone that we passed stared at her like she was the plague or something. ‘Do they not like her? Wh-’ I thought to myself, but I couldn’t finish my thought as Ophelia did an eyeball scan to open a door. While she was doing this, I noticed that both of her eyes were indeed hazel.

She gestured for me to come in after the door opened and I did just that. She walked in after me and closed the door. I looked around and noticed there was someone in a chair behind a desk. ‘Wait when did she get here? I didn’t even see her?’ I thought as Ophelia lead me to one of the chairs in front of the large desk. The room was decorated in very dark colours, a couple of bookshelves and the large desk in the middle, right in front of a big window that provided little to no light.

“Hello your majesty, I am going to call you William.” The woman in the chair stated, which startled me at the sudden talking and I didn’t want to argue, she looked terrifying. “Yes, yes ma’am” I said, unsure of how to respond. “Do you know why you’re here? No, of course you don’t,” She pointed to Ophelia who was leaning against the door, arms crossed and expression neutral. “Ophelia didn’t tell you so I will. You have just faked your death, and now we cannot let you just roam around, so you have two options, and I suggest that you pick the first one. Either you become and database analyzer, and help Ophelia or anyone else on missions or,” she paused, making the air thicker than it already was “you don’t and we will have to end your life.” I wouldn’t have been as scared but the way she was saying it, it was like she was going to make my death long and painful.

I immediately said “First one, ma’am” I added the ma’am, not wanting to be on her bad side. She smiled and said “Good, my names Anastasia Gold, but you will call me boss.” I nodded, but then I realized, that her surname is the same as Ophelia’s. I looked between the two, not seeing anything similar physically, but they both had an air that said ‘Talk-to-me-and-I-will-end-you'. Ophelia noticed this and said “She adopted me when I was 13, so now, you’ve met my mom” Anastasia smiled, but masked it with a neutral expression. “Alright, then I’ll give you your first mission, with Ophelia, of course. India is getting anonymous ‘donations’ of large sums of money. Find out what's actually happening, and stop it.” Anastasia stated, getting up and giving us both a file that both said ‘Debrief and disguise’ Ophelia asked “So, where do you plan to live now?” “Hahaha good question, I don’t know.” I answered and she sighed.

We walked out of Anastasias office and walked down the hallways, taking lefts and rights before we were outside once again. She then said “You can room with me; I have another room you can use if you want. Or you can just stay with Anastasia, she-” I cut her off by saying “I'll stay with you” She laughed and threw me the helmet I was wearing earlier. “Oh, and also, when were here, call me Thirteen” she stated before starting the engine and gesturing for me to get on


No one

Just a day after the fake bodies were planted, there were many different newspaper articles that were published, all with different stories or theories. And the duos favorite was published by The Times


THE TIMES

BREAKING NEWS: THE KING AND ADVISOR FOUND DEAD IN THE ROYAL PALACE.

Written by: Dina Norman

The king, William Harrington and his advisor, Ophelia Gold, found dead in the palace, both shot and stabbed multiple times. Many were surprised by the fact that there could've been an intruder inside such a heavily guarded palace, while others said that there was a spy in the castel and they haven't found the spy because they were registered under an actual worker, who is still working in the palace.

We have been told that there will be a funeral tomorrow at noon, at XXX. Stay tuned, because as soon as we get answers, you will be notified.


Chapter 9: The Aftermath

No one

And so, the 2 had started their mission, well it was Williams’ mission and Ophelia supervised. But they decided to delay it one day, just to see what the rest of the royal family were doing for ‘their’ funeral.

The 2 had disguised themselves well, at least better than the people in the movies do. Ophelia had put on a black wig, some make-up making her look a lot paler than she is, a long sleeve black dress that dragged on the floor, black gloves and green contact lenses. As for William, he had a red wig on, make up that made his skin tone a bit darker than it is, a black tux (the 2 went shopping the morning of), a white shirt, white gloves and blue contacts. They then decided on code names:

William= Rashid Phillips

Ophelia= Brooklyn Phillips

Ophelia/Brooklyn called an uber, knowing it would be strange if they came on her bike. Once the uber arrived, the two got in and waited in the back. They were messaging each other about the mission, not speaking because then they’d have to kill the driver. Once they arrived at the graveyard, they got out of the uber and payed, they stood more to the back of the strangely massive crowd.


