Another brilliant piece from a GUNNAS WRITING MASTERCLASS WRITER
The first time I saw her eyes I nearly screamed. Well, to be honest I did scream, loud and clear. Fortunately, I managed to do this inside my head, so that unlike many other instances in my life, I didn’t embarrass anyone. In my defense however, I don’t think anyone would have blamed me if I had screamed. She certainly wouldn’t have – as I found out later, she probably would have laughed.
“This is Katya,” Daniel said, indicating me, “Katya, this is-,”
“Aneke,” she said, reaching out and shaking my hand. Her grip was firm and strong, and I wished my own hand was less sweaty.
“Hi,” I said, careful to look into her face without blinking.
Aneke studied me closely, almost suspiciously. I have never liked being under scrutiny, and this was no different. Actually, this was worse because of her eyes. If only Daniel had warned me, I thought furiously. I glared at my brother, but he just grinned in response. Bastard. The temperature dropped suddenly, and I spun towards the door, my hand flying automatically to the sword hanging at my waist. It was only Stephan though, coming through the door and letting in a gust of frigid air.
“Close it!” Daniel snarled, striding over and slamming the door shut. The two of them started arguing, and I turned away, having no wish to be involved. Aneke was still staring at me, and I started to feel irritation swell in my chest.
“Remember when you said we’d get paid straight away?” Daniel and Stephan had joined us by the hearth.
“I do,” said Stephan, and he dug into the leather purse hanging at his belt. (what kind of idiot dangles money for the whole world to see?). He extracted a small silver coin and tossed it casually in my direction. I caught it easily an examined it. The coin was unremarkable with the royal crest on one side and the royal language etched around the outside. Next minute, Daniel had snatched it out of my hands, “that’s the kings own promise,” he said, sounding awed despite himself.
“It is,” said Stephan smugly, “finish the job and the King will grant you riches beyond you wildest dreams.”
I rolled my eyes; Stephan had always been dramatic.
“What is the job?” asked Aneke, finally looking away from me. I let out a breath I hadn’t known I was holding.
“Ah,” Daniel handed the coin back to me, “the princess.”
“What about her?” I asked.
“Is that your dog?” asked Aneke suddenly.
I glared at her, then glanced down at Dog sitting on my feet, “yes. Her name is Dog. What about the princess?”
“The King wants you two… to kill her,” said Daniel.
There was a beat of total silence, then Aneke burst out laughing. I resisted the urge to throw something at her.
“You’re joking,” I said instead, looking at Daniel and Stephan.
“We are not,” they said, in perfect unison.
“And finally we get to the reason I’m here,” said Aneke.
“What do you mean?” I demanded.
She turned her blood red eyes on me, “I’m a fire breather.”
I stared at her, not sure I believed her, but not sure enough to laugh. Her eyes seemed to bore into my soul, eyes that had no irises or pupils, or white. Eyes that were all one colour, a deep, dark, many layered red. Red that seemed to shift between orange and yellow, that danced like flames. Eyes that could destroy anyone, anyone at all with a single glance. Even the crown princess.
“You’re fucking insane,” I said, not sure who I was talking to.
“Yes,” said Daniel, “but you’ll do it.”
I could already feel the tightening in my belly, the excitement that only the hunt could bring.
“Hell yes,” I said.