Ask Whips and Chains

[Nevizkas]

Zygerria was an interesting world snuggled neatly between Corpo and former Sith space. Though slavery had been banned in the empire for some time, the Zygerrians were not only able to keep their trade but also their independence. To some extent, the change up within the empire had caused a rift to grow within the internal factions of Zygerria. There was always a risk that with a change in neighbors that old arrangements could change as well, forcing the monarchy into an uncomfortable position.

Such a position was a welcome sight for the new Sith Order, which was now looking to re-embrace slavery and all things Sith. There was however the problem that the current queen was quite content to ride out the turbulence along a corridor of neutrality and was therefore not likely to be supportive of the order's efforts.

Cyutadakyr understood that there had been a mumbling of internal unrest with several claimants to the throne keeping a watchful eye on the monarch. With one slip up she could find herself ousted and another in her place, the trick here would be to ensure that someone friendlier to their cause would be the that lucky heir. Fortunately, she was not alone in this endeavor and between the three Sith they would surely come up with a plan that would not only get the order involved in the slave business, secure their newfound friends' interests but also get them personally profiting from it too.

Waiting in a small abandoned warehouse, she waited for everyone to arrive.

@LadyRen @Alhon

 

[Juliet Sforza]

Juliet strode though the back alleys of the city, almost in the shadow of the Royal Palace itself. The so called Palace was a hulking blue monstrosity, without a hint of style or architectural elegance to its design. It repulsed her, almost as much as the dry arid air. Zygerria itself did not agree with her.

She had more time for its people; the Zygerrians at least understood the harmony of control. Like her, the understood that the dominance of the strong over the weak was the natural order. They had succeeded in building an empire on that solid principle, until the Republic and their Jedi friends saw fit to dismantle it. The Sith would help Zygerria find its way again and in return the slavers would bolster the Order's strength.

She quickened her pace, drawing her heavy cloak about her as she neared the rendezvous. The warehouse had several entrances, the rundown fire exit in front of her among them. It was chained and padlocked, but a whispered hiss from within her cowl severed the chains as surely as any blade. They fell away and she pushed the door open gently, slipping inside.

Juliet hummed gently as she so often did, stirring the Force in her own musical way as she walked between the packed crates. There were shadows galore here and though she expected allies she would be ready for enemies. Stepping around some old shelving, she saw the crimson form of one of her counterparts.

"Two at least then" she said in greeting "a balanced number". The other woman was younger, considerably so. An Acolyte perhaps, though one that certainly looked the part. "Juliet Sforza" she added, inclining her head.

@Xorism @LadyRen

 

[Nova Trent]

Zygerria was surely not the prettiest place, but when it came to planets Nova wasn't picky anyway. Especially not in times like these. There were rumors of unrest and if Nova was good at one thing it was definitely stirring up shit.

With a hood pulled over her head and half over her face, she strode into the warehouse, thus following the encrypted coordinates she had been given and awaiting not only a familiar face there, but apparently another one as her hazel tainted gaze immediately fell on a blonde that was already engaged in a conversation with her favorite Sith pureblood.

Revealing her face by pulling back the hood only after having ensured that no one else was around, she instantly threw Cyu a sly smirk before she turned to the blonde. She looked...old. Or was it finer to say 'seasoned' or whatever? One way or another, it seemed like the darkness had taken a toll on her beauty, but she wasn't here to play around again and she still had Cyu who was as easy on the eye as ever and who'd definitely not turn her down for another post-work session of fun if time would allow it.

"I hope I'm not late to the party", she said while giving Cyu a cheeky wink before nodded at their chaperone. "I'm Nova. I think I haven't seen your face around yet". As if they needed a chaperone...but well, it seemed the female trio had to get along somehow, so she tried her best not to openly insult her.

@Xorism @Alhon

 

[Nevizkas]

The trio of beauties arrived in the otherwise less-than-pleasant warehouse without much trouble, which was the name of the game today. Under no circumstances could they afford to be captured or their actions link back to the Sith and all three would be very aware of this fact. Cyu tipped a quick wink toward Nova before straightening her back and cracking her knuckles.

Having already completed checks of the building and surroundings, Cyu was certain that they had not been followed nor was anyone watching or listening, meaning they could speak in complete confidence.

"Champion Sforza has a rare talent, I think you'll find. Her musical ability can unlock doors that might otherwise be closed to people of ....less known repute." A Sith Pureblood might turn certain heads if not for the hue alone, even more so for people who knew what that was, and to her understanding, Nova had mostly kept to the shadows, not one for a public persona.

