Royal Flower

Chapter Four

"It's done," Chase said flatly. "Flora is dead."

Chase and Reese were in the forest, near the Nissisa household. Chase still had his black assassin outfit on, but the crow mask was no longer on his face.

Reese nodded, "Thank you, Chase. You've done us all a favor."

Chase turned to leave and said, "Well, I'm going to head off. We'll be in touch."

"Wait," Reese called. Chase turned back curiously. "Where do you live now? Your house is still burnt down."

Chase shrugged, the corners of his lips curling into a smile. "I dwell in the forest now."

Reese frowned. He offered, gesturing his hand in a general direction behind him. "We have room in our hideout."

Chase laughed, "It's fine. I can take care of myself. Thanks, though."

Reese sighed, "Okay, the offer's still open, though. If things don't work out..."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," Chase nodded. Before he left, he added, "I want to thank you, Reese."

"Me?" Reese pointed to himself, "What for?"

Chase turned and replied, "I never understood why Flora killed my family, I still don't. I was still mourning my family before you approached me, but hearing about your father's death encouraged me to stand up to Flora." He gave another look to the ground before saying. "To be honest, I think I was also a little bit anxious to go against Flora."

Reese raised his eyebrows. "Why would you be anxious?"

Chase gave a dry laugh. "Assassins have a weak spot when it comes to fire. I guess whenever I thought of Flora, I just remember the large flames." Reese noticed that Chase shuddered slightly when he mentioned fire.

Reese scoffed and chuckled, "Well, no need to thank me. I'm just glad Flora is out of the picture."

Chase nodded and was about to say goodbye again, until he heard a faint voice from the Azalea castle.

"Citizens!" Amaryllis's voice faintly rang in Chase's ears. Chase frowned. His enhanced hearing must have picked up something important that was happening at the castle.

"Reese, Amaryllis just addressed the citizens. I think we should check it out," Chase said.

Reese asked, confused, "How do you know?"

"I heard her, let's go," Chase beckoned.

They dashed through the forest and reached the clearing that lead to the central town that was near the castle.

Chase and Reese stood in the shadows and saw Amaryllis on the central balcony. She was the only one there, as none of the other Azaleas were present on the other balconies.

Amaryllis raised her voice for all to hear. "Citizens! It gives me no pleasure to tell you that my sister-in-law, Queen Flora, is dead!"

Many gasps were heard throughout the crowd, but Chase and Reese couldn't help but smirk in triumph.

Amaryllis continued with a bold face, "She was murdered last night. Her funeral shall take place this afternoon." She took a deep breath and said, "I will be your new queen as of tomorrow morning, and I will tell all of you this. The person who killed Queen Flora will be found and dealt with!"

Some of the citizens in the crowd cheered, satisfied by Amaryllis's speech. Others looked at each other uncomfortably. Amaryllis had always been a headstrong person. She and Flora mixed really well, sharing the same elements and similar personalities.