The Glass Dagger, page 1
Copyright © 2023 by Kelsey L. Robinson
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [include publisher/author contact info].
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Book Cover by Beth Gilbert
First edition 2023
For TJ.
Without you, none of this would have happened.
Love you endlessly.
Contents
Foreword
Prologue
1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 7
8. Chapter 8
9. Chapter 9
10. Chapter 10
11. Chapter 11
12. Chapter 12
13. Chapter 13
14. Chapter 14
15. Chapter 15
16. Chapter 16
17. Chapter 17
18. Chapter 18
19. Chapter 19
20. Chapter 20
21. Chapter 21
22. Chapter 22
23. Chapter 23
24. Chapter 24
25. Chapter 25
26. Chapter 26
27. Chapter 27
Epilogue
28. Glossary
Acknowledgments
About Author
Foreword
The Glass Dagger is an adventure fantasy set in a dark fairytale adaptation world with teenage assassins. It includes elements regarding torture, war, hand-to-hand combat, poisoning, blood, intense situations, death, and mental manipulation through poison that are shown on the page. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please be aware that you're entering into the dark fantasy world of the Kingdom of Assassins…
Prologue
Once upon a time, as all stories start, there were three sisters who loved each other, for the most part. One was destined to rule, another arranged to wed a foreign prince, and the last didn’t know what she was meant to do. But at least they had each other.
Until a diplomatic mission went awry.
The sister destined to rule, fell in love.
And two kingdoms were on the verge of war.
To keep the peace, a treaty was established, promising a new marriage to bind the two kingdoms together, and finally everything would be as it should have been. Or at least, that’s how it should have gone. But as is the way with most stories, things are hardly as they seem.
Chapter 1
One at a time, Ella tapped her fingers against her thumb, counting the beats. The beats of her heart, steady if a little raised. The foot beats of the commoners clamoring past her, the beats of the women chasing after children over cobblestones, and the beats of each word on the letter Sophie had sent to her.
I need advice. Meet me at midday in the marketplace.
So, here she was, at midday, in the marketplace, waiting. And Sophie had yet to reveal herself. Ella leaned against the wooden wall of the pub. She stood in the outskirts of the shadows, her dark blue hood pulled up high enough to keep anyone walking by from being able to identify her. Upon first glance, anyone would think she was a well-off commoner with her plain blue dress, soft leather shoes, and black corset. If anyone had desired to get a closer look, not that she would have let them, they would have seen that her corset was enchanted with metal plates of protection and that hidden beneath her plain blue cotton dress was an assortment of daggers. Of course, she hadn’t fully armed herself for what should have been an easy rendezvous with a protégé. The only item on her that would be a hindrance was the shoes. They were extremely comfortable, but not suitable for anything other than walking, and as each beat ticked, the hairs on Ella’s neck told her she was going to need to go faster than that.
Ella looked at the grand clock in the center of the marketplace. Five past. Sophie should have arrived by now. She knew that being prompt was important. It had been ingrained in her since day one of her tutelage. It had been a grueling and intense year for both of them, but both had come out better for it. Ella was more skilled now at the age of seventeen, and Sophie was getting better. She had been tested and deemed ready for an assignment, at least that was what Ella had recommended. She bit the inside of her cheek, gazing around at the townspeople of Riset. All of them moved about without any knowledge of what happened in the shadows to keep them safe.
What Ella and the others had done to ensure the Kingdom of Rairene remained protected.
“Ella,” a whisper floated over her shoulder.
She turned to find her protégé, a short fifteen-year-old girl with big brown eyes and even bigger dreams, tip-toe towards her. Her bright red hair was in an elaborate braid that trailed down her back, wispy curls breaking free to frame her face. Her freckles stood out on her pale skin, giving her an innocent look that was not to be underestimated. She wore a dark green dress that belonged to a nobleman’s daughter, giving Ella pause. What mark had she been given?
“Sophie—”
“I know. I’m sorry. My mark got held up and it has delayed the entire morning.” Sophie crossed her arms and slouched against the opposite wall.
“What’s wrong?” Ella walked over and fixed Sophie’s posture. She would never admit it, but she had become quite fond of Sophie. What had begun as a contentious mentorship had blossomed into a strong sisterhood, and Ella would protect her as such.
“I need your advice…have you ever…” Sophie twisted her hands together. “Have you ever fallen in love with your mark?” Her brown eyes remained downcast, her cheeks flushed.
“No….” Ella watched Sophie wilt. “But I’ve come close. Isn’t your mission ending tonight?”
Sophie nodded her head slowly.
“There’s no turning back. The marks we hunt are bad, Sophie. He may present a good mask to the world, but that’s to hide how despicable he is on the inside. You know this.”
