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A girl sat on her bed with a wooden basin in her hands, as Kurcy, the blue haired girl, used a cloth soaked with the hot water from the basin to remove the black hair dye from her friend's hair. 

“Thank the goddess that i’ll have my natural hair again.” 

Kurcy giggled, “I don't know, I quite like the black, makes you look all brooding.” 

The girl grunted, “hurry up, quicker i see purple, the quicker i can go and-” 

“Find your lovergirl,” 

The girl frowned, “no,” she bit out. 

Kurcy laughed, “you're too adorable,” she teased, “I swear Beau that attitude is going to kick you right in butt someday.” 

“It already has,” Beau muttered quietly. Kurcy was soon finished, and Beau gushed seeing her long purple locks again. 

“Thanks Kurcy.” 

“No problem, I'm just glad you're back.” 

Beau sighed, “I never want to go disguised as a maid again. It was awful. Nothing but cleaning and-” 

“Hey, I was a maid once to remember.”

“Sorry,” Beau smirked, “I just prefer my knives to helping someone dress themselves.” 

Kurcy laughed again, the two got up off Beaus' bed, heading out her cupboard sized room. 

Beau couldn’t help but smile as they walked down the corridors she had missed. It was good to be home, she was more than excited to get back to the training room, she knew her fellow spies were probably dreading her return. She always did leave more than one person injured after her sessions. She was shaping up to be one of the best assassin trained spies in the emperor, though Kurcy liked to say in the whole kingdom. Her recent assignment showed the trust and value the spymaster had in her. Her goal was so close, she knew she would be one of the candidates to take over as spymaster. She just needed to prove herself, be more willing to volunteer for harder missions. 

She wasn’t that scared little girl anymore, she was strong, intelligent, cunning and quick of hand. Her days of stealing would have been easier with the skills she had now, but she didn’t like to ponder her past. No, it was all about the future. 

“I’ll wait out here,” Kurcy told Beau as they stopped in front of the spymaster's office. Beau nodded to her then walked in after a quick knock. 

“Spymaster,” beau greeted, nodding her head down to the man. He was pale, sickly so, his head was hairless, and his eyes shone with a silver tint. He wore a black leather doublet along with breeches, his fingers were riddled with rings that Beau could never hope to afford.  

“Ah,” the mastermaster spoke, leaning his chin on his intertwined fingers. “You are back,” 

“You already knew that sir,” she told him, not bothering to take a seat, 

The man laughed, “yes, that i did. Your reports were helpful Beau, you kept a good tap on the prince and princesses.” 

Beau wanted to jump with joy at the approval. “I tried my best, spymaster,” she instead answered with a professional sounding voice. 

“I know,” he grinned, “i am glass you are best, your fellow spies have been slacking in their training while you were away,” 

Beau smirked, “i imagine so,” 

The man chuckled, “you can go now Beau, you have the day off. A reward for your hard work.” 

“Thank you, sir.”

Beau twisted round and left, Kurcy stood out sounding staring at her with anticipation, “so?” 

Beau broke out into a grin, “a glowing review.” 

“Yes!” Kurcy cheered, jumping up, punching her fists in the air, “I knew it, I did.” 

“When have i ever disappointed the spymaster,” 

Kurcy grinned, “I don't think you want me to answer that.” 

They both broke into laughter. They carried on to walk till they got to the gardens. 

Kurcys sunny face immediately marred with a frown, “is that the princess?” 

Beau snapped her head in the direction of Kurcys eyes, and sure enough there was Aster, swearing up a storm, she seemed to be trying to walk across the grass, the weeds and plants stopped her, as well as sprites who flew in her face. 

“Guess she’s still a grumpy grump,” Kurcy muttered. 

Beau was internally focused on the red haired girl, she seemingly was trying to leave, but the gardens weren’t letting her and neither were the sprites, even the wind was blowing her in the direction back to the palace. 

Kurcy tsked, “She's got the empress' fire alright.” she shook her head, “i feel almost bad that she’s your soulmate. Well almost,” she sniggered. 

Beau grunted, “don’t say that outloud, and besides I'm pretty sure she hates me.” 

Kurcy snorted, “just go up to her and talk.” 

Beau craned her neck down to her frown her eyes frantically wide, “are you crazy, she’d just tell me to fuck off. Besides, she doesn't even know I work for the empire. She thinks i’m just some dumb maid.” 

“The greatest love stories always do start with misunderstandings,” 

Beau shook her head, “no, it’s not the right time. I’ll tell her soon.” 

Kurcy rolled her eyes, “sure you will.” 

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