A/N: Hey everyone! So…new story...and oh boy, I'm nervous for this one because it's definitely different. I wrote the background for everything like the world and everyone's connection to each other. Anyways, I got inspired by the video game "Assassin Creed," medieval stories, and of course, Rizzoli and Isles. The prologue is long but it holds a lot of background that will become important later. Also yes, it will be Rizzles because you guys are very wonderful to me as usual.

Summary: When her father's kingdom is taken over by a mad man, Princess Maura must rise to the occasion and find help from a raven-haired rebel and her friends. Along the way, the princess and rebel will learn that their pasts are more intertwined than expected and it might be the reason why they, each, lost a parent but it may also be the key to the future of the kingdom and their lives.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot line, original characters, and grammar mistakes. Rizzoli and Isles belongs to TNT, Tess Gerristen, Jan Nash and anyone else who has copyrights to the show.

"We work in the dark to serve the light. Nothing is true, everything is permitted." – Assassin's Creed

Prologue

Long ago in Ireland, before there were cell phones and cities were green pastures, villages and castles. Multiple kingdoms ruled the people of the villages in Ireland but beyond the North Rivers was the grand Doyle kingdom.

The Doyles had ruled the old kingdom for many generations with peace and order, through war and alliances. But as the years went by, the strength began to twiddle away due tensions from the possibility of invasions. Upon his ascension to the throne, King Patrick Doyle the First ruled with an iron fist, he established that he needed more warriors besides his knights to protect the people. He knew that if he didn't find a way to stop the invading kingdoms especially the O'Rourke clan that his kingdom would fall. In the shadows of the night, the king slipped from the castle and traveled far into the forests, riding until he reached a great fortress that was hidden away from the world.

This was where the Order was.

The Order was a group of highly elite assassins, known by many people but a secret to them as well. Thought as trained killers that hid in the shadows and took pleasure in the act but they were the opposite. To the Order, they were people who believed that they were the fine line between good and evil. They were their own society, they had four core rules that they could never disobey and had their own hierarchy with their leader being the Master Assassin.

Upon his arrival to the fortress, the king and the Master Assassin disappeared in one of meeting chambers, leaving the other assassins wondering what was happening. Hours went by and it was not until sunrise that the king and assassin emerged.

Word spread for all the assassins to gather in the main hall. As they all began to gather, waiting for their master, they wondered why the king came until they noticed the two older men standing before them. The Master gestured for the king to step forward as he announced to his assassins, "The Doyle Kingdom and the Order are now allies!" A boom of voices came and he raised his hand, silencing them then he continued, "This is my word! If you question this, you are questioning the Order. You may dislike this but it is my law. Understand?"

It was on that day that they made an alliance where the Order's allegiance would be to the Doyle Kingdom and would keep the peace among its people, helping those who needed it. They would not kill unless provoked or requested. Immediately after though, the king took action and sent several knights and assassins to strike down the O'Rourke clan's attack, neutralizing them.

With this victory, the Doyle Kingdom seemed untouchable to anyone and King Patrick the First ruled well, creating a golden age. However, the golden age ended when the late king passed, his son took the throne with his bride, creating tensions between the Order and Doyle Kingdom. King Patrick Doyle the Second did not trust easily and held concerns about these trained killers.

How could I trust them when it's possible for them to strike me down, he wondered.

He kept a cautious eye on any assassins that were involve in his court, keeping them at arms length except one who his wife was close with.

He didn't favor it but didn't wish to anger his love. Though these thoughts were heavy, they slipped to the back of his mind when it was announced that he and his queen were expecting a child.

R&I

The moon rose over the Doyle Castle when Queen Hope went into labor. King Patrick decided that his presence would not be helpful to his love and retired into the royal library, waiting patiently until his child was born. The minutes became long agonizing hours until finally, he heard a loud cry from his wife and soon, a piercing wale from an infant.

Relief crossed his face as he took a seat in his chair finally and the door opened to reveal Lady Constance Isles beaming at him. "How is she," he asked immediately.

"She's faring very well as well as your daughter," the Lady informed happily.

"A daughter?"

The Lady nodded, "She's beautiful, Your Majesty."