“But, he’s not—”
“He is. I promise. Why else would he be marked for death?” Ella watched Sophie, her eyes darting back and forth as she twisted a stray piece of hair, her nervous tick. “Here, take this.” Ella took out an enchanted diamond earring. Sophie’s eyes lit up. As long as both of them wore one earring of the enchanted pair, they would be able to hear everything that the other said. “Only put it on if you absolutely need to. Emergencies only.”
“Of course.” Sophie grasped it before tucking it into a secure pocket.
“Is there anything else?” Ella looked around the marketplace, making sure no one had seen them.
“No. Everything’s fine. I’ll do as you say. I know you’re right.”
Ella turned to look at her. She was slumped again against the side of the building. Her hands limp at her side.
Ella knelt down. “This job we have isn’t easy. No one will thank us for it. Yet we know that what we do is for the protection of the kingdom we love. We’re paid well, we’re fed, have a comfortable bed, wonderful friends, and we get to serve. Blood in my veins, right?” Ella held her hand, watching Sophie’s eyes dart back and forth.
Gradually Sopie stood up taller, steel in her eyes, all sense of innocence gone.
“Bones of my ancestors,” Sophie whispered with confidence.
Ella kissed her forehead and smiled as Sophie turned around and walked away, the diamond earring securely in place on her left ear should Sophie need her. Not that she would.
*Ella, are you able to talk?* Jaq’s silky voice came through on Ella’s other diamond earring. She paused at the tense strain in her enchanter’s voice.
*Jaq—*
*We have a mark that needs to be taken out immediately.*
*What’s wrong? We’ve done quick jobs before,* Ella glanced around as she picked up her pace, dodging around townspeople.
She loved this part of the city. The sounds of children laughing and women gossiping. The smell of cinnamon and spices swirled around everything, creating a bouquet of scents unique to the city she called home.
*This one involves an Earl. They typically give you a few days to plan.*
Ella shrugged. She’d never killed an earl with less than two days' notice, but there was always some new challenge to take on, and she would never back down. *It’ll be fine. I’m about to leave Riset. The walk home will take about an hour—*
*Gus is on his way,* Jaq interjected. She could practically feel him tugging on his tunic to calm his nerves.
*Alright, so they’re in a hurry. I’ll see you shortly.*
Ella glanced up in time to avoid colliding with a royal guard.
“Watch your step, commoner or I’ll arrest you.”
Ella bit back a response, narrowing her eyes as he moved on. The marketplace was admittedly a busy place, but she’d never felt closed in before, not like this. A young man with brilliant red hair stood in the center of it all, his green eyes darting around. Henry.
He had grown so much since she had last seen him. David stood next to him. His black hair swept to the side as he smiled, portraying the perfect prince. A line of commoners had f
“Get in line or move aside.” A guard barked at her.
Ella’s fingers twitched for a dagger. How she longed to tell him just how much she protected the royal family too. But she couldn’t. No one could know…not even those she defended.
She chanced a glance back at her former friends, catching Henry’s eye for a second before she pulled her hood back up and walked away. Her heart hammered in her chest long after she had left their sight. It didn’t matter that they were happy without her. It had been nine years after all. She didn’t expect them to wait for her; she certainly hadn’t waited for them. Ella had become what she had always wanted to be; a protector of her kingdom. If she had done as the palace had wished, she would have become one of those simpering ladies of the court who followed David everywhere he went.
Gus was waiting for her outside the gate into Riset, horse and carriage at the ready. The horses galloped home, with Jaq briefing her through her earring. The Earl of Gascony was suspected of selling information to the neighboring Kingdom of Holodal that put Prince David in imminent danger.
*Why do they think it’s him?* Ella sat up straighter at the threat made against David.
*The Earl fell on hard times recently due to his gambling addiction and incessant need to go to brothels—*
*That describes half of the nobility.* Ella leaned back. This was probably going to go nowhere.
*Do the other members of the nobility have cracks in their mansion walls and uneven cobblestones with an unkempt garden and limited staff?*
*No. Why do we think he’s already sold the information?*
*He was seen back in some of his usual holes throwing coin around.*
*I’ll check it out. Though it doesn’t sound very promising.*
As evening laid claim to Riset, Ella darted around her home, changing to ensure she looked the part of a wealthy socialite. She wore her plated black tunic and pants underneath an exquisite dark blue dress.
Gus took her back to Riset, stopping at a pub in the third circle, where he would wait for her return. She bunched her cloak around her, shielding her from the chill that ran off the trees, carrying the smell of mist and beer. If only the enchanted plates of armor stitched into her clothing could heat up. Hidden further within were her seven glass daggers.
Each home she passed was lit with candles that would burn well into the night. The earl’s home was not so fortunate. Though he tried to demonstrate wealth, she saw the lies as she approached. Jaq was right about uneven cobblestones, and a dangerously wild garden. Though it was the large cracks that ran up his home that revealed his troubles.
