Things progressed smoothly. Vision drank the Vixen’s Kiss, and she and Banagher went down. Just as it seemed like she could bear it no more, Liam pressed the vial of antidote to her lips. He held her as she recovered. Then, they both turned to Banagher’s prone form. Liam began to go through his pockets.

  “He has it with him, right?” she asked.

  Liam upended the man’s purse. Gold coins spilled out, along with several pieces of jewellery. He smiled as he picked up a ring, and examined it.

  “It’s here.”

  He passed it to Vision. She traced the insignia with her finger. It was a signet ring, with a little ‘B’ over crossed swords. It was the official seal of House Banagher, carried by each male member of the family to stamp official documents. Lord Banagher, Cael’s father, would pay a sizeable ransom to keep it out of unsavoury hands. Vision looked back at Liam.

  “Are you sure you want to do this? They’ll know you were involved in taking it.”

  Liam shrugged, “Was I? Not my fault if a whore in the bad part of Awnn stole something. Besides, he got blackout drunk, anything could have happened,” he pulled a knife through the bottom of the purse, and then fastened it back, empty, to Banagher’s belt, “lots of thieves at this festival, anyway.”

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  Liam and Fists carried Banagher outside, and then it was done. Just like that. She suddenly felt very tired, and remembered that she had barely slept the night before. Liam re-joined her, asking if she wanted to spend the night – her final night – with him. She could tell by his unrushed manner, and the determined set of his shoulders than he hadn’t truly accepted that she would be leaving. It made her sad.

  “I need to tell Red I’m leaving,” she said reluctantly, “I don’t want him giving Fox a hard time when I’m gone.”

  Liam touched her cheek, “Is that what you want?”

  “Mmm,” she said, leaning into his touch, “Doesn’t matter. I made a deal; I have to go. You can’t really fight off all the rebels.”

  “I’m still not convinced I can’t visit, even if you can’t leave.”

  “Liam…”

  “I know, I know. I’ll behave. I’ll walk you to Red’s.”

  He took her hand and they went side by side. Around them, the city was alight with life and sound. People spoke the prince’s name in tones of hushed excitement, and decorations had sprung up. They were makeshift, but still colourful and uncharacteristic of this part of the city. It made her smile.

  “They can’t think the prince will really come here,” she laughed.

  “Dunno,” Liam said, “People can surprise you.”

  “Did you meet the prince, while you worked at the castle?”

  “Nah,” he said, “Not me.”

  “He won’t be the prince if the rebels win,” she said soberly.

  “That’s true. You’d be safer though.”

  “Maybe,” she said, thinking about Arturo’s clinical air when he’d talked about using her as opportunities arose. 

  When they reached Red’s place again, they stopped. Vision bit the inside of her cheek as she lingered in the safety of Liam’s presence. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gave a reassuring squeeze.

  “I’m right out here.”

  She nodded decisively and knocked on the door.