They then heard another knock and one of midwifes entered. She bowed her head and said, "The queen would like you to see you."

Before the happy king could answer, he stopped at the sound of the window in his library clicking open. He glanced over his shoulder, noticing the curtains moving slowly by the night air. He took in a deep breath and returned his attention toward the midwife and Lady Isles. They didn't seem to notice the tension on the king's shoulders as he answered, "I will be there soon." Constance and the midwife bowed at this answer and exited the room to return to the queen and the new infant.

As the door closed, Patrick backed several steps and questioned, "Does your Master know that you've returned from your travels abroad?"

"He does as well as my husband who sends his greetings," a soft but strong voice answered. "How is Hope?"

"The queen is fine, Assassin," Patrick snapped.

A soft sigh came and soon, a hooded figure entered the library. Dark boots touched the ground and Patrick took in the sight of the assassin as they pulled the hood down. Black hair was pulled back into a tight bun, revealing the gentle but strong light skinned face. The king noticed that the dark cape was pushed back to reveal that the only weapons upon her were her hidden blades that rested on her wrists while she stood before him in a tunic wrapped with a corset as well her riding pants. Grey eyes gazed at him tiredly as she spoke, "Your Majesty, I know that you and I do not see eye to eye at times. But, I come here from my long travels, armed barely to just congratulate you."

Doyle grunted but gave a small nod of acknowledgement. He then turned, walking toward the door as he informed her, "She would want to see you."

"I don't wish to intrude on your time."

However, Patrick didn't reply but stepped out of the library and walked toward the bedchambers. Deciding to follow, the assassin walked behind him until she entered the bedchambers, bowing immediately at the sight of Lady Isles. The Lady returned the gesture before the trained eyes brought their attention toward a figure sitting up in the bed.

"I didn't expect you to come," Queen Hope confessed to the assassin.

Footsteps crossed the floor and the assassin knelt before the queen. "I heard that you were due soon and cut my travels short," the assassin informed her.

Hope smiled. "It's good to see you, my friend."

"It's good to see you too."

Suddenly, a small but loud cry came. The assassin stood up from the ground at the sound and turned to see the midwife carrying a small bundle in her arms. Like a curious child, the assassin leaned against the bedpost, observing as a little hand appeared as the king took the bundle into his arms. He smiled softly at the baby, a rare occurrence in the assassin's presence, gazing in pure adornment before he handed her to the queen.

Hope smiled down at her beautiful daughter, admiring the little hair on her head. She took the little hand in her hand and kissed it gently as she greeted lovingly, "Hello my Maura."

Three years later…

"Mama," the queen heard.

Hope looked up from the current parcel to see a little girl with beautiful blonde curls and hazel eyes gazing at her in a small light green dress, running toward her with her hand servant chasing after her. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. She wished to see you," the servant apologized softly.

Hope smiled, "It's fine, Melanie." The servant bowed and left the room while Hope opened her arms for the little girl, who ran to her with a handful of flowers. The queen gave a small laugh at the sight as she asked her daughter, "Are those for me, Maura?"

Maura nodded shyly.

Hope smiled widened as Maura handed the flowers to her. She then leaned over and kissed her forehead until she felt a tight pain in her chest. She let out a soft cough, which caused the little princess to look up in a concerned expression and asked, "Are you sick, Mama?"

"I'm fine, sweetheart," Hope reassured her daughter.

"Are you sure of that?"

Hope jumped in surprise, protectively placing her body in front of Maura and turned at the sight of a hooded figure standing at the window doorway of the bedchamber. The figure pulled down the hood to reveal a small smirk on a very familiar face causing Hope to scold lightly, "I would appreciate it if you didn't give me a fright."

A small chuckle came, "I apologize, my queen." The assassin entered further into the bedchambers, removing her sword at her side and placed it down on a chair. She then noticed from the corner of her eye that Maura was gazing up at her with a curious look. "Hello, little princess," the assassin greeted with a small bow of her head.

At the sound of the greeting, the princess grabbed her mother's skirt tightly and hid behind it. The assassin raised her eyebrows in surprise while Hope giggled and reassured softly, "Don't be frightened, Maura. She's a friend."