"There are three tasks that need completing before we can execute the plan. Champion Sforza will need to find a way to get herself invited somewhere the queen will attend. Acolyte Trent, I trust you can find a method to remove the queen from the board in a subtle way and I myself will meet our contact and secure our interests before we install them on the throne. Any questions?"

@LadyRen @Alhon

 

[Juliet Sforza]

In the end, it was not two, but three. The third member of their group - more a coven by all accounts - had a more Human look, though the taint of the Sith still flashed in her hazel eyes. Juliet had yet to spend much time in the heart of Sith affairs and as such both of the young women were new to her. She introduced herself to both, sure they would not disappoint. The melody felt strong tonight.

The red-skinned Cyutadakyr had been furnished with the most information and Juliet listened intently as the Pureblood outlined her plan. She was kind enough to pay tribute to Juliet's skills, though whether only as an attempt at flattery remained to be seen.

"Strong words" Juliet said softly "though I suspect we will find the reality more difficult. I can indeed join the Queen tonight, the palace court is in session I hear. Dealing with the Queen herself though" she looked down her nose ever so slightly at the mysterious Nova "are you confident you are up to the task my dear?".

@LadyRen @Xorism

 

[Nova Trent]

The young Sith didn't miss Cyu's wink which made her smirk widen a little. Their last mission seemed ages ago with everything that had happened, but Nova had already realized that this particular task would be more work and less fun.

From what she had heard of Zygeria, whips were also rather common here and thus an element that would keep reminding her of their private after work meeting in Cyu's ship, but she also knew that this time they'd have to be even more careful and subtle and were not allowed to let their guard down for some pleasure at all.

After the pureblood outlined the plans, Nova nodded curtly before crossing her arms in front of her chest. Was the blonde singer lady doubting her skills already? While trust wasn't a common personality trait found in Sith, she started disliking her immediate suspicions as it seemed like in order for the plan to work out, they had to trust their collaboration.

After all, they were striving towards a shared goal and even if Nova's personal preference would have been getting the job done with her red-skinned friend alone, it seemed like a third participant could come in handy, so she adressed the blonde. "Don't worry, honey. I'm more than capable at handling such discreet matters". Her voice lacked any traces of provocation and was rather cold, yet a sly smirk landed on her lips as she turned back to Cyu. "I'll see to that. Are we expecting many guards though? Or is the slaver queen rather negligent?".

@Xorism @Alhon

 

[Nevizkas]

Likewise, Cyu was confident in the feisty Nova just from personal experience and this opportunity would also be good for Juliet to flex her talents, and earn some points for the Sith and cold hard credits. The pureblood couldn't fault either of them for being cautious around strange faces, hell, Cyu barely trusted anyone these days herself but they'd have to make do to complete the mission.

"I'm not going to tell you what to do in your sections, but here are some coms to use and update everyone on your progress. With any luck and some good work, they'll accept Juliet as one of them in no time." The question posed by Nova wasn't too difficult to answer given the information they were privy to.

"The queen's security is strong, but unfortunately for her, they are forced to split their focus between her security and keeping slaves in line. Don't expect it to be easily achieved, she has many enemies and will be watching for treachery. We'll have to find a good way to surprise them."

Once they had nothing left to say, the trio would depart for their respective duties, Cyu's being a covert meeting with their chosen heir. Of course, he had no idea what they were set to discuss but that simply just made it all the more fun.

@LadyRen @Alhon

 

[Juliet Sforza]

Nova did not take kindly to Juliet's question. She could almost hear the poor girl bristle.

"Oh I was not worried" she replied, pulling her cloak about her "only curious". If the young woman said she could deal with the Zygerrian Queen then so be it. If she was wrong, it would be her funeral.

Juliet accepted the comms equipment from Cyu, slipping it inside a hidden pocket before bidding her two companions farewell. She slipped back between the shelves and out into the backstreets, pulling off her cloak and turning it inside out. The shadowy black was replaced with a resplendent red, far more fitting for an evening occasion.

It was a small thing to hum gently as she walked toward the Palace, drawing the Force around her to restyle her hair. The windswept lengths reformed into luscious ringlets, making her look every bit the grand soprano.

There was a ball tonight at the Blue Palace; Juliet was invited to most such events on major worlds and those she was not she always heard about from the networks she took part in. Reaching the courtyard of the Palace, she approached the main entrance and gave the guards an excitable look from amongst her curls.

