A/N Hello! I love this song, so I decided to share it with you.

Sarai is truly a living, breathing, walking miracle (in my book world 😉)

SiSi out.

I woke up early the next morning and changed into an outfit with lots of pockets.  I fit as many weapons as I could onto it, but not too much that it would wear me down.  Right before slipping out the door, I grabbed my bow and arrow and put my sword into my scabbard.  

I silently left the cottage and started walking toward the palace.  The sounds of the early morning slipped me into a state of calm.  I breathed in the sweet smell of flowers and trees.  Animals scurried past me, not at all scared.  Sometimes I wished life were that simple.  Running around, eating what you find...

But, animals had enemies and fears too.  There were always predators.  And that was exactly what The Jackal was.

A predator.

I arrived at the palace and the guards let me in without a word, even though I was dripping with throwing stars.  

I walked down the dark halls, my footsteps echoing off the tall ceiling.

Was no one really awake?

It was only first light.

I had almost come when it was still dark.

"Lily?" a voice asked behind me.

I turned around. "James?"

He was standing in the doorway of one of the rooms, still in his silk pajamas.

I rolled my eyes. "Did I wake you?" I asked him.

"No, no!" he exclaimed, waving his hands. "I've been awake--for a while." He yawned suddenly.

"Then what are you doing still in your pajamas?" I questioned, folding my arms.

"I...I...

"Forget it," I interrupted. "Is the king awake?"

"I don't think so."

I sighed. "Is anyone awake?"

"I guess just you and me--"

"And me!" a high voice interrupted.

I whipped around to face a small girl, no older than twelve.  She had a pale face and a frail body, but she held herself well.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"That's my sister, Sarai," James replied.

"You have a sister?" I questioned.

"Not many people know," James replied. "She's usually really sick, and when she isn't, she's very delicate, so she doesn't go out in public. It's too dangerous for her. She's kind of a castle secret."

"I can't believe you have a sister," I breathed.

The girl nodded and ran to her brother.  He scooped her up and swung her around.  I couldn't help laughing a little.  They were just so cute.  

Then the girl seemed to realize someone was watching, and she squirmed out of James' arms and hid behind him.

"Sarai, this is Lily," James introduced. "Lily, this is Sarai."

"Lovely to meet you," I told the girl.  She came out from behind James and walked toward me.

"James talks about you a lot," she commented with new found confidence.  I could see James blush in the background.

"Well, we are about to go on a top secret mission together," I said.

"Top secret?" Sarai questioned. "I can keep a secret!"

"Oh, I don't doubt that," I replied with a smile. "But it could put you in serious danger."

Sarai seemed to think for a minute before looking back at me and smiling. "I understand that you have to keep it a secret," she said. "But you don't have to protect me. I'm not the delicate little doll people think I am. I'm stronger than I used to be." With that, she walked off, holding her small head as high as she could.

"Wow, she's something," I commented. 

"She really is," James replied. 

"You should probably go get changed," I said. "We have to get started."

"With what?"

"Preparation for our mission. One we cannot fail."