Slowly, little hazel eyes peered up at the assassin as she sat down. Maura moved a little bit from behind her mother's skirt then walked up cautiously to the assassin. She examined the dark cape then looked up at the assassin with their eyes locking. They looked at each other curiously, trying to gauge each other's reactions until Maura raised her arms up. Confusion crossed the other woman's face and Hope explained, "She wants you to lift her up."

"Oh," the assassin answered simply.

She then leaned forward and lifted Maura up, placing her in the lap. Maura placed her small hands on the assassin's shoulders, trying to make herself comfortable before she rested her head against the armor. She shivered from the cold metal touching her cheek then she noticed a chain hanging around the assassin's neck. She touched it lightly before she grabbed it, pulling at it until it was revealed to her. She ran her fingers over the small marking on the pendant before she jumped slightly when the assassin laughed and commented, "My, my. Aren't you a curious one?" She then looked over at the queen and said, "She inherited your curiosity, my dear friend."

Hope nodded in agreement, "She fascinated by the small things like animals and insects. For some reason, she enjoys to observe the tortoises though."

"You mean those little floating creatures in water?"

"Those are turtles. You should know that since you sat through my lessons over the years," Hope corrected with a smile.

Maura giggled bringing the assassin's attention back to her. The small hand touched the chain, pulling it out and ran her fingers over the small pendant. "That's the North Star," the assassin explained to Maura. "Many travelers used it to help them find their way home. It supposedly leads us home. It's the brightest star just like you," she informed Maura as she tapped her nose softly.

Maura squealed in laughter while Hope smiled at the interaction between the two. "You're pretty and kind," Maura said suddenly, shocking both her mother and the guest.

A smile cracked on the assassin's face as she said to her, "Thank you."

"She doesn't talk to strangers often. She tends to be shy," Hope commented quietly.

"I notice that. She gets that from you."

Hope rolled her eyes but smiled, knowing how true her friend's statement was. Suddenly, she felt a cough form in her chest and she released it, snapping Maura and the assassin from their laughter. "Are you ill, Hope," her friend addressed her by her name.

"It's just a cough. But what brings you here, my friend?"

"I cannot just visit?"

Hope sighed softly, placing her hands on her lap, "You know that you may visit anytime but I know that you have an ulterior motive for coming this evening." The assassin was silent and she continued, "You are my guardian and my friend but we both know that your visits have been more objective and different since S-"

"Hope," the assassin stopped abruptly causing Maura to whimper at the raised voice. Instinctively, the assassin softened at the sound and soothed Maura. Once Maura was calm, the assassin handed her to Hope and turned away from her. Sensing the tension, Hope ran her hand through her daughter's hair then whispered, "I'm sorry."

The tension that appeared on the assassin's shoulders dissolved at the apology. She let out a sigh then expressed, "You don't need to be sorry especially when we are feeling the same pain and I should have not raised my voice." The assassin then glanced over her shoulder, "You are also right about why I'm here."

"What troubles you then?"

"Charles."

A sigh passed Hope's lips as she shook her head. "We've discussed this before," she started.

"Yes, we have but Hope, you must understand that I do not trust Charles Hoyt."

"He's been Patrick's adviser for about two years now. You know him. Associated with him at one time."

"And I've been your guardian for many years. Yes, I did know him, Hope but Charles is not what he seems and I do not need you hurt. I've lost already two people in my life and that's already too much at times," the assassin pleaded as she kneeled before her friend.

Hope gazed at her friend, seeing the worry in her gray eyes and gave a soft squeeze to her hand, "Al-"

The door opened suddenly and the assassin stood up quickly as Lady Isles entered the chamber. "Your Majesty," she began then stopped at the sight of the assassin standing by her sword. She bowed her head to the trained killer in which the assassin returned, "I apologize to interrupt but the king wishes to see you."

Hope nodded then stood up from her seat. Constance then spoke again to the assassin, "How were your travels?"

"Pleasant," the assassin answered stiffly.

Hope looked at her friends then told them, "Watch Maura for me. I'll return soon."

As she left the room, they heard a couple more coughs from the queen before the door closed. "It's been hard on both of you," the Lady commented. The assassin remained quiet while Maura played on the floor and Constance took a seat on a chair as she asked, "What has the queen told you about her illness?"

