Summer's mind swirled with everything she had witnessed tonight.

Blake speaking to a man. Something twinkling next to the man's face. Summer closed her eyes and focused. The glimmer became clear. It was on his ear. And it was red.

A red earring.

"What do you mean?" Al asked.

Summer walked over to Leon. Al motioned, and Ida and their men poured out of the trees. The men bound Rock's hands.

Ida and Al approached as she whispered. "I saw the man with the red earring speaking to Blake earlier in the ball. Blake is General Brodrick's son."

Heavy silence punctuated her words.

"Are you insane?" Al hissed. "You think General Brodrick is working with the Northerners?"

Summer shrugged.

Ida sighed, rubbing her forehead. "I really hate the bastard, Summer, but he's a general in the Kingdom's army..."

"That's what I think. Take it or leave it. It's up to you," Summer said.

"How strong do you believe it?" Leon asked her.

"Leon, you don't actually believe that could be true," Al said, wide-eyed.

Leon kept his eyes locked onto Summer's. She sighed. She had seen something else tonight that made General Brodrick's name pop into her mind. She just didn't know what exactly. Even then, the red earring alone should be enough to suspect the general. True, there could very well be more than one man with red earrings in the capital. But Summer's instincts screamed otherwise.

And Summer had learned to trust her instincts. They were honed by two decades of survival in a hostile town.

Summer nodded at Leon. She needn't say anything; he understood.

"Alright, let's operate on the assumption General Brodrick is hiding them," Leon said, folding his arms. Al shook his head. "Where would he keep them?"

"Somewhere where he can keep a close eye on them," Ida said. "He's a controlling bastard. He'll want them close enough to check on frequently."

"But not his house. He wouldn't trust them in his own home where his family lives," Al said.

Summer glanced at Conan, crouched next to Rock, chatting furiously while nodding surreptitiously toward Leon.

Rock's eyes bulged, his face losing its color. After a while, Conan patted the man's shoulder and rose.

"I think our friend might have some help, after all," Summer said just in time for Conan to join them.

"Rock has more information you might be interested in," he said, a smug smile on his face.

"Uh-huh, and he just decides to share it now out of the goodness of his heart?" Ida asked suspiciously.

"Hey, I'm just trying to speed things up here," Conan replied. "I kept my end of the deal. Now it's your turn. If you're still embroiled in this mess, I won't get what we agreed on anytime soon. Besides," he looked at Leon and bowed with a flourish. "I just helped him see that there's more to the issue than he thinks, Your Highness. Maybe he can get out of this with less trouble than he's already in."

Leon sighed and motioned for the guards to bring Rock closer. They did, and the man bowed deeply. "Your Highness, I didn't know- I didn't think-"

"Save it. What do you have for us?" Al snapped.

Rock licked his lips, sweat beading his forehead. "He's going to kill me," he mumbled.

"Well?"

Rock hesitated. "I've made a deal with the red earring before. I've put him in contact with someone."

"What for?"

"A surveillance job, I think," Rock said, wiping his face on his shoulder. "I put him in contact with Ran's gang. He took the job."

"And where can we find this Ran guy?" Ida asked.

"Ran is- he's pretty well known in the streets. If he finds out I snitched on him..." he gulped. "He'll have me chased like a rabid dog."

"Who is Ran?"

"I heard of him," one of the guards piped in. He's the boss of a gang that operates in the city and the neighboring towns. It's mostly gambling. But rumors are he's extending his operations. He's served some time in prison but got out. The guards have been trying to nail him with proof, but people are afraid of him. Even our usual informants don't want to talk for fear of retaliation."

"I know where to find the man," Conan said.

"And you are not afraid of Ran?" Ida asked.

Conan grinned. "He already wants me dead, so I'm not risking much."

"Alright. Lead the way. But Conan," Leon took a step forward, standing toe to toe with Conan. "Don't think about crossing us."

Leon's cold voice sent shivers down Summer's spine. Conan's smile turned tense. "Wouldn't dream of it, Your Highness."

***

Leon hoped their luck would hold for the evening. He sent some of the guards to the safehouse with Rock. And took Summer, Ida, Al, and three men he trusted with him. The thought of General Brodrick being a traitor left him paranoid, and he only wanted people he could absolutely trust by his side. He could hardly do anything about Conan since he was their guide. But he trusted that the other man knew what was best for him. And Conan was right, it was in his interest that Leon got out of this alive in order to honor his end of the deal.

They left their horses on the edge of the capital, and Conan led them through the city's winding streets. Even well away from the market's bustling heart of the city, the streets still welled with people. Taverns and food stalls brimmed with customers. The aroma of food and smoke wafted through the air. Lanterns and torches painted the capital streets in golden shades.

The more they walked, the shadier their surroundings became, until Conan stopped them at a side street that people seemed to steer clear of.