William

“This is pretty weird” I whispered to ‘Brooklyn “Never would I have though that I’d be going to my own funeral” she laughed lightly and agreed “You're not wrong, but this isn't the first time I've been to my own funeral” My eyes widen comically, and I ask, “You’ve faked your death more than once?” She nodded with a smile. “Yep, once in America, though no one really knew me then, in Australia but only a few people knew me then and now in London” I was about to ask when I was cut off by some old lady coming up to us.

“Oh, look at you two! You two must be together!” she said over excitedly, and I didn’t know what to do, but ‘Brooklyn’ stepped in and answered with “Yes, newly married” I hid my shock with a smile and put my arm around her waist, supporting her statement. “Aw, your kids will look absolutely adorable.” That kind of got me thinking, I don’t want kids in general and I was about to say that but 'Brooklyn’ beat me to it and stated “Uh, we don’t plan on having kids.” The old lady looked horrified and was about to say something, but some old man took her away and thank god for that.

I took my arm off ‘Brooklyn’ and immediately apologized for doing that without her permission. She shook her head and said it was fine. We didn’t say anything after that, just falling into a comfortable silence. But that was cut off by the ceremony starting. I don’t know why but I found this funny. I was holding back a laugh, but it seemed like ‘Brooklyn’ noticed and she too had to hold back laughter. At this point, the both of us looked like we were having trouble breathing but we were still trying not to laugh.

Once the ceremony had finished, we had calmed down, at least that’s what we thought but once we got into the uber we looked at each other and absolutely lost it. The uber driver probably thought we were crazy but that didn’t cross our minds at the time. We calmed ourselves just before we arrived at the apartment. Once again, we payed and walked up to our apartment. Opening the door, Cleo ran right into my legs, and I bent down to pet her.


Ophelia

I rolled my eyes and locked the door, walking past William to make us dinner. I made pasta with white sauce and poured us some coke. Once he finally came into the living room, holding Cleo with one arm, I told him I’m going to get dressed. I put on t-shirt and sweatpants before I went to the bathroom to remove the make-up and take out my contacts. I went back to the living room where I saw William halfway done with his food. I sat down and started eating.

He left to change around the time I was finished eating and told me to leave the dishes, he’ll do it. I nodded and went to make sure I have everything for tomorrow. We must fly out to India, so we packed everything last night, so we didn’t have to worry about it tomorrow.

I heard the kitchen tap and yelled at him “Hey I'm going to sleep! Goodnight!” I heard a muffled ‘Goodnight’ while I put my light off. I slipped into bed and almost immediately fell asleep, which was weird considering I usually have to make up an entire story before I’m somewhat tired, but eh, sleep is sleep.

Waking up was a bit strange because someone was shaking me, and I almost smacked them, but I heard Williams’ voice which stopped me. I cracked my eyes open and was met with a slightly worried looking William. “What? What’s wrong?” I asked while sitting up. He looked at his watch and said, “We have to leave in like, 25 minutes!” My eyes widen and I quickly stumble out of bed to make myself somewhat presentable. I grabbed my suitcase, Cleos pet carrier and carefully put her in the carrier. William was standing by the door with the apartment keys, not the bike keys, I gave that to Anastasia to take care of it, with his suitcases. “Wow would've been nice if you’d woken me up earlier” I said sarcastically while opening the door and stepping outside. He followed me and rolled his eyes “Well I thought that you’d already be up.”

I called an uber, mentally telling myself that I need to buy a car, and we drove to a private airplane airport that Anastasia lets anyone use if you're going overseas.

Once we got there, I payed the uber and walked inside with William trailing behind me. We boarded the plane just after we arrived and chose seats right in the front row. I immediately sunk into the soft seat and decided to sleep for the entirety of the 9-hour flight. I looked beside me at William to see he took out his laptop, probably looking over the files again. I smiled staring at his focused expression. He turned his head to me and tilted his head slightly. I only smiled to which he offered a confused smile. ‘He’ll fit in just fine’ I thought before putting in my headphones and falling asleep.


Extra 1: We have a problem

3 months later

William

My ears rang, I could literally only hear screaming. ‘Okay, okay. Calm down. It's okay. What would Ophelia do? Uhhhh she’d think logically and get it done with. So, logically huh? How? Y’know what’ I cut off my own thoughts and pulled out my phone and pressed Ophelias contact. It rang once before she picked up.