"Oh do tell me this is the way in" she said in an anxious whisper, grasping one of the guard's hands in her soft palms. "My team asked me to wait, but it really is too cold for standing in the street".

They regarded her uncertainly, until one cocked an eyebrow. "Madam Sforza?"

Juliet was a well known performer across the galaxy, though a much lesser known Sith. It seemed her musical reputation at least proceeded her. "Why yes" she replied coquettishly "I had hoped to perform for her majesty. Do you think the Queen would appreciate that?". She looked from one guard to the other as if they were experts in the matter.

"I..." the brutish man looked thoroughly out of his depth. "I am sure she would, Madam Sforza, you should find the herald in the inner hall, he could arrange it...".

She smiled at him, grasping his arm as she slipped inside. "You are too kind". With that, she was through the doors and into an anteroom, delighting in her victory. It was a small thing to tap her comm. "I am inside the Palace, and a ball beckons".

@Xorism @LadyRen

 

[Nova Trent]

Nova's internal reaction regarding Juliet was barely more than a 'whatever while she feigned a smile for the blonde. Would she have the guts to achieve her goal? Nova knew Cyutadakyr wouldn't hesitate, but what shed make of the other one remained to be seen.

"We'll stay in contact" she confirmed before she walked off and, hood pulled over her head once again as her task was definitely of sneaky nature, but for now she even had to wait first. Nova wasn't exactly patient, but chose to fully remain under the radar instead of starting some fun side quests with clueless locals to satisfy her sadistic needs.

Ever since the split, the acolyte had matured severely and wasn't going to risk letting the pursuit of fun ruining their greater goal. She started assessing the Palaca from the outside, carefully to stay out of sight of any guards and looking for an entrance for herself that would allow her to take out the Queen as silently as possible when the right time came.

As she received the message of Juliet, a sly smirk crossed her lips. So the Champion had already accomplished the easy part, but now things were starting to get a little more complicated. "A ball...well there will be plenty of distractions but also plenty of eyes to watch. Keep my updated on your position and I'll slip in as soon as I can".

A best case scenario would actually by Juliet getting a chance to lead the Queen away, or at least gain a chance for separate her from the masses, even if it was only for a brief moment. Restroom breaks maybe? They'd have to get creative for sure, but as for Nova's part, she had found a delivery entry that seemingly wasn't as busy so that she was just waiting for the right time to strike.

@Alhon @Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

While the other two were busy prepping the metaphorical and literal stage for their plot, there remained the task of arranging for their fall man and of course the recipient of all their good work. The danger wasn't any less for this part, given the nature of the treachery, if the heir to be lost his nerve or worse, ratted them out it would be disastrous. Still, Cyu kept a quiet confidence that they would succeed against the odds and pull a quiet win in under the radar for the order.

The warehouse was quickly discarded after they left, leaving no trail back to any of them. A plain speeder pulled up next to the pureblood with its door quietly opening for her to step in. Inside were two co-conspirators, one firm and tense as if plotting coups were a daily thought process for her, while the other was slightly nervous but remained calm initially.

The female Zygerrian spoke first. "Have you made all the necessary preparations, there is zero room for error." Cyu's eyes gleamed as they flicked between the pair, drawing a smile as she replied. "Yes. And yours?" The male Zygerrian nodded firmly, "the queen is naturally paranoid, but rumors are being spread of unrest among the slaves which should keep her attention away from...you."

If everything went to plan, they would replace the mistrusting queen with a malleable and weak princeling, backed up by a senior officer of the household guard. If any of them were caught, they'd be on the gallows by dawn but that was the risk that came with such things. As the speeder drove off the plotters would continue their discussion.

@LadyRen @Alhon

 

[Juliet Sforza]

The large throne room had been elaborately decorated for the ball, with billowing drapes adorning the ceiling and ornate chandeliers casting a warm glow. Juliet took off her cloak, accepted a welcome drink and mingled between the guests, careful on this occasion to speak to as few people as possible. While there was no harm in being seen, she did not wish to be drawn on details tonight.

It was not too hard to acquire a cello. The Blue Palace was a royal palace after all and a soft word to the herald was all it took for them to bring the instrument to Juliet, spared from the orchestral stores.

She took up position in front of a pillar, on one side but roughly in the middle of the room. Sitting on a gilded, high-backed chair, she adjusted her plush red dress, set the cello level and began to play.

