Book Heist

Rosamund called them over. That's good. His face softened up and he gave them a smile when they arrived. He was very nice to them ever since they got themself into trouble. He was trying hard, it seemed, and that was nice.

The Second Prince was still there. That was bad. They flicked their wrists, popping their daggers out.

"Charming as ever," he said.
"Relax, Ekliptik," Rosamund said. "He is here for that work he needed you for. You don't need to go with him if you don't want to, though. I can throw him out."
"What a bold claim!"
"Your Highness, with all due respect, behave."
The man huffed, but didn't try to argue. It seemed Rosamund finally got him the same way he got Prony and others. Good. Ekliptik hid their daggers away.

"What's the job?"

Alberic tapped the table, demanding their attention. "You are going to help me steal some books from the Royal Library."

"Oh." Their head started spinning. They weakly flopped on their knees, blankly staring in front of them. The Prince's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Rosamund was getting up, deeply concerned. This was- no, this was fine. They promised they'd help. They can do it. They can do everything. Their ears were ringing... "Is that all?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Alberic, a few of his guards, and a large chest appeared in the teleportation circle on the property of the Earl Alsop en la Dale. The men picked up the crate and secured it to the back of his carriage while Alberic climbed inside. The guards mounted their horses while three of his servants got on the carriage, holding on as it started its way to the Royal Palace.

The carriage made its way through the Capital with crowds of people actively getting out of its way. They got through the gates of the Royal Palace unstopped, the carriage rumbling as it rolled over the white gravel towards the main entrance.

They stopped. A pair of strong servants unloaded and lifted the chest, and another servant helped Alberic out of the carriage and took his coat for him as he marched inside.

Ekliptik was uneasy. Everything was horrible. Alberic prepared everything in advance, but they did no work themselves. They only had a vague idea of the layout, they had no backup or support, and they had no doubts that the Prince would just throw them to the wolves if something went wrong. They hated this. Rosamund intervened on their behalf, the man actually started shouting at Alberic while they were trying to recover. Both men were ready to quit their plans, but they wouldn't let them. They needed to be useful and good. Rosamund then tried to talk them out, but they insisted. They wanted to help. It was for Nita, too. They were absolutely terrified, but they needed to do this... But it was so bad. It was the worst. Most worst. What if they run into that creep again-

The procession stopped.

"Alberic."
"Ravenel," he brightly replied. His pitch was slightly higher than when he spoke normally. "Good afternoon. How do you do?"

The tall, pale man glanced over the group, ignoring the question. His eyes were a dark blue color and his brown hair was long, softly curling at the ends. In some ways he held himself similarly to Rosamund, quietly in absolute control of everything, causing fear in all who were in his presence. Ekliptik was tense. Don't look, don't look, don't look...

"What is this?" he asked quietly.
"Lord Governor of Teuta has sent me some documents I need to review." Alberic was tightly gripping his cane. His shoulders were shivering, but he stood tall and calm as he spoke.
"You have been spending a lot of time there. And at the Earl's estate."
"I have, yes. I am still in charge of that entire situation. It seems Lord Governor is up to something again."
"Oh? And what could it be this time?"
"Knowing him, it likely has something to do with the well-being of the peasantry. I will handle him. There is no need to overspend."
"And the pirates?" Ravenel asked. He was staring Alberic down. He kept nervously glancing towards the chest and the servants, trying to keep himself calm. He took a step back.
"He handled them, it seems. Mother is satisfied and the so-called Queen is pacified for now."
"So, what would this be, then? His latest project, perhaps?"
"Ah, no. Th-this is the evidence of Vice Admiral's transgressions. I am still investigating the matter myself, since it includes the Second Sea Lord..."
"Open the chest, Alberic."

The tone of his voice was enough to make him freeze. He barely managed to give a nod to the exhausted servants, who put down the heavy chest. His hand was shaking slightly as he unlocked it and opened it for the Crown Prince to see.

Ravenel reached inside and picked up a file, flipping through it as Alberic stepped away to a safe distance from him.

"You are getting distracted with trivial matters, Alberic."
"I was the judge on this trial. It is only right I see it through to the end."
"This can be handled by a scribe."
"I- I am sorry-"

Ravenel violently slammed the file back into the chest. Alberic winced, red in the face. He couldn't look at his brother anymore.

