The Princess and the Assassin

XII

My heart races in my chest as Ezio confronts the mysterious attacker. I watch from my hiding spot, unable to tear my eyes away. His movements are swift and calculated, a testament to his years of training. The attacker lunges at him, but Ezio effortlessly evades the blow, retaliating with precise strikes of his own.

Fear and admiration intermingle within me as I witness his skill and determination. Despite our complicated dynamic, there's an undeniable trust that has formed between us.

As the struggle unfolds, I find myself inching closer, unable to resist the pull of the unfolding confrontation. The clash of metal against metal resonates through the air, each strike echoing with a sense of urgency and purpose.

I can't let him do this alone. I've trained so hard with Jax and this is why. 

Ezio's face remains stern and focused, his eyes locked onto his opponent. There's a fire in his gaze, a determination to overcome any obstacle in his path. His movements are fluid, each strike precise and deliberate. It's a dance of skill and strength, a testament to the years he's dedicated to honing his craft.

Another man dress in black appears, coming from around the corner. He avoids Ezio's battle and head straight for me and Sofie. 

I brace myself, ready to face whatever comes my way. Adrenaline courses through my veins, sharpening my senses and heightening my reflexes.

He throws a knife. I dodge the attacker's strike with a swift step backward, my movements fluid and precise. I take the knife from before off the tree. The attacker takes out his own blade. Drawing strength from within, I summon the courage to fight alongside Ezio. The clash of metal against metal fills the air as we engage in a fierce battle, our movements synchronized and coordinated.

Ezio's skill is evident as he swiftly combats the attacker. I hold my own, parrying the attacks and launching calculated strikes. In this moment, the lines between princess and guard blur, replaced by a shared purpose and a mutual desire to protect.

As the assailants fall to the ground, defeated, I stand panting, my heart racing with a mixture of exhilaration and exhaustion. Sweat trickles down my brow, mingling with the dust of the alley. Ezio, too, catches his breath, his gaze lingering on me with a newfound intensity.

He's a guard for a reason, huh? 

The threat has been neutralized, and a wave of relief washes over me. I turn, running to Sofie and to address the people behind us. 

"Don't worry. I've been in worse situations as a princess. Are you all ok? Sofie?" I ask, looking around for any evidence of injury on anyone. Sofie nods. 

Thank the Gods. 

Ezio approaches me, his breath slightly labored but his expression composed. His eyes meet mine, and for a fleeting moment, I catch a glimpse of vulnerability. It's as if the adrenaline and intensity of the encounter have momentarily stripped away the walls he so carefully constructs around himself.

"Are you alright, princess?" he asks, his voice void of emotion.

I nod, finding my voice. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, Ezio. You... you saved me."

"You didn't have to do that, princess," he says, finally a bit of tone leaking into his voice. His brows furrow as he steps closer, his gaze searching my face.

I meet his eyes, my own filled with determination. "I couldn't just stand by and watch. I can protect myself."

His jaw tenses, and he exhales sharply, his frustration evident. "Protecting you is my duty, princess. You shouldn't put yourself in unnecessary danger."

His words strike a chord within me, and I feel a mix of emotions swirling inside me—gratitude for his concern, frustration at his protectiveness, and a tinge of defiance. I understand his perspective, but I refuse to be confined within the walls of the castle, shielded from the world.

"I appreciate your concern, Ezio, but I can't be sheltered forever," I say, my voice steady. "There's a whole kingdom out there that needs our help, and I won't turn a blind eye to their struggles."

He clenches his fists, his gaze intense. "I know you're capable, princess, but that doesn't mean I have to like it when you put yourself at risk."

I take a step closer to him, closing the distance between us. "I'm not a fragile flower, Ezio. I want to learn, to grow, and to make a difference. And sometimes, that means taking risks."

There's a moment of silence as our eyes lock, a silent battle of wills. 

Finally, he lets out a sigh, his features softening. "I understand your intentions, Just be careful."

In that moment, I see beyond the guard's stoic exterior. There's a depth of emotion in his eyes, a flicker of something more profound.

Maybe, he needs to get out more too. 

As we make our way back to the castle, the air feels charged with a strange electricity. The weight of the day's events hangs between us. 

Who would attack me in board daylight? How did they get into the kingdom? 

Me and my father have so much to discuss. From homelessness to assassins, there is disclosure in the kingdom and today proves it. 

The path ahead may be uncertain and filled with obstacles, but I no longer hate it that Ezio is my guard. I feel... safer with him.

And as the sun begins to set, casting a warm golden glow over the town, the townspeople pack up and so do we. 

As we head back, my mind is filled with thoughts of Ezio, the kingdom, and the old man's smile. 

What do I want freedom or to lead my kingdom? And if I pick one, do I give up the other? 

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