Juliet chose a soft and soothing piece. A gentle backdrop to the gathered throng of fine men and pretty ladies. Her arm moved gracefully, the bow in her slender hand sliding ably across the strings. She closed her eyes at times, still in love with the sound of music even now. Several guests turned from their conversations simply to watch and listen. Others continued their mingling, spurred on by the atmosphere in the air.

But the songstress had only just begun. Unbeknownst the onlookers, she reached out to the Force as she played, drawing the energies of the Dark Side to herself and weaving them into her strokes. To mere mortals, there was no outward sign. Only those highly trained in the Force would sense the power playing on those strings and feel the web of influence spreading on the air.

Juliet's music whispered in all their ears, calming, reassuring, lowering their defences and weakening their wills. By the time she was done, there were none in the room who would be on the watch for trouble tonight. No one to frustrate their plans.

She bowed her head gratefully at the applause that followed, setting the instrument down just in time to see the Queen herself step forward. A grey-skinned Zygerrian in aging finery, no jewels could conceal her advancing years.

"You play well, Madam Sforza"

"Your Majesty" Juliet greeted, curtsying "I am glad my work pleases". She leant closer to the old crow, her smile never leaving her face. "I should love to learn more of Zygerrian music, may we speak a moment?". She gestured down a panelled hall to the right, away from hustle and bustle, managing to lead the Queen in that direction.

She made small talk with the royal, silently keying her comm so her fellow Sith would overhear.

@LadyRen @Xorism

 

[Nova Trent]

As Nove surely wasn't the most patient person, she had to resist the urge to pace. She wondered how much longer it would take to gain some updates, but her main focus laid on the delivery entrance anyway. She was waiting for one of those larger hover delivery vans, but was annoyed but how long it took until the next one finally came.

Without hesitation, she slipped out from her hiding spot and walked over as so it was completely natural. The hustle and the bustle was already all around as apparently, deliveries had to be transported inside quickly, so with a slight flick of her wrist she made a container close to the edge of the loading hatch fall.

Chaos erupted instantly and that was exactly her sign to move in. While the overseers shouted at the waiters and logistic workers, no one paid attention when she swiftly slipped in. She was looking for the next vent and immediately opened its flap before she pulled herself inside.

She had the comm in her ears and was listening to what the older Sith did while already trying to navigate through the vents to reach a room inside the hall. Lucky for her, she soon found her way to a restroom and regardless whether it was the right one, she dropped back down quietly.

"You can't be here, Miss!" An elderly man immediately blurted out in outrage, his pants down on the ground and with him standing in front of the urinal. "Oh is that so?" she asked him amusedly before she casually knocked him out with a quick gesture that was immediately dulling all his senses. "I'm in. Will try to track you". She reported back to Juliet after ensuring she was all alone with the half naked man laying at her feet.

@Xorism @Alhon

 

[Nevizkas]

Cyu enjoyed listening to the progress made by the other two, and likewise, she was more than happy to let them listen in to the private conversation happening inside the speeder on its approach to a different part of the city.

"We will remove your problem for you, and all that we ask in return is your business." Cyu's eyes glowed as she spoke. The older woman in the vehicle was the more experienced and savvy, being somewhat more distrusting but wisely limiting her commentary. "What is it exactly that you're after?" Her inquiry was not unexpected, after all a business transaction was something to be bartered, but in this case, the Sith had a far better hand. The princeling kept quiet for now, waiting to see her response.

"While the order may be not in the position it was a year ago, we are still quite resourceful as you will soon see. We propose that the order becomes a silent partner in your business, providing security and opening markets for your product where it has thus far been unable to penetrate. We would only ask for fifty percent of the profits made outside your current market and ten percent from your current. If we do not achieve an increase in your market cap within five years, the contract is null and void."

The woman's face dropped, fifty percent?! she was just about ready to burst out with an angry spiel when the prince held up his hand. Just as quickly she stopped, paused in the middle of her fury but wise enough to not bite the hand that fed her.

"If you do as you say and it does not link back to me, we have a deal. Once the deed is done, I will have my friend here assume command of the guard and they'll ensure a seamless transition."

As the domino fell into place, it was only a matter of time before they were ready to pull the trigger on this little coup.

@LadyRen @Alhon

Roll 17/20 to convince

 

[Juliet Sforza]

"I did not know that, your Majesty! Four symphonies?! Clearly I need to do some reading..."