"That's the place," Conan said, leaning against the wall of a house. Laughter and drunken chatter filtered outside. "He's usually in at this time of night. But I don't know if they'll let you talk to him."

"What about you?" Leon asked.

Conan made a face. "He'll want to talk to me, alright. But I don't know if my presence will make him happy to share."

"We don't care if he's happy or not, as long as we get our hands on him," Al grumbled.

"Maybe you can cut a deal with him."

Leon turned to face the man. He had to nip this in the bud. "You seem to have the wrong idea, Conan. I don't make deals with criminals unless I have to. Don't go around making deals on my behalf, or you'll find yourself staring at the wrong end of prison bars again."

Conan raised his hands. "Fine. But if you're not making a deal, it's going to be difficult to get information-"

"Let me worry about that," Leon said. "You just show me the guy and I'll take care of it."

"As you wish, Your Highness," Conan said with a bow.

Leon felt a headache brewing behind his eyes. He was starting to regret making a deal with this bastard, even though he was proving useful so far.

Leon left the three guards behind with orders to only intervene if they heard a commotion. The five of them approached the house. Muted cheers and laughter spilled into the streets. Conan threw the hood of his cloak off. He knocked three times.

A small square opened at the top of the door, and beady black eyes peeked out. They narrowed when Conan raised his head. The square was shut before the door opened to reveal a mountain of a man. He had to crouch so the door frame didn't hit him as he stepped out.

"I heard you're out," he said in a voice that matched his physique. "What do you want?"

"I want to talk to Ran."

He squinted, taking in the group behind Conan. "Ran will kill you. And he's not the only one inside who wants you dead. This is the last chance you'll get from me to run with your life. Consider us even after this."

"Thanks, Chance," Conan said. "I still want to see the man."

Chance shrugged two bulging shoulders. "Your funeral. Come in."

He stepped aside to let them in. Although the smell of liquor, smoke, and sweaty bodies enclosed too long in one place stung Leon's nose, the space was surprisingly clean and tidy.

It looked like a tavern, with a few sparse tables scattered around the floor. A counter ran along one wall with bottles and barrels behind it. A few men sat around, drinking and playing cards. The noise, and no doubt the smells as well, were mostly coming from behind one of the closed doors beyond the counter. The man who greeted them whispered something to one of the two blokes tending the counter, then disappeared up the flight of stairs. One of the men rushed behind the counter inside one of the doors. As he opened it, noise, music, and a cloud of smoke spilled outside. Before the door closed, Leon caught a glimpse of a much larger space where men crowded around gambling tables with cards in their hands and maids transferred drinks.

Conan took a seat at one of the tables, Leon pulled a chair for Summer, and then sat. Al and Ida remained standing, leaning against the wall.

Leon saw the chain of whispers roll through the room from the bar tender to the men sitting around. They all glanced sharply at Conan.

"Very famous, aren't you?" Summer mumbled.

Conan grinned. "Not as much as you. What did a little thing like you do for the Northerners to have a price on your head?"

The door to the gambling room crashed open. Leon gripped the sword under his cloak. Three identical men burst out, scanned the room, spotted Conan, and jumped over the counter.

Conan cursed as he shot to his feet, raising his hands. "Gentlemen, let's-"

One of the triplets swung his arm, aiming at Conan. The latter dodged, sliding out of his chair. The fist landed on the table, causing it to crack. Leon slid his chair back and pulled Summer's chair closer to his.

"I take it we're not getting involved?" Summer asked with a glimmer of humor in her eyes as they watched Conan dodge another brother.

"Not unless we have to," Leon replied calmly. He had no intention of getting entangled in a thug fight. At least not until Conan's life was in danger. Because as much as he didn't care for the man, Leon had given him his word, and he intended to keep it.

Conan ducked down under one of the brothers' swings, stepped behind him, and pushed him with his foot. Aided by the momentum of his attack, the brother crashed against the wall. The two standing brothers whirled to face Conan.

He raised his fists. "Gentlemen, I don't know what your problem is, but let's talk about it like grown-"

One of the brothers picked a chair nearby and flung it at Conan's head. Conan ducked, and the chair smashed into a table where two men nursed drinks. The glasses shattered, and the chair hit one of them in the head.

"Not yet?" Summer asked.

"Not yet."

The chair's victim fell with a howl of pain, holding his bloodied brow. His friend rose with a cry of battle and charged into the fight. That was all that the small crowd in the tavern needed to join in.

Leon had to admit, even amidst the fray, he could see Conan's fighting skills were excellent. He moved with an inborn grace, his motions spare and efficient.

Chance descended the stairs, followed by an older man with a bald head and an auburn beard that went down to his waist. The man's reddish brows knotted as he boomed,"What's happening here?!"

