Let it go this time.

You sigh. "I'm not going to punish you. Everything worked out fine, the assassin will be dealt with, I'm alive and unharmed. Just don't do it again..." Her expression lights up a little and you continue, "...but don't do it again. I expect you to do better now."

Akina nods. "Of course Bryce, What I did was stupid and I don't intend to make the same mistake twice or any mistake if I can help it."

"And no more drinking on the job. I think the root of the problem was that you slept in because of how intoxicated you were." Her expression becomes crestfallen as you deny her one of her vices and for a moment you think she might actually get annoyed at you. "...I mean it!"

She perks up and giggle. "I know. I just wanted to tease you a little. I won't drink on the job anymore. At least I won't drink enough to knock me out."

"No! None. Zero. No **** whatsoever when you're guarding me." You stiffen your back straight up at the implication that she might drink. "If you have to drink, bring along a subordinate that you trust to be my bodyguard!"

"Yes, yes...I know. I was just joking...again." She grins wolfish at you. "I'm going to go and let you finish getting cleaned up. You have a big night tonight going to that party. I would hate to miss all the drinks that Claudius surely has available to get you drunk and marry his daughter."

As the door closes, you sigh and sink back into the bath and mutter to yourself. "She's gonna be the **** of me..."

Of course, that's a bit sarcastic. Akina still is the best spymaster that you know...Perhaps one of the best in the world. You crawl out of the bath and dry off before turning to the large chest that your servants brought with you. It has your good clothes in it. Inside, you find a fine linen tunic and a matching pair of trousers made of a heavier material. They were all fine and fancy, but not what you would call comfortable. Finally, you take a brass box out and open it. Inside is a brilliantly golden crown. It's not the true crown of Itheria. That is stored away safely in the castle back home, but it is a fine replica for events such as this. You put it on your head and go for the door. It won't be long until the feast that King Claudius is preparing begins. You don't want to be late.