Juliet chatted to the Queen with a smile, one ear taking in the movements of her co-conspirators. So their little assassin was in position, just up ahead from what she could tell. The trap was almost sprung.

Two guards paced slowly behind them, dressed more for the ceremony of the evening than any actual fighting. They walked lazily, their attention divided, soothed into slackness by the work of Juliet's music. They would be unprepared for what was to come.

She spotted the door to the restrooms up ahead on the right hand side and beyond them a great stained glass window. The hallway was a dead-end; a perfect killing ground.

Reaching a beautiful architrave and a set of gilded doors standing open, Juliet grabbed the old crone from behind and threw her forward outside the restrooms, grasping the great doors and slamming them shut between them. "Long live the Queen" she sneered into her comm. The woman was trapped, ready for Nova to pounce.

Juliet rounded on the two guards, still fumbling in disbelief. She could ill-afford a loud confrontation and instead simply threw the Force at them, flinging them both into the walls and rolling onto the ground. A neck cracked, but the second breathed heavy and showed signs of getting up. She walked over calmly and kicked him hard across the face with the point of her heel.

They had reached their crescendo, and these two did not have a ticket.

@LadyRen @Xorism

 

[Nova Trent]

In the bathroom, Nova started pacing a little, again, her natural impatience shining through. She waited and listened, ready to pounce wherever, but for now she was just bombarded with a long, meaningless conversation between Juliet and the Queen.

She didn't care about music at all, thus she became so bored that she dragged the unconscious man into one of the stalls and draped him on the toilet bowl with his face basically kissing the wall of the stall. With an amused, devilish smirk, she then pulled the stall close but unlocked, imagining how some other post noble would find the allegedly sleeping elderly men like that.

Over the comms, Nova could finally hear how the relieving news of how they were getting closer and closer and her main act was about to commence. Smirking, she neared the door and sensed how the squad was approaching the fancy ass restrooms until the Zygerrian Queen was suddenly thrown inside without any prior warning.

At once, Nova's predatory mind sprang into action and before the woman even got the change to push herself up to her feet, she'd find an invisible grip tightened around her throat. "Not very noble to just stumble into the men's restrooms, eh?" she teased, forcefully yanking her up to stare right into her cat like eyes.

"The Sith sent their regards". With that and while coldly staring her down, Nova effortlessly snapped the Queen's neck. Deciding that the half naked elderly man also knew too much, she squeezed the life out of him with a classic choke until she triumphantly walked out of the room, marveling at Juliet's fine work.

"Oh. Bravo. That looks fun" she jutted her chin towards the other two bodies and the little signet her heels had caused. "Perfect though. We did our part. Let's just hope our red-skinned devil has accomplished her part".

@Xorism @Alhon

 

[Nevizkas]

The symphony of deceit and murder purred through the comms bringing a wide smile to Cyu's face. It was oh-so unfortunate but perfectly devious. Not only had they been able to execute the task to completion without a hitch, but even created a scandalous cover story that they could use to help cement the new king's power.

"Speak of the devil." She cooed warmly. "It sounds like you need to send some guards into the men's toilet to check on the former queen, it sounds like she's had a lover's tiff gone bad." The prince sat up in his seat as he wondered if that meant exactly what he thought it sounded like. The now captain relayed the message to her guards.

Soon the lifeless body of the queen and her 'lover' was located and the rumor quickly spread of their illicit bathroom struggle. Oh how scandalous was the end of her reign, and of all places too.

It didn't take long before both confirmations came back to the prince that the deed was in fact done and shortly afterward he was summoned to the castle, in order to take the throne before anyone with a lesser claim could try.

Alone again after leaving the prince, Cyu keyed her comm to signal the other women for extraction. "It's time to go, ladies, meet me at the coordinates I'll send and then we'll scoot out of here before anyone notices." Assuming the other two got out alive and without being caught, they'd have a little time to debrief and discuss before leaving the planet behind after a good days work.

@LadyRen @Alhon

 

[Juliet Sforza]

"It was indeed rather enjoyable" Juliet replied, looking down her nose at the dead guards. She felt more alive when the Force flowed through her, particularly when she used to silence the weak. "I hope you savoured the moment too; you work rather quickly". Nova had ended the Queen's life and reappeared faster than Juliet had expected.

They dragged the two guards back through the doors and shut them tight again, concealing their crime from anyone foolish enough to come looking. Juliet sealed the lock with a whisper, so that only those Cyu sent would easily reach the bodies.

