>>5482107“Are you sure everything looks tidy?” You asked Tari as you had returned to your room for a quick break and a bit of rest.
“Not a wrinkle on your clothes or stains.” Tari said back to you as she checked your clothes.
“Hair?”
“Let me get the brush.” Tari said to you.
You sat down and let Tari begin her work. You had started to appreciate having straight well combed hair recently as it had grown past your shoulders.
“I briefly talked with Blackmoore.” Tari said to you. “He seemed content, the welcoming ceremony seemed to have gone well.”
“That is good to hear.” You said back to her. “But him being just content probably isn’t enough.”
“Then what are you going to do?” Tari said and asked you. “I am still sceptical if your plan even works.”
“I have to tread carefully, the man can change his mind really quickly.” You said to her. “But I think as long as I don’t cross him, he doesn’t have a reason to do it.”
“I hope you are right…” Tari said back.
You had to play your part well if you wanted to make Blackmoore think that the feast was a grand success and that he was in the spotlight. You wanted him to see you in as good a light as possible, as a reliable partner and as someone with whom he can cooperate with. Of course achieving that alone would be great, but you wanted to achieve that to ensure you can get your friend Taretha Foxton out of Durnholde and away from Blackmoore.
If that requires some asskissing, then so be it.
…
The grand feast was just starting as your knights and Malevus escorted you to the hall. Stepping in, the knights dispersed around the hall and Malevus followed as you walked past the rest of the guests. As you sat down next to Lord Blackmoore, she took her position behind you next to the wall. You had the room under a clear watch if something was to happen and Lord Blackmoore noticed it.
“Prince Alric, you brought your knights and you have your elf standing behind you.” Lord Blackmoore said to you as he watched the guests mingling with each other.
“I have to take my own security very seriously, after all I have a number of enemies that want me dead.” You said back to him and turned your head as you spoke. “I hope that doesn’t cause any problems?”
“Not at all.” Blackmoore said and waved your concerns away. “I understand your concerns, everyone who is at least modestly successful has enemies.”
“You are right Lord Blackmoore, but I don’t think everyone has someone who wants them dead and is quite serious about it.” You said to him as the band started to play.
This caught Blackmoore’s attention, he seemed to take your words quite seriously.
“Are you implying someone might have sent assassins after you?” Blackmoore asked you and continued. “Not might, they have sent.”
You didn’t know if Blackmoore knew about the Syndicate, if he was amongst those who were either told or if he had found out about it. Confirming his suspicion probably should be done, but should you give him anything more?
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