Michael Sullivan: The Crown conspiracy

He tried to rationalize that what he and Royce did was not that horrible. After all, Alenda could certainly afford it. People like Mason and Emerald needed the money more than a wealthy marquis' daughter. Besides, perhaps it taught her a valuable lesson that might save her father's reputation and lands. Yet, it was still just a way of lying to himself. Trying to convince his conscience that what he was doing was right, or at least not wrong. He desired to do a job with merit, one with which he could actually save a man's life, one with intentions that resembled what he remembered as virtuous.

"Sure," he said.

– 4 -When Hadrian finished speaking, the silence in the Dark Room was thick with anticipation. Only three men were present and when Hadrian stopped both he and Albert turned their attention to Royce. As expected, the thief did not look pleased and began slowly shaking his head even before he spoke. "I can't believe you took this job," he scolded.

"Look, I know it is short notice, but his story checks out, right?" Hadrian asked. "You followed him back to the castle. He is a guest of King Amrath. He didn't make any side trips. I can verify he appears to be from Calis, and none of Gwen's girls heard anything to contradict his claims. The job looks clean."

"Two hundred gold tenents to slip a sword out an open window-you don't find that suspicious?" Royce asked with a tone of amazed disbelief.

"Personally, I would call it a dream come true," Albert mentioned.

"Maybe they do things differently in Calis. It's pretty far away," Hadrian argued.

"It's not that far," Royce shot back. "And how is it this DeWitt is walking around with that much coin? Does he always travel to international trade meetings carrying bags bursting with gold? Why did he bring it?"

"Maybe he didn't. Maybe he sold a valuable ring tonight, or perhaps he obtained a loan using the good name of the Duke DeLorkan. It's even possible that he got it from the duke himself. I am certain the two of them didn't ride up here on a couple of ponies. The duke likely travels in a huge caravan of wagons. To them, several hundred gold coins might not be unusual."

Hadrian's voice became more serious. "You weren't there. You didn't see this guy. He's facing a virtual execution tomorrow. How much is gold worth if you're dead?"

"We just got done with a job. I was hoping to take a few days off, and now you've signed us up for a new one." Royce sighed. "You say DeWitt was scared?"

"He was sweating."

"So, that's what this is really about. You want to take the job because it's for a good cause. You think risking our necks is worth it so long as we can pat ourselves on the back afterwards."

"Pickering will kill him-you know it. And he's not the first."

"He won't be the last either."

Hadrian sighed and, folding his arms across his chest, sat back in his chair. "You're right; there will be others. So, imagine we pinch the sword and get rid of the damn thing. The count never sees it again. Think of all the happy men who could finally look at Belinda without fear."

Royce chuckled. "So, now it's a public service?"

"And there is the two hundred gold tenents," Hadrian added. "That's more money than we've made all year. Cold weather is coming, and with that coin, we could sit out the winter."

"Well, at least now you are talking some sense. That would be nice," Royce admitted.

"And it's only a couple hours of work, just a quick climb and grab. You're the one always telling me how bad the security is at Essendon Castle. We'll be done and in bed before dawn."

Royce bit his lower lip and grimaced, refusing to look at Hadrian.

Hadrian saw his opening and pressed his advantage. "You remember how cold it was on top of that tower. Just think how cold it will be in a few months. You can spend the winter safe and warm, eating richly and drinking your favorite wine. Then of course," Hadrian leaned closer, "there's the snow. You know how you hate the snow."

"All right, all right. Grab the gear. I'll meet you in the alley."

Hadrian smiled. "I knew there was a heart in there somewhere."

– 5 -Outside, the night was even colder than it had been. A slick frost formed on the roads. Winter snows would indeed be falling soon. Despite what Hadrian thought, Royce did not actually hate snow. He liked the way it blanketed the Lower Quarter, dressing it up in an elegant white gown. Nevertheless, its beauty came with a cost; tracks remained in snow and made his job much harder. Hadrian was right, after tonight they would have enough cash set aside to spend the whole winter in quiet hibernation. With that much money, they could even consider opening a legitimate business. He thought about it every time they scored big, and he and Hadrian discussed it on more than one occasion. A year ago, they talked seriously about opening a winery, but it did not suit them. That was always the problem. Neither could think of any lawful business that was right for them.

He stopped in front of Medford House. Appearing to grow out of The Rose and Thorn, The House was nearly as large as the tavern. Gwen had linked the two buildings by additions so customers could move back and forth freely without exposing themselves to the elements, or public scrutiny. Gwen DeLancy was a genius. He had never known anyone like her. She was clever and intelligent beyond reason, and she was more open and sincere than anyone he had ever met. She was a paradox to him, an impossible mystery he could not solve-she was an honest person.

"I thought you might stop by," Gwen said, stepping out onto the porch of The House and wrapping a cape about her shoulders. "I was watching for you through the doorway."

"You have good eyes. Most people never see me when I walk a dark street."

"You must have wanted to be seen then. You were coming to visit me, weren't you?"

"I just wanted to be sure you received your portion of the payment last night."

Gwen smiled. As she did, Royce could not help but notice how beautifully her hair shimmered in the moonlight.

"Royce, you know you don't have to pay me. I'd give you anything you asked for."

"No," Royce insisted. "We use your place as a base. It's dangerous, and for that, you get a part of the profit. We've been over this."

She stepped closer and took his hand. Her touch was soothingly warm amidst the chilling air. "I also wouldn't own The Rose and Thorn if it wasn't for you. There's a very good chance I wouldn't even be alive."

"I have no idea what you speak of, your ladyship," Royce said as he performed a formal bow. "I can prove I wasn't even in town that night."

She stared at him with the same smile. He loved to see her happy, but now her brilliant green eyes searched for something, and Royce turned away, letting go of her hand.

"Listen, Hadrian and I are taking that job. We have to do it tonight so I need to-"

"You're a strange man, Royce Melborn. I wonder if I'll ever really know you."

Royce paused and then softly said, "You already know me better than any woman should, more than is safe for either of us."

Gwen stepped toward him again, her heeled shoes crunching on the frosty ground, her eyes intense with pleading. "Be careful, won't you?"

"I always am."

With his cloak billowing in the wind, he walked away. She watched him until he entered a shadow and was gone.

The crowned falcon standard flew from the highest tower of Essendon Castle, marking the presence of the king. Essendon was the royal seat of Avryn and the kingdom of Melengar, and although not especially large or powerful, it was nevertheless an old and respected realm. The castle, an imposing structure of elaborate gray walls and towers, stood at the center of Medford, the hub of the city's four distinct quarters of Gentry Square, Artisan Row, the Common Quarter, and the Lower Quarter. Like most cities in Avryn, Medford lay behind the protection of a strong outer wall; nevertheless, the castle also had its own fortifications partitioning it from the general city. This inner wall, crowned with crenellated parapets where skilled archers kept watch from behind stone merlons, did not completely encircle the castle. Instead, it connected to a large, imposing keep that served as its rear barrier. The height of the keep and the wide moat surrounding its base kept the king's home well protected.