No one disturbed them while they waited, anyone glancing down the hall making the mistake of underestimating the two women. Eventually, servants of the new regime arrived, an anxious knowing look on their faces as they went through the great doors. A new reign had begun tonight.

Cyu's voice came over the comm and Juliet gestured to Nova to follow her out onto a balcony. It was a small thing to shimmy down the side and link up with the Pureblood.

"The bell tolls for the Queen I fear" Juliet smiled "but you have faith in her replacement?". It had been on Cyu to ensure the Queen's successor was the ally they sought. Even they could not murder two royals in one evening.

@LadyRen @Xorism

 

[Nova Trent]

Again, Nova wasn't entirely sure whether the older woman was challenging her, but she did put on a faked smile and answered, "I did. A sweet quick kill can be delighted too...I do savor the sound of bones snapping and morons gasping for the last breath that is not there's to take..." she trailed off, obviously reveling in the sheer thoughts of it before she helped her clean up.

Cyutadakyr, who had provided the mission details, had asked for a quick and subtle death, so Nova had done nothing less. Without even playing her elongated sadistical games she went against her pure nature, but it wasn't like she wouldn't have much more fun soon again.

After having finished up in the Palace, she followed Juliet and down the balcony where the two Sith could slip away rather easily with the main attention on the scandalous bathroom scene and the ongoing show. They had done their part well and so it was time to rendezvous with Nova's favorite dark sider.

While she did share Juliet's suspicions, she had at least enough faith in Cyutadakyr assessment of the prince, so while she did let her answer, she was however not really bothered by the fact that they obviously couldn't trust the prince either. Once Cyu was done, she'd add, "If things go south, we'll come back. But then we'll be more...". Maybe Tempest herself would pay Zygerria a visit then.

@Xorism @Alhon

 

[Nevizkas]

By the time Nova and Juliet arrived at the secluded coordinates that had been sent to them, much had occurred in their absence. It was not a Sith shuttle that awaited them there, but a fancy Zygerrian one with all the bells and whistles. The prospect of their mission being over was not quite true but this was supposed to be their way out of the city, so she didn't technically lie.

There was just the problem that they would have to subdue the crew and take it for themselves. Cyu wasn't sure how Juliet would take the additional work but sure knew that Nova would appreciate a little nibble before the trip back. It was too easy to just set the prince up with a new title and leave, given that he could simply revoke their agreement the moment they left. No, they would need some leverage and this would be perfect, she cooed.

Pointing out the shuttle to the two other ladies present, Cyu spoke with a coiled excitement. "We know the prince will comply with our terms because that shuttle belongs to him and has all sorts of dirty secrets aboard that he wouldn't want to be made public. I only expect hired mercenaries, so no witnesses please ladies."

Cyu set off on her own to flank around the shuttle in order to get a good look at the compliment of security. Quickly spotting five guards outside and the pilot, the pureblood expected that once she started her own attack that the others would join her. From a nice distance away she held her lightsaber hilt in one hand, ready to ignite it if needed. In her other hand, she reached out with force in order to grapple a large box near the shuttle and lob it at the guards in the hopes of crushing them immediately.

Unfortunately in her haste, Cyu over-exerted and crushed the box causing the guards to quickly alert to the sudden intrusion. "Fuck." She muttered under her breath. In a handful of seconds, the guards spotted the crimson delight moving across the open terrain as she dove for cover. Blaster fire showered in her direction and she unceremoniously took a glancing blow to the chest plate of her armor.

From their relative cover, she now hoped that the other two would have an easier time dealing with the guards and thus ending this fight before it got attention from elsewhere.

@LadyRen @Alhon

 

[Juliet Sforza]

The shuttle plan was the first time Juliet had been truly caught off guard. Her efforts this evening had gone down perfectly, but she was now wary of testing fate.

Still, she could see the sense of securing the Prince's loyalty and obtaining the insurance they would need to hold his feet to the fire. She reversed her cloak again, returning from red to black and partly vanishing into the shadows of the night. She followed behind the other two women, less inclined to leap blade first into a fight.

Sadly, Cyu ruined it early on. Whatever she had planned, it went terribly wrong and the guards were alerted, firing at them wildly. Juliet stepped hurriedly to one side and loosed a sharp scream that closed the distance and knocked two of the soldiers to the ground, perhaps for good. Her companions might hope for a quiet victory, but Juliet had always fought rather loudly.

@LadyRen @Xorism