"Kill the General"

"The general 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."

The general represented an age of the past. His old fashioned views were in direct conflict with her own goals, and he needed to be taken out of the equation for the kingdom to flourish. Under his command, the armies have stagnated and the once proud legions are a shadow of themselves. When Alice takes the throne, she intends to push major reforms in the military, and that cannot happen while that man lives. Plus, his **** would greatly weaken Jamis, making his claim for the crown even more tenuous.

"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."