“Hey, so we have a problem” I said immediately and I just heard her sigh. “No,” she said “you have a problem, I have an idiot who keeps getting into one”

I laughed lightly “How did you manage to mess up this mission? It's your first one alone and you already messed up?” She asked.

“Hey!” I protested, while running away from the building that might've caught on fire by a tiny, itsy bitsy, little explosion from a bomb I may or may not have accidently activated. “It's not my fault! Those bombs should come with an instruction manual!” She simply stated “They do.” “Well, they weren't clear enough” I shot back, shaking my shoe to extinguish the small flame on it.

“So, you set off a bomb in an enemy base huh? I literally told you not to do anything I would.” She said with a laugh. “Haha very funny. Um so what do I do now?” I asked and she replied “I’ll send someone over to pick you up, then I’ll tell Anastasia about your little accident,” I sucked in a breath and she seemed to hear “Oh don’t worry, she won’t mind because it's an enemy base, so you’ll be fine”


And that was how my first mission went. Not the best, but it could've been worse.



Extra 2: Act Natural

Ophelia

1 month after India

I was keeping watch while Willliam was hacking into the security system of the ‘abandoned’ fire station. “Will you hurry up; I can hear them coming closer” I mumbled, looking around. “I'm trying” he said under his breath.

“Got it!” he whisper-yelled and I glared at him. He threw his hands up and opened the door behind him. I walked in after him, looking around. It really looked just as bad on the inside as it did on the outside. Eerie, quiet and very unnerving. Also, very dusty.

We scanned the area and walked upstairs before I tripped over something on the floor. His head snapped over to me and he was immediately by my side. I dusted myself off and looked at what I tripped over. It was some kind small box. I picked it up and dusted it. I looked at William and he nodded. This is what we’re looking for. I picked the lock on it with a bobby pin. I opened it and saw the USB we need. We nodded and we were about to leave but I heard the door shake. Someone's trying to get in.

I shoved the USB in my pocket and whispered “Act natural”

“For this kind of situation, the most natural thing to do is panic, so technically I can panic.” William muttered under his breath; a panicked expression decorated his face.

“NO, that’s not what meant!” I hissed “Act like it’s a normal mission!”

“Well, as of late, my normal missions consist of a lot of panic.” He said, looking for a window or someway for us to escape.

I was looking through my pockets and fount spray paint. I threw one at him and whispered “Will you just cooperate?”

He caught it and fumbled a bit “When a person is panicking, they are not apt to cooperate very well!”

The door slammed open and 2 men walked in. I gestured to the cans and he seemed to understand.

“OI” One of the men yelled at us, I nodded at William, telling him to take the lead for this one. We turned around slowly; innocent but feigned fear was masked on our faces.

“Uh, hi?” William said, changing his accent to a more Australian one.

“What are you two doing here?” The other guy asked, putting his hand in his pocket and seeming to grip something.

“Uh, we were just walking around and wanted to spray-paint something” William said while I nodded my head and shuffled on my feet.

The 2 guys looked at each other, deeming us as just ‘two-random-twenty-something-year-olds-trying-to-live-life-to-the-fullest'. And said “Well, just don’t come back here, it's trespassing”

We nodded and scrambled out of the fire station as quickly as we could. I called for a pick up as we walked further down the deserted highway.

Climbing into the getaway driver's car and both of us promptly falling asleep.



Extra 3: Video Games

William

6 months after India

“You two are going to be taking leave for the next 2 weeks.” Anastasia stated and our eyes widened. “Uh, why?” Ophelia asked, confused.

“You never take leave so I am going to force you both to because it seems that you are rubbing off on him” Anastasia said, pointing at me towards the end of her statement.

We sighed, knowing that we didn’t exactly have a choice in the matter, and left her office. We looked at each other, not speaking, asking what to do now. She shrugged and walked towards the exit. “Let's just go home” she said mounting her bike and I got on mine, yes, I got my license 3 months ago and got a bike 2 months ago as a birthday present from Ophelia.

We put our helmets on and found our way back to our apartment. Yeah, I still haven't moved out and I don’t plan to.

Once we entered, we both went to get dressed. “I’ll make lunch!” I yelled as I left my room and I heard a muffled ‘okay’.

She came out of her room when the food, which was just burgers and chips, was done and helped set the table for us.

