Jeweled Sword

The carriage swayed and bumped as it rolled along the dirt path, and Evangeline leaned back while she cradled the weak cat in her arms.

It's breathing was still so shallow.

"You're going to be okay," she whispered softly to the little creature, stroking its fur with careful fingers. "You're in the safest hands," the cat's tiny chest rose and fell steadily, and her heart squeezed at how fragile it looked.

Who would even think about hurting such an adorable creature? Only a monster would do this, and all monsters must die!

Her system pinged.

"Look at you," Hadley's cheerful voice rang out as her face appeared on the screen. "Doing the right thing without being told. I'm super proud of you."

Evangeline rolled her eyes. "Please don't start. I didn't do this for you."

"You must have forgotten I live inside your head, Eva, I know your thoughts and your deepest desires," Hadley said, leaning her chin on her palm like she had all the time in the world. "But you're still heading in the right direction, so there is really no need to argue."

"Great choice. And besides what exactly am I supposed to do when I catch up to him? Return his cat and hope he doesn't stab me for some silly reason, he seems pretty volatile."

Hadley smirked. "Indeed it is. The next artifact is the Ruby Crown of the scepter and it is locked away in a secret location, and only the blood of the crown can unlock it."

Evangeline blinked. "The blood of the crown? So you're telling me I need this prince to give me some of his blood?"

Hadley's grin widened. "Of course not, the Prince is still… just a Prince, he has no crown yet. But don't worry, I have a plan. First, you fix him up. You use your hyperfeminine charms to heal his poor, broken heart, help him kill his father, and get him crowned king."

Evangeline choked. "Kill his father? You want me to help him commit regicide?!"

"Well, at least I'm not sending you to seduce that vile old king," Hadley said sweetly. "The prince is much easier on the eyes. Don't you think?"

Evangeline groaned, rubbing her temples. "What if he doesn't agree to help me? What then?"

Hadley shrugged, with a nonchalant expression on her face. "Then we're completely fucked."

Before Evangeline could respond, the carriage staggered to a sudden halt.

She clutched the cat tighter, her pulse quickening. "What's going on?"

The footman appeared at the window, "We've arrived, my lady, his highness was dropped off just ahead." his voice was a whisper.

Evangeline leaned out the window to look. The road ahead led into a forest with sunlight filtering through the shelter of leaves overhead. The chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves made the air feel peaceful.

It was difficult to miss the small cottage tucked between the trees. It was very modest, with a thatched roof and stone walls.

"It looks like something an evil grandmother would live in," she muttered. "Probably waiting to gobble up lost little children."

The footman raised an eyebrow, clearly questioning her sanity.

Evangeline ignored him, focusing on the cat in her arms. She stroked its soft fur, murmuring, "Hear that? We're going to see your dad."

The footman sighed heavily, muttering something under his breath as she stepped out of the carriage.

The path to the cottage was short, but each step made Evangeline's heart pound harder. She didn't know why she was nervous. It wasn't like the prince would kill her, right?

Right?

When she reached the door, she paused. She took a deep breath and steeled herself as she raised her fist to knock.

Before her knuckles could even touch the wood, the door flew open.

Evangeline squealed as she stumbled back, her breath hitching at the sight before her.

The prince stood in the doorway, his sharp blue eyes burning with suspicion. His golden hair was still messy, falling into his face in a very unfairly attractive way. His shirt was half-open, revealing his sculpted chest, and his sword, with all its jewels, was pointed directly at her.

"Were you sent by my father?" he demanded, his voice low and sharp.

Evaneline's brain did a double take as she caught sight of him. Despite the dirt and blood staining his clothes, he looked like he'd stepped out of an ethereal painting.

Her mouth opened, but saying words was suddenly too much work to do.

"Well?" he urged, his jaw was set in undiluted anger that was searching for an outlet.

Evangeline practically forced herself to speak, her words tumbling out in a rush. "N-no! I wasn't sent by anyone. I just came to give you this."

She held up the cat, her hands trembling slightly.

The prince's sharp eyes locked on the small creature, and his jaw tightened even more. And then slowly, he lowered his sword.