Everyone quickly got up.
"CALL ALL OF THE IMPERIAL GUARDS TO THE MAIN GATE AT ONCE!" Xavier demanded in a yelling tone. Ezra and Xavier quickly ran out of the imperial palace.
"Ezra, gather all of the imperial guards and emerald knights at once! Go on a search in every nook and cranny that you can find. I, Hansol, and a few knights will come with me to search in the emerald palace. Hansol, Use your mind to contact the child!" Xavier ordered.
Ezra nodded and left, running to gather all of the guards to begin the search.
"Xavier, you know I cannot do that. It only worked once when we were kids! I have not tried ever since! What if we get the imperial mages too."
"Then I suggest you try your damn hardest; otherwise, it may cost your life." Xavier demanded in an aggressive tone. His eye color turned a crimson red.
*Two hours before*
"Let's see. I have four new night guards now that stand outside my door every night. So that is a bust. There is no way I can fool two imperial guards." I mumbled as I looked around my room. I walked towards the french doors leading to my balcony.
"Ugh, I live on the third floor. I would die or break all my bones in my body. This little body does not stand a chance." I said as I walked outside my balcony.
This is hopeless. So much for escaping. This sucks. I even had my black cloak, my bag, and some cookies for the road. Now what.
Knock knock knock.
"Princess, I will enter your room." Said a voice outside my door.
A maid walked in with a rolling hamper. That's right! Today is laundry day! This is my escape! I need to sneak into the laundry hamper and cover myself with the dirty laundry! I am the only one living here, so that shouldn't be too gross! Now, all I need to do is sneak in there without her noticing. But how?
"I will collect your covers and duvet and replace them with clean ones, Princess." She explained.
I nodded and walked towards the hamper. This thing is enormous. I mean, I know my covers and duvet are large and thick, but man! How am I supposed to climb in?
Knock knock knock
"Princess, it is time for your bath. Are you ready?" entered another maid.
Ugh! No! What do I do now! If I leave now, by the time I am done with my bath, she will be gone! Think quick, five-year-old me!
"Can I have warm milk before my bath, please? I am exhausted." I begged.
The maid's eyes opened widely.
"M...My princess, please do not use formality with me! I am nothing but a commoner! I will bring warm milk at once! I will be back as soon as possible!" she said in a panic as she rushed out the door.
If there is one thing that I learned in Etiquette class is to never use formality with someone of a lower class than yourself. They would freak out and practically kill themselves in front of you if you asked politely.
Okay, so this killed some time since she has to warm up the milk. I have around fifteen minutes to make this happen. Luckily, there is only one maid with the laundry. Okay, I need to quickly climb in before she finishes the bed and puts the dirty laundry in here with the rest.
I quickly dragged the hamper by the lunge chair and quickly climbed in. I covered myself quickly with a few dirty towels that were in there.
"Hm? I do not remember putting the hamper there. Did it roll off over there? Where is the princess? Hmm.. maybe she is having her bath now. I did hear Amerile tell her it is time for her bath. Anyhow. All done." I heard the maid talk to herself as she placed the covers on top of the hamper.
"My, these covers are heavy. Have a good night, guards." I heard the maid say as she struggled out of the room with the hamper.
Finally! I feel the movement of the hamper! I am free! Wait… crap! I forgot my backpack! Good thing I had my hood in my hand. That is the important part.
"Amerile, are you alright? Is something wrong with the hamper wheels? You seem to be struggling with it." A man's voice said.
Shit… what now? Hey man, leave her alone! You are messing with my operation!
"The princess's duvet and covers are so heavy. Also, my back has been giving me some problems ever since I had that fall from cleaning the staircase." The maid responded.
"Here, I'll take the hamper to the laundry room. Rest a bit." Said the man.
"You are so kind, butler Malik! You are my lifesaver! It would have taken me a whole half hour with that thing!" The maid said with joy.
"Indeed, this is heavy. Hmm." Said the butler.
After a long ride, I finally felt a sudden stop.
"I'll have the maids wash them tomorrow. No need to wash them now since it is night." I heard from far away.
I waited for a while before I made any movements.
I think I am alone. I do not hear any talking about there are no sudden movements or sounds. I think it is safe to get out.
After a long attempt, I finally made my way to the top.
Wow, so this is how the laundry room looks. I still must be on the third floor since there are no elevators in this world. So I am not entirely safe. If I remember correctly, the palace has the main dual staircase in the entrance. One in the study room and one that leads to the back doors. What time is it? Usually, all the maids and butlers call it a day after 9 pm. No matter, I go to sleep at 8 pm, so It is almost time.
What is that noise? Why is someone yelling? I placed my ear by the door.
"THE PRINCESS IS MISSING! THE PRINCESS HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED!"
Oh shit. Mission abort! I repeat! Mission abort!