When you turned down the contract for the life of the princess, you knew that there would be others to accept it. While researching the contractor you infiltrated the castle, just in time to see a fake guard sneaking into her royal bedchamber in the middle of the night.

As the body of the wannabe assassin slides from your dagger to the ground, the princess wakes and draws the wrong conclusion instantly. From under her pillow she draws a dagger, glancing up at you defiantly.

"You killed that guard!" She hisses in quiet rage. "Coming for me will be your last mistake! I'm not afraid of you!"

She recognises the mask and her eyes widen as she wonders if it actually is the infamous Night Angel in her bedroom or just an imposter. She draws in a deep breath, clearly intending to call for her guards.

Surprised by his touch, Carina lets out a small gasp before trying to wriggle away. Her eyes dart around the room as she searches for something with which to defend herself, her heart pounding in fear and anger. When she doesn't find anything immediately, she looks back at him defiantly. "What do you want?" she whispers, struggling to keep her voice steady.

Her eyes narrow suspiciously at his words, searching his face for some hint of deceit. "Then why are you in my bedroom?" she asks warily. The mention of him not being there to kill her does little to soothe her growing fear and confusion. She tries once more to push against his hand, but it's held fast.

As soon as his hand is off her mouth, Carina lets out a small cry of fright and throws herself backward onto the bed, scrambling away from him until she hits the headboard. She takes several deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart, and then gathers the bedclothes about her like a protective barrier. Her eyes remain fixed on his masked face, full of fear and defiance, as she tries to make sense of what is happening.

"What do you want?" she asks again, more forcefully this time. "And why did you kill that guard?" She glances nervously at the body lying motionless on the floor before looking back up at him once more.

Her eyes widen in shock as she takes in his words, and then narrow suspiciously once again. "Why would he be trying to kill me?" she asks skeptically. "I've turned down countless marriage proposals, but none of those men ever threatened my life." She shudders at the thought, feeling a chill run down her spine despite the warmth of the bedclothes.

"Who sent you? And what do they want from me?" Her heart is racing now, fear giving way to anger as she starts to piece together the events of the night. She sits up straighter, clutching the dagger tighter.

Carina 's mind reels with possibilities and questions, but one thing is certain: she cannot allow herself to be a victim anymore. "Tell me the truth," she demands, her voice firm despite her trembling lips.

Her eyes narrow in suspicion, refusing to believe that this man is not under the command of someone else. "And what is it that you want, then?" she asks, still clutching her dagger tightly. "Why are you here, and why did you kill that guard?" The fear has given way to anger now, and she struggles to maintain control over her emotions.

She glances at the body once more, swallowing hard as she tries to think clearly. Despite everything, she can't help but feel a small measure of relief that someone else was there to protect her. But who was he? And what were his true motives?

The Black Rose must get to the bottom of this before it's too late. "I want answers," she says firmly, looking him in the eye. "And I won't rest until I have them."

Carina glances at the bed before looking back up at him, surprise written plainly on her features. She takes a deep breath and slowly lets it out. "I can't just ignore this," she says quietly. "Someone is clearly trying to hurt me or control my life. I have to find out who it is and put a stop to it." Her voice trembles slightly, betraying the fear that still lurks beneath her anger.

"But... I suppose if you're here to protect me..." She trails off uncertainly. For the first time since she woke up, a hint of vulnerability crosses her features as she considers trusting him. "What do you want from me?" she asks tentatively, glancing down at the dagger in her hand before looking back up at his masked face.

Carina blinks, confusion flitting across her features. "Then why are you here? And what do you expect me to do about the guard?" she asks, feeling slightly off-balance by his vague responses. She realizes that she has no idea who this man is or what his motives might be, and it's unnerving.

Taking a deep breath, she considers her options carefully before deciding on a course of action. "I need to go speak with my father," she says quietly. "He must know something about this. In the meantime... if you truly intend to help me..." She pauses, unsure of how to finish that sentence.

Her gaze flickers down to the dagger in her hand before lifting back up to meet his masked eyes once more. "Perhaps there's something we could discuss," she offers tentatively, not quite believing the words as they leave

Carina nods slowly, still unsure about trusting this mysterious figure. "Very well," she says at last, making her decision. "Then perhaps we should talk. I'll tell you whatever you wish to know... if you promise not to hurt me or anyone else in my family." Her voice wavers slightly as she puts forward the condition, half hoping he'll refuse and put an end to this strange conversation.

She glances down at the dagger once more before setting it carefully aside on the bedside table. It takes every ounce of courage she has to do so, but she knows that if she wants to learn the truth about what's going on, she must trust him... somewhat.

Nodding, Princess Carina sits up straighter on the bed, composing her thoughts as she takes in his offer to answer questions. "Then let me begin by asking," she says carefully, "who are you? And why have you chosen now, of all times, to make your presence known?"

Her voice is soft but steady, despite the fear that still lingers just beneath the surface. She awaits his reply, every muscle tense as she wonders whether or not she has made the right decision in trusting this man... or if he will prove to be yet another threat to her throne and safety.

The princess hesitates, her eyes narrowing as she tries to decipher the meaning behind his words. "You care about me?" she asks doubtfully, her voice betraying her disbelief. She glances away briefly, taking in the grand tapestries and ornate furnishings of her chamber before returning her gaze to him. "And if I believe that... what does it change? Why should I trust you now, when so many others have tried to deceive or control me?"

Her heart is racing again, fear giving way once more to anger as she confronts the masked figure before her. "Tell me the truth," she demands once more, her voice growing firmer with each word. "Or I swear by all that I hold dear, you will never leave this chamber alive."