It was a rushed plan of attack, she had confidence she would succeed. David’s life depended on it. Per Jaq’s report, the Earl would be heading home with the only guard he could keep employed.
Ella eased the gate to the earl’s home open. The garden and lack of guards gave her all the cover she needed to go up to the modest mansion unseen.
Ella opened an ornately delicate compact mirror and looked into the tidy reflected glory that was Jaq. His brown hair was perfectly placed, his red tunic wrinkle-free, and his spectacles spotless. *How are the city guards?*
*Everything at the city guard’s station is quiet. They’re about to change shifts.* Jaq glanced at one of his enchanted mirrors.
Two years ago, Ella had gotten into the city guard station and sprayed every mirrored surface she could find with Jaq’s enchanted potion. Once dried, he was forever able to see through the mirrors in his ‘top secret enchanter room’ as he liked to describe it. It had been the one and only time Ella had taken a potion that would enhance her stealth.
Ella shook herself, bouncing back and forth on her feet until the goosebumps from the memory vanished. Not only were potions addictive, but she had become a ghost in her body after ingesting Callidus. She had been aware, but not quite in control of her actions. Of course, being able to slip past anyone unseen, no matter how out in the open she was, had been a wonderful benefit. However, she never wanted to lose connection with her body like that again.
Ella discarded her cloak and dress, hiding them in the wild lavender bushes. At the back door, Ella pulled the lock picks and tension wrench out of her wig, making sure it stayed securely in place. Beneath it she had braided back her snow-white hair. She scratched her head, grimacing at the slight movement. The wig never felt secure enough, though her stepmother insisted on it for her protection. Ella stopped her protesting when it was either wear the wig, or change her hair, the last connection she had to her mother.
She inserted the tension rod and turned the lock to the right, keeping weight on the lock. She slid the pick in, feeling each pin release while maintaining pressure. She moved fast, running the pick over each one until she felt the last one release, the knob turning in her hand.
Ella slipped into the dimly lit house. The earl had yet to use his new coin to replenish his candles, she noted. She paused by a side table, picking up a framed portrait of him. He was someone who would not have trouble attracting women. According to Jaq his list of lovers was almost as long as his list of accusers. As she walked through the house, she sprayed every mirror, ensuring Jaq would be able to see everything and warn her of any intruders.
The guards' room was where she would hide, four doors down from the earl’s on the third floor. She would have to make sure taking down the guard was quiet. Hiding in his wardrobe, she kept the door open just enough for flame light to shine in. She inhaled the smell of his clothes, wrinkling her nose at the sweat.
*All set, Jaq.* Ella looked into her mirror.
*Still no movement out of the usual.* Jaq commented.
Ella slipped the mirror into a small pocket and pulled out her diamond earring.
By the time she got her earring on, the sound of hooves on dirt reached her. The earl yelled something profane at his guard. Wonderful, he was drunk. Ella gently hit her head against the wooden closet door. She hated drunk men, and this one was apparently cruel while drunk.
A few minutes later she heard the guard walk on creaky boards to the earl’s room. The guard walked to his bedroom, removed his clothing, and plopped down. Ella smiled.
She eased the wardrobe open, wisps of beer and food floated off of him. Ella pulled out a thick piece of rope, rolling it between her fingers, its ridges rippling under her gloves. She leapt onto the guard, getting the rope around his neck, and pulling it tight. He attempted to turn around, but she had him pinned between her thighs. Ella didn’t want to kill him. He wasn’t her mark, and he couldn’t help that the man he served was horrible.
The guard’s rough hands slid off of her as his body went limp. She gagged and tied him to his bed before moving down to the earl’s room and pushing open the heavy wooden door.
“What is it, John?” The earl turned to her, his brow scrunched.
“Lord Edward, I see that your house has become a bit…rundown.” Ella eased into his room, her fingers tapping a beat against one of the daggers nestled at the base of her back.
“How is that your concern?” Lord Edward moved slowly around his room, heading for a hidden sword no doubt.
“Don’t. Move.” Ella removed one of her own glass daggers, pointing it at the earl. “You’re in a lot of trouble for what you did.”
“Pray, what did I do? I do a lot of things. I’m an earl as you know, and I have to do a lot for this kingdom.”
“Do you,” Ella whispered. “I’ll hazard a guess that it’s nothing compared to what others do in service for the crown.”
“Because an assassin knows so much about serving the crown?” Lord Edward laughed, taking a side step towards a mirror.
Ella threw a small dagger; impaling his arm. He screamed, collapsing to the floor.
“I do. Tell me, why don’t you serve the crown as you should?” Ella crouched down before him, pulling his head back to look at her.
“I’ve always remained loyal to the Kingdom I love,” he spat.
“We’ll see about that,” Ella gripped his collar and lifted Lord Edward to his feet.