"You have been working too hard lately. You should take a break before you cause another scene," he said. His voice was as calm as ever.
"What scene?"
"Poor Sinjon is walking around with a bruise on his eye. You should treat your younger brother better," he said. He patted Alberic's cheek. "At least, while you are in public. Such outbursts might cost you if Our Mother learns of them."
"I will be sure to apologize to him," he quietly snarled.
"Good. Take a vacation soon, you seem like you need it."
"I'm fine."
"Take it before I arrange one for you," he said. "Do you understand?"
Alberic looked away, his free hand tightly clenched into a fist.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Good. Dismissed," he said, waving him off. Alberic quietly locked the chest and scurried away.

The servants set the chest down in his office. Alberic was breathing heavily, holding onto the table with his back turned to them. "You two, get lost," he quietly said. "You, make me a drink."

Ekliptik waited in silence until the others left before lazily tossing the Prince's coat over the couch. They dug around his cabinets before finding a bottle of bourbon and a nice glass. Fancier than Rosamund's. They poured the drink but abstained from setting it on the table after they saw his face. Instead, they stepped back with the glass in one hand, and dagger in the other.

Alberic let out another quiet snarl and walked up to them instead. He grabbed the glass from their hand and threw it against the wall, hitting a painting. The shards tore through the fabric and the booze stained the colors.

"Phew," he brightly said. "All better now."
He was lying. It was clear as day. He was almost in a manic state and they couldn't predict what he'd do next. He looked down at their dagger, completely unconcerned. He put his hands on his hips, still standing right next to them.
"Would you like to try that again?" he asked with a smile.
"Do I have to?"
"You tell me."

His absolute confidence in their presence reminded them of the Alchemist. It made sense, considering they both managed to beat them. Well, they were holding back. At least that was what they were telling themself. You can't just kill a Prince. Or Rosamund's brother. After a moment of pause, they put the dagger away in its hiding place, and Alberic's shoulders relaxed slightly.

"Your family sucks," they said, stepping away from him.
"Hm. I didn't know you met my mother."
"How many of you are there, anyway?"
"I thought you people had spies on me." Oops. He caught them. Alberic gave them a smile and they awkwardly looked away. "Well, I suppose you aren't high up in the chain of command. I have two brothers and two sisters. The names are Ravenel, Linden who is my twin, Sinjon, and Zora. The ladies are a much more pleasant company, I assure you."
"The bar is in hell," they mumbled. "Do I need to dress as a maid? I don't want to run into Sinjon..."
"That idiot barely learned to read. He won't be in the library, I assure you. If we run into him anyway, I'll knock his teeth out before he does anything, so don't worry," he casually said. "Besides, you are blonde now. I doubt he paid enough attention to recognize you."
"I don't know if that makes it better or worse," they quietly said. Alberic gave them a shrug and threw the pile of maid clothes at them.
"I fixed this up to have hidden pockets. Wear it. You look more at home as a maid than as a servant in livery anyway."
"I don't think I want to be a woman anymore," they quietly said, awkwardly holding the garment.
"Trust me. I will keep you safe, kid." They rolled their eyes, deeply doubting that, and his lips twitched. "Go through that door, do not touch the other one."
"What's there?"
"A chained scammer. I'd prefer he doesn't see you, or gets a chance to escape somehow."
"Right."

They went to change in a small washroom on the side. Rosamund wouldn't put me in danger. Was it a prayer? A mantra? They hated this so much... No, this was fine. They roped themself into this. They could handle this. They could be a maid. They carefully adjusted their wig to make sure their haircut was completely hidden. They liked it a lot, but it was highly noticeable. They really didn't want Sinjon to recognize them.

This was fine. They can do this. In and out. They joined the people at the Earl's manor in a way to make it seem to the servants and the guards as if they came with the other group. Nobody paid attention to them. Nobody paid attention to them in the palace, either. The Crown Prince gave them no more than a passing glance. Alberic arranged it so there were new young men working in the palace, so they made it through unnoticed.

In and out.

Calm and silent. Nobody will notice.

By the time they returned, Alberic placed a pile of books on the table. Following his instructions they stuffed them in the hidden pockets of the wide skirt while he was staring out through the window, with his back turned to them.

"Done," they said.
"Splendid! Let's get to it, then. Let me have a look at you... yes, this is fine. Just walk carefully so people don't notice and you should be fine."

They tried to make a few circles around the room to test it out. Alberic nodded approvingly and led the way towards the library.

"Say," they tried, walking two steps behind him. He was being considerate and slowed down for them. "Did you really punch that freak in the eye?"
"Who, Sinjon? Yes. I sent him home after that so that he doesn't embarrass me further."
His otherwise perfect skin was slightly injured on his knuckles. They wondered if he tried to fight back. "How's your cuts?"
"The ones you gave me? Healing well, thank you for your concern. Next time try to not attack me before an event. Or at all, as it was a pain to hide them from everyone."
They cautiously increased the distance between the two of them before asking the next question. "Where's the King?"