The fighting didn't falter. The man had to be Ran. Leon finally stood. "Let's end this. Al, open that door."

Summer grinned and rose. "Finally."

Leon grabbed the closest two men and shoved them towards the door. They flew outside with a cry.

"Hey!" Another man protested, heading towards Leon with what appeared to be a chair leg. Leon caught the piece of wood, grunting at the sting of pain, then hauled the man outside to join the others. The guards he'd left behind appeared at the door, wide-eyed. Leon waved them off and motioned for Al to shut the door and lock it.

When Leon turned to deal with the rest, he found that almost half of them were on the ground, some unconscious, some trying to stay conscious. Summer zipped behind the other standing men. Her hand blurred as it hit the side of their neck. They dropped like flies. Leon, Al, and Ida made quick work of the rest, as most were drunk, and stood over the fallen men. Ran and Chance stared at Leon through narrowed eyes.

"Who are you?"

"Someone you don't want to mess with," Conan said, snatching Ran's attention.

"You..." Ran grumbled, stepping over a groaning man to approach Conan.

Conan raised his hands. "I'm here for some business. Believe me, you don't want to miss this."

Suspicion lowered the man's brows. He took Leon's measure and nodded to the stairs. "Let's talk upstairs."

He barked a few short orders and proceeded up the rickety flight of stairs. Conan and Leon followed, then Summer, Al, and Ida.

"Stick or carrot, Your Majesty?" Conan mumbled.

"We'll see," Leon said. He knew very little about Ran, so he couldn't offer him something he needed in exchange for information, and he had a feeling money wouldn't work. Maybe he'd try the stick this time.

Ran's office was surprisingly clean and smelled infinitely better than downstairs. An open window let in the night breeze. A faint flavor of smoke and coffee lingered in the air, not an unpleasant scent. The only light was a candelabra set atop the desk. The flames danced in the breeze, making the thick shadows sway. Two of Ran's underlings joined them in the office.

Ran sat behind his desk and pointed a finger at Conan. "If this isn't worth it, you're a dead man walking."

Conan grinned and leaned by the window. Al and Ida stood beside him, and Ran's men loomed between them and the desk.

Leon pulled a chair from a nearby table and planted it in front of the desk. Neat stacks of paper were set in the space next to a pile of books, a quill, ink, and charcoal pencils. Ran stapled his fingers on his desk and stared at Leon. Leon got straight to the point.

"A man with a red earring. You took a job for him," Leon said. A shadow shifted behind Ran. Leon stifled a smile.

The other man kept his face carefully blank. "I don't see how my business is any of your concern?"

Since his business was illegal, it was indeed Leon's concern. But there was no need to play that card yet.

"If you cooperate, we'll be on our merry way. Otherwise..."

Ran narrowed his eyes. "Otherwise?"

Leon nodded. Summer coalesced out of the shadows behind Ran and pressed a dagger against his neck. The blade glinted in the candlelight.

Ran froze. His underlings tried to intervene, but Al and Ida held them back.

"Conan, you bastard," Ran gritted out.

Conan grinned. "Just paying you back, my friend."

There was obviously history between the two men. Leon didn't care.

"How much for the information? Name your price," Leon said.

Ran chuckled. "You're insane. I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I don't have all night, Ran. I want everything you know about the man and the job you took for him."

The man bared his teeth. "Do you even know who I am? You'll be lucky to walk out of this house alive. I own these streets."

Conan chuckled. "Oh, believe me, Ran. You don't want to play the "do you know who I am" card with this fellow."

Ran scowled, sizing Leon up and down. "You can try your threats, and when you're done, I'll find you and make you regret thinking you can threaten me. If you kill me, my men will find you and-"

Summer clicked her tongue. Ran snapped his mouth shut when she pressed the dagger further.

Leon sighed, swiped a dagger from his ankle sheath, and stood up. He rounded the desk and loomed over Ran. Holding the man's hand flat against the table, he stabbed the dagger down. Thud. It hit the desk a hair's breadth from the man's pinky. Ran stopped breathing.

"I don't have all night," Leon said quietly. "The information, or you'll start losing fingers."

Leon was aware of Summer's glance. He didn't relish in violence, especially when the other party was defenceless like this. But he had tortured someone before for information. The Northern border had been a cruel place.

He didn't want Summer to witness this part of him, though, a part he'd sworn to leave at the borders after Ria's death.

Leon locked eyes with her, but other than surprise, there was no censure in her gaze, no fear or disgust. Something in Leon's chest loosened.

Conan whistled. "Didn't think you had it in you, Your Highness."

Ran choked, eyes bulging. Leon threw Conan a dark look. "Next time you speak, I'll make sure Ida's premonition for the night becomes true," Leon grumbled.

Conan snapped his mouth shut with a snap. Ran gaped at Leon. "Are you really..."

