"Kill the Arch-Bishop"

"The arch-bishop needs to die," Alice says firmly, deciding on her target. Crawling from the comfort of her bed, rummages around her desk, putting together a purse with the necessary payment while the assassin watches. When she's done, she tosses it at the man, who catches it with ease, counting it quickly like an experienced banker. "I expect good news, Kuro."

"And good news you'll receive," the assassin replies, pocketing the coins. "Though, I am curious... why him? I'd have expected you to save the gold for one of your brothers?"

"A royal **** is dangerous, and tips the balance in precarious and unexpected ways," Alice replies, returning beneath the covers, feeling the warmth of the assassin against her skin. She'd have thought a cold blooded killer would be a lot less warm in bed... Another reason to not listen to stereotypes, perhaps. "And if one dies, the other can consolidate power immediately."

More importantly, the arch-bishop represented one of the major obstacles stopping her from influencing others. For as long as the church stands, the Sword of Damocles hangs above her head, and even if she does manage to win the throne, the church would defy her at every point, making her rule weak and ineffectual. As such, it's bests that their power is removed early and quickly, and while the cardinals bicker over who's to become the next arch-bishop, she'll play the rest of the field.

"Makes sense to me, but I'm just a hired blade," Kuro replies. "It's your throne, so I'll do as you command. I don't know how long it'll take, but I'll obviously need to employ caution. A man like him doesn't die that easily."

"Of course. And like before, if you're caught..." Alice beings, but Kuro was already nodding.

"You'll disavow any knowledge of me," he finishes. "Understandable."

With that, he begins to make preparations to leave. They messed around for quite a while, and dusk wasn't as far away as it seemed, so it was time for him to go while it was still dark.

"Good luck, princess," he says, rubbing her head affectionately as he leaves, much to her dismay. "Stay safe."