Alberic flinched.

"Madol," he managed to say. His voice was slightly different than usual, but they couldn't read what it meant. It seemed he wasn't going to turn violent, at least. "Last I've heard. At least according to Captain Verlice."
"Why?"
"Rude questions. How about I try one: where are your parents?"
"...dunno."
"Hm." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I suppose that means Lord Governor doesn't plan to adopt you. Good."
"You were worried about that?"
"I am planning to work with the Earls and Countesses in the future, so yes. It would be highly concerning if one of my subordinates tried to kill me."
"I didn't try. I'm not stupid."
"Huzzah, you only attempted to maim me. Thank you for your consideration."
He was worse than Teo. "Maybe I oughta try again," they grumbled.
"Good luck with that."

Considerably grumpier than before, the two entered the library. Ekliptik carefully kept a neutral, expressionless face while Alberic greeted a few people managing the place. They followed along away from the main rooms, along with one woman who unlocked the iron gates for them. They opened in absolute silence, leading to a considerably dimmer and dustier area. It was larger than the other rooms, too, and spanned three floors from what they could see.

"Welcome to the Royal Archives," Alberic said. "That will be all, Wendelien. Yonas, fetch me the trade deals with Mletaks from 57 years ago-"
"Doing research, Your Highness?"
"Yes. I won't be needing your assistance, though. I know where everything is."
"Wear gloves with older tomes."
"I know. Dismissed. Oh, and, this is important. Make sure nobody disturbs me."

The woman gave him a bow. Ekliptik pretended to be digging through some dusty old papers until the woman's footsteps could no longer be heard. Alberic was busy lighting up a lantern. It took him a few tries before it finally kept the flame, and they descended downstairs and forward.

"I scouted the locations of the books in advance," he brightly said. "And they're in a good enough shape to be transported, too. This will be easy."
"This place is giving me the creeps."
"Are you sensitive to magic, or just sensitive?"
"Dunno. Latter, probably. It's dark and I don't like it."
"Paper ages, the books from centuries ago need to be kept far from light and damp air. Otherwise they crumble to dust. This is the largest library in Bretonia and the archives go back all the way to the foundation of our Kingdom. Some are even older. Don't touch anything unless I give it to you."
"Isn't a fire a bad idea, then?"
To their horror, Alberic opened the lantern and reached inside with his bare hand. A stone was burning in his hand, the fire flickering over his fingers and bare skin. He held it for a few moments before he finally winced and threw it back into the lantern.

"Did you burn yourself?"
"Barely. This is a firestone. It's not dangerous. I wouldn't bring a real fire down here, nor would I be allowed to. I hope I dispelled all your doubts now?"
They awkwardly shrugged.
"Good enough."

Alberic stopped in front of a shelf and carefully ran his fingers over the spines until he found the book he was looking for. He handed the light to Ekliptik and took it out as gently as possible, careful not to disturb the other books. He set it down, and Ekliptik handed him the fake book from their skirt. The replacement was completely blank, but the spine was crafted in a way to make it identical to the stolen book. Alberic checked it for damages and carefully flipped through it before handing it to Ekliptik to store away. They moved on.

"Did Lord Governor open a cat shelter because of you?" he asked with a smile.
It was their turn to wince. "Yeah. I kept bringing home cats I found." They still did, but now they had two places where they could take them to, instead of bringing every animal into the manor.
"He's funding it with State money, it seems."
They carefully avoided replying to that. "Cats bring good luck. They're good for the city," they said as neutrally as possible.
"They also eat rodents before they spread disease or ruin crops, which is likely going to be his explanation for the expenses once he meets My Mother."
"...if it's bad, I'll fund it."
"With what money, little pirate?"
"Stolen," they shrugged.
Alberic let out a laugh. They decided they didn't like the sound of it. It was forced, it was trying too much to make them like him.

"I assumed you were the reason. I saw you play with some cats during the event and it seems Lord Governor has quite a soft spot for you. Almost fatherly."
"Is that why you thought he'd adopt me?"
"Yes."
"He won't. I think. He never adopted any kids, even when his family was running orphanages." Why would they be different?
Alberic reached out for them before stopping in the middle of the motion. He visibly changed his mind and awkwardly ran his fingers through his hair. "I think it's better. If you were to become an Earl or a Countess, whichever you'd prefer, you'd be forced to interact with the kind of people like Sinjon. He is probably trying to keep you away from other... freaks."
"I know."
"He was very close to murdering me when I told him I captured you," he added. "He cares about you, from what I can tell. He is just cold to everyone. He needs to be."
"I know."