This caught the assassin's attention, turning her toward the Lady. "She only said that it was a cough," she answered.

Constance huffed, "It is not just a cough. She's trying to hide it from you but she's been feverish and weak lately."

"How long?"

"Several days."

"I'll address it later. It maybe just minor."

Constance raised an eyebrow at this statement. Surely, she's not blind, the Lady thought before she asked abruptly, "Was it minor when it concerned your husband?" The assassin closed her eyes and looked down at Maura in anguish. Realizing how harsh her question was, Constance bowed her head, "I'm sorry. I should have not said it."

"I understand your concern, Constance. You've always been a good friend to the queen unlike I recently. The last several months have been…harrowing." The sad assassin then heard a small giggle from Maura causing a smile to form. Constance smiled at the small happiness in the stoic face and the assassin told her, "I'll stay until the summer solstice."

Before Lady Isles could even reply, a loud sound erupted throughout the castle. Worried expressions crossed their faces as the assassin raced to the window to see that the church bells were ringing. Followed by the loud rings, shouts erupted from the castle guards. The assassin grabbed her sword swiftly and looked at Constance as she ordered quietly, "Stay with Maura."

As she left the room, she placed her hood up and drew her sword while the shouts began to form words. "We're under attack," she heard and quickly, she noticed several guards running down the halls. She then peered out the window to see red and black armor marching toward the castle walls.

How did they get through? They had to get pass-

Suddenly, she heard a loud scream.

Hope…

"Hope," she shouted and soon, she felt a hand grab her cloak. Preparing to strike, she turned and stopped midway at the sight of Hope looking at her with concern. The assassin lowered her sword as she expressed, "We need to leave."

"No," Hope denied as she pulled the assassin's, dragging her back to the chambers. As the door slammed close, Hope ran up to Constance, taking Maura from her arms. She handed the child to her friend and said, "Take Maura out of here. I'm staying."

The assassin gave a confused expression, "You must come with us. You must be safe too, Hope."

"Take Maura," she ordered again. She then looked over at her daughter and ran her finger along Maura's cheek. "I love you, my Maura," Hope whispered softly.

Maura looked at her mother in confusion, "Mama…"

"You'll see her again," the assassin spoke eagerly, holding the child tightly. "You're coming with us."

Hope didn't reply but looked over at Constance. "Take them to the secret passage, Constance," the queen commanded.

Constance nodded and ran up to the assassin, grabbing her by the arm. The assassin struggled but noticed the pleading look in her queen's hazel eyes before she followed, reluctantly, with Maura in her arms.

R&I

Five-year-old Jane Rizzoli was playing with her three year old little brother, Francesco when they heard the loud bells of the church. Soon, they noticed that the villagers were running back to their homes, taking shelter. Jane looked over at her brother and commanded, "Go back inside the house, Frankie."

The little boy, not knowing what was happening, followed the instruction and returned into the house. Jane planned to do the same until she noticed that out in the distance, she could see a red glow and heard the horses in the stables whining. She glanced over her shoulder then back toward the glow before she decided to see what was happening, passing villagers who were taking cover. After walking a small distance, she entered the stables quietly, passing all of the horses until she reached the other side of stable door. She peered out slowly and noticed a group of men with swords and torches wearing red and black uniforms.

"To the castle," the leader shouted.

Jane hid back inside at the sight of him, seeing the completely black armor and red cape and his head covered with his black helmet. She tried to back away from the door until she crashed into a bucket, making a loud sound against the wood and the horses reacted loudly.

The leader heard this and looked at two of his foot soldiers as he ordered, "You two, check the stable."

The soldiers bowed their head and entered the stables with their swords drawn. Jane looked frantically, trying to find a spot to hide until she felt a hand going over her mouth and she was pulled back. She struggled a bit until she heard a soft whisper, "Shhh…I'm a friend."

Jane stopped struggling and the hand was removed from her mouth. She then turned, preparing to run until she stopped to see the hooded figure leaning against one of the stable stalls, breathing heavily but calm. "Don't run," the figure pleaded in a whisper. Jane gave an unsure look and the figure retracted her hood to reveal her face. Pleading grey eyes stared at Jane and she returned the gaze, confirming that she would not run away from the stranger. For the assassin, she wasn't sure why she trusted a child at this time but for some reason, she felt in her gut that she seemed familiar. The woman placed her hood back on and whispered to Jane, "I need your help."

