"Hidden in Plain Sight" by joy Claire tightened the bodice of my dress. I could hardly breathe. She tied the bodice, and she handed me my cup of tea. I sipped it as I looked in the mirror. Claire rummaged in a chest and handed me a sheathed knife, a strap to wrap around my leg attached. I put my coffee down and thanked her, fiddling under my dress, strapping the sheath to my leg. “Ma’am,” Claire started, “what are the arrangements?” “I am to meet the duke,” I said, “tonight. After, if he falls for me, use the dagger.” “I see,” Claire answered, “they shan’t suspect anything?” “I’m hidden in plain sight,” I mused, “they won’t suspect a thing.” Claire did my hair and makeup and we walked out of my family’s manner, entering a stage coach. The stage coach raced down the road. We arrived at the Great Hall and we walked into the grand entrance. A butler met us at the door, bowed, and led us into the dining hall. A stately man sat at the head of the table. Many guests sat around him, but one guest caught my eye. My sister, Kira. She looked exactly like me, but wore more elaborate clothes than me. She smiled at me slyly. Kira waved with her left hand. A sparkly, large, diamond ring sat on her ring finger. She took glances at the stately man, and subtly nodded her head. I raised my eyebrow and smiled back at her. I boiled with frustration inside. We sat down at the table and politely chatted with the guests. After an hour of eating and conversing, we moved to the parlor and talked more. I sat down next to my sister, who was speaking with several other rich women. “Kira!” I exclaimed in mock surprise, “I did not expect you to be present!” “Oh yes,” Kira answered, eyeing me, “Christen…darling.” She wrinkled her nose in her smile wickedly. I did the same thing and stole a look at her ring. “Engaged?” I inquired pleasantly. “No,” she replied, “married.” I looked happily surprised. “My,” I said, looking reminiscent, “how time flies.” “Yes,” she responded in an unamused tone. She brightened when the stately man came in. “Ladies, my husband, Mr. Quintus Shaer.” Quintus bowed to all of the ladies and nodded his head in the direction of the men. “Thank you all for joining us,” he addressed the gathering of people. He smiled at me, “I see Lady Christen Clinton was able to grace us with her presence.” “Any chance I get to see my sister,” my smile dimmed a little, “I take it.” I patted my leg, assuring myself that my dagger was still there. I took a drink and strolled outside on the balcony. Claire followed behind me. “Do you believe you will have an opportunity?” Claire asked. “I have to,” I said, awkwardly looking down, “the association needs it.” I heard footsteps behind me. Kira and Quintus strode onto the balcony. I turned around quickly and looked nervously at Claire. “Claire, would you be a dear and fetch me some water?” I asked. She nodded and rushed inside. My face turned grave and I glared at the couple. “No use pretending,” I fished through a small slit in my dress, grabbing the dagger. Quintus reached inside his coat pocket, and Kira inside her handbag, both finding their daggers. Within three seconds I had my dagger to Quitus’ throat, Quintus’ to Kira’s, and Kira’s to mine. We all gave each other looks of confusion. “Who are you working for?” Kira asked Quintus and I. “I could ask you the same thing,” Quintus quipped. “I work for the association.” I answered. “I also work for the association,” Kira said. “As do I,” Quintus replied, “that’s impossible. They wouldn’t have three of their agents trying to kill each other.” “Wait,” I lowered my dagger, “let’s all be rational.” “I agree,” Kira answered, “but I’m keeping the dagger up.” “Perhaps they want us all dead.” Quintus suggested. I opened up to the idea. “A possibility,” Kira’s idea was interrupted by the sound of shouting inside. She turned to Quintus and I, “truce?” “When we’re through with this,” I said, “don’t expect me to be nice to you.” Quintus agreed with me, and all three of us sped off into the distance, making our great escape.
O T H E R I N F O : Software: Google Docs Wordcount: 726 Contest: 100+ Writing Contest About the Author: I am a Christian teen, who loves to write short stories and am currently working on a novel. She is a piano player, jazz, ballet, tap, and modern dancer. She loves playing football with her guy friends and would love to meet you! Contact me at my profile if you have questions or would like to collab!