"The red earring. Start speaking." Leon decided to help things along, since his identity was compromised anyway. "Or do you want to be arrested for high treason. You know that's straight to the gallows."

"High- Hey! I'm just running a gambling ring here. High treason, you say?!"

"So speak."

Leon pressed harder on his dagger. Ran closed his eyes for a moment and cursed. "It's a surveillance and security job. We watch the house, keep them in, and keep outsiders out."

"How many people are inside the house?"

"I don't know for certain. My men spotted around ten, but they only saw them from afar."

"And how many of your men do you have on the job?"

"Twenty," Ran replied. "We report to the man once every three days unless something unusual happens."

"Where's the house?" Leon asked, and the man only hesitated a moment before offering an address.

Leon eased his hold and snatched a paper from the stack. "Draw a layout of the place and where your men are stationed. If the information is incorrect, I can't guarantee the safety of your men. Understood?"

Ran made a face. "I have an outline of the place. I'll reach for it in the drawer. Don't cut my damn finger off."

He fished out a roll of yellowing paper from the top drawer of his desk. On it was a rough sketch of what looked like a farmhouse, with the main house, the stables, barn and silos clearly indicated on the drawing.

He paused with his pen hovering over the paper. "You guarantee my men will stay safe?"

"If they're where they're supposed to be," Leon said. And because he respected Ran for thinking of his men's safety, he added, "We'll try our best."

"When does your contract end?" Al asked as Ran marked his men's locations.

"Tomorrow."

Leon froze. "Tomorrow?"

"Yes. Tomorrow is our last day on the job."

Leon met Summer's eyes. Were they planning on going back to the North? But why now? Or maybe they were going to hire someone else instead of Ran's men. Leon hoped it was the latter, though his instincts warned him something else was going on.

***

They made a rough plan on the way there. Ran's men were all stationed on the outer perimeter of the estate. Whoever hired them, General Brodrick, obviously wanted no contact between the men and the Northerners in case someone had a loose tongue.

The house was located on the outskirts of the city, a lavish mansion standing on acres of wild land that had been farmed at some point. A stable was close to the house on the property, silos and a barn farther away.

Taking care of Ran's men was easy enough since they knew their exact location. They left them tied and gagged, all thanks to Ran, who had provided them with rope. It seemed he was willing to assist after finding Leon's identity, perhaps thinking that getting on the prince's good side might make his life easier.

Leon had no intention of making an acquaintance with the guy. The only thing he'd give him for sharing information was a grace period to make all his jobs legal; otherwise, Leon had the full intention of raiding all his illegal operations later.

They hid in the bushes near a tree by the front gate. Sneaking inside had been easy, thanks to Summer. The long grass between them and the mansion rolled under a sudden breeze, a sea of silver powdered blades. The full moon glinted off the windows of the house, in front of which three men stood. Guards.

Leon took in his people's ranks. He'd fought beside Al and Ida countless times. Summer, he'd seen fight and knew what she was capable of. Conan was the only unknown in the mission. His other men were all peppered across the wall, waiting for his signal to charge.

"Shall I?" Summer asked, peeking from under her cloak's hood.

Leon locked his jaw. He didn't want to send her in alone. But Al's plan had been reasonable.

"Leon?" Summer frowned, touching his hand on the hilt of his sword. The full moon made her eyes light up like silver gems. Leon took a deep breath.

"Alright. Go ahead."

Summer nodded and whirled around. Leon reached out and snagged her wrist on pure instinct. She looked over her shoulder at him, cocking her head in question.

"Be careful." Leon forced himself to let go. She winked and disappeared into the night.

Conan and Ida argued furiously a few paces away from him and Al. Ida seemed more prickly around the other man.

"Seems like things have changed," Al mumbled.

"What things?" Leon asked, trying to track Summer through the field stretching between their hiding spot and the house. But he couldn't spot her, try as he might. Good.

"Between you and her."

Leon sighed. "Nothing has changed. Unfortunately."

Al did a double-take. He raised his brows. "Unfortunately?"

"Hmm."

Al rubbed his face. "Really? How would your mother take that?"

"I imagine about as well as you do," Leon said.

"The king?"

"No one knows anything about this yet, including Summer, so keep your mouth shut."

"Yes, Your Highness." Al shook his head. "I knew this would happen."

"You knew?" Leon asked.

"I've been with you for years, Leon. The moment you released that girl from her binds on the way to the capital, I knew you'd taken a liking to her. It was only a matter of time before you realized how you feel. I wish I were wrong."

Leon smiled. "You're not the only one. But you'd better get used to her. She'll be staying with us after this mess is over."

"Fantastic," Al grumbled under his breath.

Something glinted at the first-floor window they'd designated earlier. Summer was inside.

"That's our cue. Get ready," Leon said. 

--- ---- ---

Hey guys! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

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M.B.