Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

The Lord Thief stood beside the King pointing down from the balcony and past a fountain. At the edge of the square sat an invalid girl begging for alms. The King started. It was his own Princess Ivy.

"How did she leave the castle. Who aided her in this scheme. I will cut off heads when I find out!" The baritone voice of King Arni demanded rage and frustration.

The Lord Thief, the only known head of the Guild of thieves, assassins and interlopers, waited for the father's rage to abate.

"My lord King, the scheme was her own, and she prepared well in advance. Look to your left."

On a separate balcony stood two men at arms. Neither were young, but veterans of their stations in the royal guard. Neither looked away at the same time. His young princess was constantly watching.

"But what about rascals, and thieves, and murderers that they could not get to in time?" He asked nervously.

"Ah, that was Kata's plan," The Lord Thief explained. "Though she is quite ruthless she has seen an opportunity in watching the stalwart Princess Ivy.

Princess Ivy's crow brings her trinkets, and dances for coins for his beloved friend.

She feeds him seeds in between gyrations and begs for money. She has taught him to say coins to affiliate him with the act. She is new and not refined in art, but she has had a good start. The proposal Kata came to me with may be a dream of hers, but she is intelligent and foresighted. Kata will protect the child as if on commission. Thus, she will be safe.

"And how much is the commission?" The King asked bluntly.

"Only that she learns what the life is like for an invalid beggar."

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