They repeated the same process of switching books. This time, two books were right next to each other. Alberic was as careful as before.

"Do you often fight with your siblings?" they asked.
"I try to avoid it when I can. Ravenel is considerably stronger than me."
"Only him, then?"
"Well, there is also Sinjon, when he is acting like an idiot. Linden is a decent woman, we only argued a few times, and Zora doesn't need interventions. She is a good child. What about you?"
"Dunno. I don't think I have siblings."
"Hm. Lucky."
"Rosamund seems to get along with the Alchemist, though. I was curious, because I don't think either would ever punch the other one."
"I want the throne. There is a chance I will have to kill Ravenel for it," he said. "Hopefully he just gives up on his position, though. Civil wars are ugly and unpredictable."
"You are afraid of him."
"How perceptive. Let's change topics. What can you tell me about Baroness Vervain?"
"I don't think spies are supposed to tell enemies their secrets."

Alberic stopped in his tracks and twirled a lock of his hair around his finger, staring them down. The light was now pointed straight at them and they took a step back, squinting to see.

"...ah. I see," he quietly said. "This was all an interrogation. Very clever."

He turned around on his heel and marched forward, leaving them in the darkness. Shit. They lifted their skirt and ran after him to catch up.

He was upset, somehow. Visibly, but it didn't seem to be directed at them. They didn't feel like they were in danger right now, but they worried he might decide to throw something again, such as the lantern.

He didn't.

But he did continue speaking, once he somewhat calmed down.

"I can't even speak to an orphaned child without them trying to get me to slip," he bitterly said. He wanted to yell, perhaps curse, but he was holding himself back.
"...sorry," they tried.
"You aren't sorry you did it, you are sorry you got caught. Spare me, brat."

They fell into an awkward silence, feeling bad.

It seemed he just really wanted someone to talk with for a bit. He genuinely wanted them to like him. They felt a strange sense of shame, maybe even guilt. They just wanted to find best ways to help Nita...

Alberic replaced another book in absolute and angry silence.

They couldn't really take it much longer. They felt really terrible and his cold behavior was making them uncomfortable and sad.

"Sorry," they tried again.

He didn't bother gracing them with a response.

"I'm... it's what I do. I learn things. For- for Nita and for Rosamund. That's why I followed you around before and why I tried now." If they had their hat, they'd be pulling on its rim by now. Instead, they awkwardly twisted the fabric of their apron, feeling knots in their stomach.
"Did it not occur to you that I am cooperating with them?"
"Aye, but you could change your mind."
"Don't you think these actions would make me do it sooner?"
"I- didn't think like that."
"Those men that are following me are already putting me on edge, and I now need to put up with this? I'll be sure to tell Lord Governor exactly what I think."
"Ah- please don't be angry. It's- I did that. I'm making sure you don't try to contact the Duchess. An'- and it works as a way to protect you, yeah? From Ravenel? My guys will keep y' safe-"

"You? Your people?" he asked.

Ah. Oops. They made a mistake. A really bad one. Rosamund went out of his way to convince him they weren't anyone important and now they ruined that, too. Everything was horrible. Everything was just the worst. They hid their face in their hands and gave him a silent nod.

"I'm th' Spymaster," they quietly said.

They really, really couldn't make themself face him. Was he angry? Probably. Will he attack? Probably not. Right now they were safe and really sad. They made so many mistakes today- Alberic patted their shoulder.

They yelped and stepped back, staring at him in alarm with daggers in their hands. He was staring at them with an expression they couldn't read. Their heart was beating in their ears. Will he try to approach- no. He turned around on his heel and kept walking.

"Last book is this way," he said. "Let's get this over with."

The final book swap was done, with real deals all hiding in their skirt. The two of them didn't talk more; they felt too awkward and horrible to try to start another conversation and Alberic spent some time flipping through whatever back near the entrance, to pass some time and not raise suspicions. It was already early evening by the time they finally returned to his office, where they sat around a bit longer while Alberic was in the other room, talking to the man Rosamund arrested.

They carefully moved the books to a leather bag and Ekliptik packed commoner's clothes on top of them. Under the cover of darkness, he led them to a secret exit out of the palace, where they finally got away.

The cursed feeling was fading away with more distance between them and the palace. They quietly ran through the streets of the Capital and didn't stop until they finally left city. They took a break to catch their breath and calm down their shivering, before they started running towards the Earl's estate.