Yor's never really fallen for someone before.

She was too busy making a living and by the time Yuri didn't need to rely on her anymore, she never had an interest in dating. She had nothing against marriage and children, it just sort of slipped her mind. She seemed to exist in a realm outside of love and romance: she knew it was there, but it wasn't her world and it never could be.

Not that she ever minded.

But being a mother and a wife, or at least a fake one, made her wonder what would happen if things were actually real...

She would be lying if she said she wasn't a bit inspired to think about this based on her encounter with the King the other day. She's often been told that she was not very good at telling when someone was flirting with her, but she liked to think she got a bit better at it over the years. So, she was at least 70% sure that the King had been flirting with her.

It surprised her because he was a king after all, and she was, well, her. The idea that someone would want to be with her romantically was mind-blowing to her.

Because if she was being honest, there were times when she thought that Loid would want to be with her romantically...but of course, she reminded herself that it was all an act. Loid didn't feel anything for her, at least not more than a friend. 'Surely, the time would come when Loid would want to look for someone to truly fall in love with. Anya would want a real mother.

The thought ached in her heart, but Yor knew that it would happen eventually. It's a thought that's been plaguing her more often lately. The longer she spent as a Forger, the more she didn't want to leave.

But perhaps it was time to consider life after the Forgers. Long after...they found a new, real 'Mrs 'Forger.

What would become of Yor once she's lost her novelty?

Thinking about it made her stomach turn and she found her hands shaking as she held the teapot. "Yor? Are you alright?" One of her colleagues asked.

"Yes, I'm perfectly fine." Yor reassured, forcing her hands to stay still, "It's just a bit chilly here."

Her colleague nodded. It was still snowing outside, after all, and the clerk uniforms didn't do much to help them in terms of heat. Working at City Hall during the winter months was not for the faint of heart, that's for sure.

Suddenly, Yor thought she heard the shrill sound of the harsh winter wind. Actually, it was Camilla, who uncharacteristically ran into the room, shriveled, and eyes wide. Her frantic state simply set everyone on edge and suddenly, Yor could feel herself clutching the butter knife next to her.

"Camilla! What's wrong?"

"Yor!" She said. Surprised eyes turned towards Yor, but she was just as clueless as her.

Why on earth was Camilla so distraught? And about Yor?

Possibilities ran through her head, and then it occurred to her...

"Is my family okay?!" Yor panicked.

Camilla just looked confused, "What? Yes. It's nothing to do with your family, it's t-the...it's t-t-t-the-"

"CAMILLA, TELL YOR TO COME OUT ALREADY!" The loud booming voice of their manager yelled from across the hall.

Yor gulped. She hadn't done anything! At least, nothing she could think of. Wait, did they know about her assassinations? Were they after her?! What would happen to Loid and Anya? Would someone tell them? Or worse, would they come after them?!

She couldn't risk anything. As swift as a fox, she slipped the butter knife in her sleeve, just in case. Not the best weapon, but a butter knife in Yor's hands is deadlier than an actual knife in most people's hands.

She expected an army of people, guns pointed at her, ready to take her in handcuffs. Her eyes darkened and she tightened her fist, ready for battle.

But to her surprise, when she arrived to her manager's office, she saw the King. It never ceased to amaze her just how normal the King look. He wore a silver scarf that contrasted perfectly with a peacoat that was a vibrant shade of blue. He looked like any ordinary citizen.

Er, well, almost. He still definitely stood out in the crowd, mostly because of his height and good looks. Really, it was no different, in Yor's opinion, than how Loid himself tended to stand out.

"Your Majesty!" She gasped, giving a small 'bow, "Um, hi!"

"Please, you let me call you Yor, call me William." William smiled politely, "I hope I'm not disturbing you, but I had urgent matters to attend to and I did remember that you mentioned that you were a clerk. I could really use your help in the palace. I asked your manager here and he did approve of the request, but of course, if you feel uncomfortable, I wouldn't press on the matter."

Yor dropped her jaw.

Well. This was very unexpected.

"I-I'm very honored but surely there's someone more qualified?"

"There could be, but I doubt any of them could be as brave and daring as you." He complimented, to which Yor blushed. "And also, if I'm being honest, this clerk would act as sort of a personal assistant. That means I'll need to hire someone I trust."

"And you trust me?" She asked, completely confused, "Your Maj-Um, William, would you really trust someone you don't know?"

"Well, you can't be any worse than the people I do know." William joked.

Nervous laughs were heard all over the room, including Yor's manager who she almost forgot was in the room with them.

As for Yor, she bit her lip, wondering if she should take it. Could this be a trap? Did the Royal Family know who she was and wanted to kill her in their own territory? It's a possibility she had to consider.

But then again, wouldn't it look suspicious if she refused? Who in their right mind would refuse? Her only hope was her boss and suddenly, she silently prayed that he would refuse.

"Well, your Majesty, I have no qualms in letting 'Mrs 'Forger work for you, of course. Anything to help the Royal Family. Of course, if Yor accepts. Although I'd highly recommend it, Yor. It's not 'everyday 'that someone gets the opportunity to work for royalty."

"Thank you so much, Sir." Yor told her manager, then turning to William, "I think I would need a day or two to understand how your administration handles things, but as long as it's the same working hours as my current job, I suppose I could give it a try."

Well, damn. This was an unusual turn of events.

As a top assassin who was relatively straightforward and successful in her kills, it took a lot to surprise her. Even when there were twists, she was prepared and unbothered. Of course, that was in the case of assassination. Yor always did find that there was a strange dichotomy between her professional self and her social self: so prepared, aware and in complete control on the clock, but put her in a room full of ordinary people where no bloodshed was required and she felt like a duck out of water.

Wait, wasn't the expression 'fish out of water'? Ah, no matter.

Still, the huge smile on the King's face was hard not to mimic. He seemed happy. Genuinely happy. It made Yor wonder why. It didn't seem like the smile of someone who had an ulterior motive. It almost seemed like the smile was for her. But of course, that couldn't be, right? He's only happy he can work with someone he trusts.

Surely, that was all, right?