"How," Jane whispered back.

The figure moved aside to reveal a little girl wrapped tightly in a large black cape, looking frightened. "She's scared and I need you to stay with her for a moment."

Jane looked back up and nodded. She walked over toward the other little girl and sat next to her as she said, "Hi, I'm Jane. What's yours?"

"Maura…"

"Pretty name," Jane smiled.

"Thank you…"

"Anything yet," they heard a booming voice ask.

Jane and Maura both jumped at the voice. Maura brought her knees to her chest and tears in her eyes formed out of fear. Jane looked over at the hooded figure and noticed as a fist formed and a blade came from her wrist. Her eyes widened in surprise to realize that it was an assassin. She moved closer to Maura and placed a protective arm around her while the assassin glanced back at them, placing a finger on their lips.

She then stood up and stepped out of the hiding spot, leaving the two little girls alone. Maura whimpered and Jane whispered in her ear, "You'll be ok. I promise."

"I'm scared, Jane," Maura mumbled to her new friend.

"Me too but we need to stay quiet so the bad people don't come. Ok?"

Maura nodded, pulling the cloak around her tightly.

They sat quietly, hearing the guards still talking until they heard a grunt and a couple thuds causing them to jump. Jane slipped her hand into Maura's, giving a small squeeze in reassurance.

After a couple moments of silence, Jane heard footsteps and pulled Maura closer to her. She continued to watch the stalls' entrance until she finally saw the assassin coming back in. The assassin looked at the two children and crouched down to them as she asked, "Are you alright?"

Jane nodded and the assassin let out a soft sigh, trying to collect herself before she heard several footsteps passing the stable. Jane looked at the assassin before the assassin glanced up briefly then back at the kids. She looked at Jane with a curious look, unsure how to show her gratitude to the child who helped her.

Brave one she is, the assassin thought.

She then looked down at her hands and removed the ring that sat on her right hand. "Here," she said to Jane, handing it to her. Jane looked down at it to see that it was a beautiful emerald gem that was wrapped around by silver with the royal seal. "Thank you for your help, little one. One day, I hope our paths will cross," she told her.

The assassin then approached Maura, picking her up from the ground and slipped out of the stable into the darkness, leaving Jane behind. The little girl closed her hand around the ring before she heard another group of soldiers approaching. She stood quiet as they passed then approached the stable door, glancing out to see if the coast was clear. Realizing that there were no more soldiers walking through, she ran out quickly and didn't stop until she returned home, clenching the ring.

R&I

Maura watched over the assassin's shoulder as her new friend disappeared into the darkness of the village. They continued to travel further away from the castle, Maura's eyes grew tired and soon, she close them while she heard quietly in her ear, "Don't worry, Maura. I'll protect you."

The little princess fell into a deep sleep and didn't awake until the next morning in her weeping father's arms. He held her tightly, trying to not let go of her since she would be his last grip to humanity. Maura wondered, at first, why her father was crying then looked around for her mother and her mother's friend. When she didn't see them, she asked, "Where's Mama?"

Doyle choked at the innocent question and Lady Isles gestured for one of the servants to take Maura from the king's arms. However, Doyle refused and continued to hold his child. The sad king would have to tell Maura eventually what happened to her mother and afterwards, announced to the kingdom. But, he knew that she wouldn't understand why everyone looked distraught or why Lady Constance Isles wept until she was older. She wouldn't learn about the kingdom's alliance with the Order that was disbanded that night. All she would understand was that the night before was the last time that she ever saw her mother alive.

Everything that happened would be forgotten except the fact that the queen was gone. But, unknown to all of them though, especially Jane and Maura, this would mark the day that their lives were changed forever.

Hm, interesting start? Young Jane and Maura crossed paths…is it destiny? Who invaded the castle? What happen to Hope and the Assassin? As the story progresses, we'll find out. I hope you guys enjoyed the prologue. Working on the first chapter right now! I'll update as quickly as I can. Please review, PM, comment, etc! Thank you!