Once we finished eating, we washed up and I had a sudden urge to play a video game. I decided on Minecraft 2v2 and I then had to either find someone online and play with a stranger or I cold aske Ophelia.

I decided it would be easier to ask Ophelia, and she agreed pretty easily, which was a bit surprising but then again she's full of surprises.

I started the game and sat next to her while passing her a controller. I was going to teach her but it looks like she already knows?

We started and I was in shock and awe. But I was also terrified because Ophelia was literally screaming at the TV. ‘This is so weird. She never gets this worked up over, well anything! But this is also cool. Shes so into it.’ I thought, glancing at her while she ginned as she killed someone.

I smiled and looked back at the TV only to see the death screen. ‘whoops’ I thought.



Extra 4: Where’d you learn to fight like that

Ophelia

2 weeks after India

“I have a question” William said while we were leaving an illegal fighting ring. We had just busted the place, but I had to fight a couple of guys, though it was easy, it was still pretty tiring.

“Yep?” I answered tiredly as we both got into a pick-up car. “Where'd you learn to fight like that?” curiosity laced his voice as he asked. I turned to him and said “Anastasia has 3 kids that basically became my older brothers”

“OH! So, they taught you?” He asked tilting his head next to me to face me. I snorted and said “No, Quinten played first table on the chess team, Reed use to cry every time he heard a sad song and Derrick loved wearing long cocktail-dresses and stilettos and I wasn’t going to let anyone look down on them for that, so I had to learn how-to beat-up people bigger than me early on.”

He stared at me for a moment, then nodded and said “Yeah, that sounds more realistic than them teaching you.”

I nodded and finally let myself fall into a dreamless sleep.



Extra 5: I have been shot

William

1 year after India

I called Ophelia, clutching my side as I waited for her to pick up. I limped into an alleyway and sat down behind some boxes. She finally picked up after what seemed like centuries.

“Hey, sorry I didn’t pick up, couldn’t find my phone, what’s up?” She asked and I heard shuffling on her end. “Okay, um, don’t be alarmed, but I may or may not have been shot. Twice to be exact.”

The line went silent before she yelled at me “WHAT? You were shot?! Twice?! How?! You weren’t supposed to have any contact with them?!”

“Well funny story, someone had come busted in the place I was investigating and may or may not have seen the symbol on my laptop,” I heard her groan and cut me off

“Okay, you know what? I’m coming now to pick you up and you can tell me then. See you in a bit.” she then proceeded to hang up on me.

I’m not getting out of this without some kind of scolding. And, boy, was I right.



Extra 6: What just happened?

Ophelia

1 and a half years after India

I was cooking, making a simple dinner that was actually a bit more than I usually made because Quinten, my oldest brother, was here.

“Oi, William, can you set the table!?” I yelled. William and Quinten were apparently in the middle of a chess game because neither William or Quinten would accept that the other could be better. I heard shuffling and William popped his head around the wall. He had a small pout-frown on his face because I caused him to forfeit.

I rolled my eyes while he got the plates out of the cupboard “Well, I never said you had to come here, I simply asked” He huffed and was about to respond but

“Yeah, you didn’t HAVE to, you’re just a simp and can't say no to my sister.” Quinten said, coming out from lord knows where. Williams eyes widened and I could've sworn I saw his cheeks turn pink. He turned his head going back to making coffee, slightly stumbling. I stood there, not saying anything, and I was very glad I knew how to hide my facial expressions. Now I have confronted my own feelings and it was... insightful in a way.

Quinten groaned and rubbed his temples. “Okay? Y’know what? Lia,” this is a nickname he used when we were younger “are you busy tomorrow night?” he asked, looking slightly agitated. I shook my head, slightly confused. “Okay, good. William, are you busy tomorrow night?” William thought about it before he said “Uh, no, not really”

“Great,” he said though me and William looked at each other, both equally confused “Because I am!” “Wha-” I was about to ask a question but he cut me off. “So have fun on your date!” he said as he walked out of our apartment. I was taken aback and I looked at William who looked slightly confused but...Grateful?

Deciding to break the silence, I asked “So, want to go on that date?” His head snapped towards me; eyes wide but eagerly nodding. I laughed and took the food to the table to eat.

And, yes, the date was great, we’re going on another one sometime next week. Oh, and one more thing, we’re dating now.



End :)

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