~Thief in the Night~

The streets were calm and silent as she made her way through the city, the hood of her black cloak pulled over her head to hide her face from view. Katelyn clung to the shadows, slipping soundlessly from one alley to another until the massive walls that surrounded the palace rose into view. A small, eager smile crossed her pale features as she uncoiled the rope and grapple hook that hung at her waist, moving beneath the shelter of a towering tree before releasing the hook into the air. It sailed over the stone walls with ease, and the slender young thief gave a slight tug on the rope to be sure it was secure before beginning her ascension over the wall.

The dew had already settled onto the grass, and Katelyn took full advantage of it as she loosened the grip of her hook before slipping to the ground below, the damp earth softening the sound of her landing. She had studied the layout of the palace for months, memorized every bush, every guard, every pathway, every window. She had patiently waited for the perfect opportunity; the arrival of the Duchess of Versailles. Rumors of the duchess beauty were only trumped by the rumors of her wealth.

Slipping silently across the courtyard, she made her way around the side of the palace to stand below the balcony that would lead her to such treasures and once again she let her grapple hook soar through the air, climbing the rope until her feet touched the smooth white marble. Tucking the hook away once more, she pulled out two small pieces of metal and set to work on the iron lock that held the double glass doors in place, emerald eyes occasionally scanning the yard below to make sure she wouldn't be spotted.