She knew it, Lan knew there was no stopping DoHyun's zeal. She looks so innocent and vulnerable but looks are overrated these days.
Even with the obstacles and things seeming impossible, DoHyun was ready to sail through even unprepared. She must've been a silver child, always protected by the goddess.
Lan sighed with a small smile "even with your new friends, you won't be able to pull it off. Your Jie is with you every step of the way"
A wide smile appeared on DoHyun's face, she convinced her Jie. Things should go according to plan from here.
"What do you need me to do?" Lan asked
"I'll need some guard clothings and accessories," she responded.
"Ah yes, I'll need to apologize to your new friends for almost attacking them"
"Let's go right away," DoHyun chimed happily.
Almost leaving Lan's chambers, she suddenly asked "DoHyun what will you do once you're outside?"
"Well Jie, I'll fulfill my dream of becoming a warrior" she replied
"A warrior?, You silly little girl, I knew your answer would be childish" she ruffled her hair. DoHyun simply smiled.
Lan was one out of the many who believed that DoHyun's dream was impossible judging on how frail she looked and how kind she was all the time but none of that mattered to DoHyun.
Minutes later, "it's me DoHyun" DoHyun whispered once she got to the door.
Gabbie opened it and let them in.
Slightly bowing, Lan apologized "I'm deeply sorry for almost attacking you all last time, I didn't know you were friends with DoHyun and simply thought you were intruders"
Gabbie waved her off "it's okay, we totally understand"
Gabbie swallowed back her words as Lan added "but I'm not DoHyun, I do not trust any of you but I trust her. Don't touch any of DoHyun's things, don't even think about making contact with her physically, and most of all..."
Hey eyes trailed to where Derrick laid on his side comfortably on DoHyun's bed. She was about scolding when he winked at her "hi Jie" he wiggled his fingers
She cringed hard and whispered to DoHyun "DoHyun I don't like these people, especially that one"
DoHyun giggled, "don't mind him Jie. That's Derrick, Gabbie, Jason and Eiden" she pointed at them one after the other.
"And everyone, this is my Jie, Jie Lan" she smiled widely
Lan corrected, "that is miss Li to all you kids and if any of you dare upset DoHyun, I'll personally have your head" she warned.
Things were finally falling into place, with Jie Lan tagging along, things might go smoothly after all.
DoHyun's coming of age ceremony was in four days, with everything set, she planned to escape for good on the fourth day to her ceremony.
They all would leave through the passageway she created, it was closest to the market square so even if they are caught leaving they could easily blend in with the people at the market.
DoHyun prepared herself, carrying all her precious possessions including the books she needed to study. They would leave the moment the sun sets.
News of the Empress' arrival came on the day of DoHyun's planned escape but she could care less. She had no interest in what the Empress would say or do since she was leaving anyway.
Finally, the sun settled and the bright full moon rose up.
"I feel nervous," said DoHyun while clinging onto her hand-made bag. The feeling was thrilling and at the same time nerve racking.
She had already started imagining life outside the walls of the night bloom garden. She knew she would have to prepare for the hardship and suffering, it will be worth it, she assured herself.
Suddenly, Lan barged in panting.
"Jie Lan? What's happening?" She asked
"The Empress has called for a sudden meeting with the maidens" she said.
DoHyun's heart dropped at the news, why now? She already had so much planned, why now?
"We have to go to the hall right away" she informed
DoHyun's grip on her bag tightened, should she just ignore it and run away now? ...no it's too risky, Jie might suffer a lot if that happens.
She looked at Eiden and the rest, dropped her bag and instructed them to keep the doors shut and not make any noise.
In the hall, a good number of maidens filled the place up. The Empress sat majestically on her movable throne, her face edged with disgust and a frightening frown.
"The Empress will speak now" said the man on her right and the chatter died down.
"It has come to my notice that someone has been coming into the garden through a secret passageway" she went straight to the point.
Shocked, Jie and DoHyun exchanged looks.
The hall was rowdy with chatter and gasps of unbelieve.
"I assure you the culprit will be caught and duly punished, in the meantime, everyone will remain here while the search goes on"
The whispers increased.
DoHyun shook her head, no, she couldn't afford to sit here any longer, she ached for freedom. What if they search her room, what will become of her friends?
"Calm down DoHyun, it'll work out fine" Lan assured her.
The Empress continued, "if anyone has any suspicions, now is a good time to open up"
No one said anything.
"It must be good huh?" Said the Empress suddenly, "being cared for and treated with good food and medicine and protected when all you lowlives do is take men to bed"
She looked like she could spit while talking.
They only watched, no one could say anything.
"You're nothing but a curse in this good world, women who are only capable of pleasure aren't humans at all, but merely tools to be toyed with. Without shame you flaunt your selves around men. Despicable!" She spat out harshly.
The Empress' words were like daggers, digging into each and every woman and girl seated before her.
DoHyun fumed, her heart ached, she wanted to scream and shout but who was she to speak against the Empress.
"You should have never been born," said the Empress in spite.
"We never asked for a life like this" DoHyun blurted out.