I wouldn't survive that long.
The emperor, with his twisted experiments and sadistic plans, was going to turn me into his next lab project the moment he found out I wasn't pregnant.
I began pacing again, the frustration bubbling up.
"I need a plan," I muttered, biting my lip harder.
"But how the hell do I sneak out of a palace with a dozen guards, magical wards, and an emperor who could probably smell fear from a mile away?"
I stopped again, running a hand through my hair.
"Breathe, Deventhia, breathe.
You can't let them see you freak out.
Play it cool."
I tapped my foot impatiently, waiting for the night to grow even darker.
"I need to get out of here," I whispered to myself, sitting up suddenly.
My gaze darted around the room, searching for an escape.
I couldn't stay another moment in this palace, pretending to be pregnant with the emperor's child while surrounded by watchful eyes.
I moved with practiced caution.
The faint sound of footsteps echoed from around the corner, making my heart race.
I pressed myself into the shadow of a large column, the cold stone pressing against my back as I waited.
A guard passed by, his armor clinking softly with each step.
He was close enough that I could smell the faint tang of iron from his sword.
I swallowed hard, willing myself to stay calm, knowing that one wrong move would mean the end.
The guard paused for a moment, as if sensing something was amiss, but after a tense second, he continued his patrol, his steps fading into the distance.
I exhaled shakily, my muscles relaxing just a fraction, and continued down the corridor.
The servant's quarters weren't far, but I knew better than to rush.
Every movement had to be calculated, every breath measured.
As I neared a narrow staircase leading down to the lower levels, I spotted another guard at the base.
My mind raced, searching for a distraction, but before I could act, a soft voice echoed down the hallway—a servant, perhaps delivering late-night supplies.
My opportunity.
I ducked into the shadows, waiting for the guard to be distracted by the approaching servant.
The moment he turned his back, I slipped down the staircase, the rough stone brushing against my fingertips for balance as I descended quickly but quietly.
Finally, I reached the lower floor where the servant's quarters were located.
The air was damp, and the scent of musty linens filled the narrow hallways.
My heart raced again, but this time, it was from the glimmer of hope that this might actually work.
"Almost there," I whispered under my breath, eyes darting around for any sign of trouble.
If I could make it past the outer gates, freedom would be within reach.
I stood up, feeling the cold stone floor beneath my bare feet, the chill biting into my skin, sending shivers up my spine.
The room was dimly lit by the dying embers in the hearth, casting eerie shadows across the walls.
My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a reminder of the stakes.
Time was slipping through my fingers, and if I didn't act fast, my fate would be sealed—a fate far worse than death.
But escaping the palace of a tyrant emperor wasn't something that could be done by casually strolling out the front door.
The labyrinth of corridors, the endless patrols, and the ever-watchful eyes of his loyal guards made it a near-impossible feat.
"The guards… I'll have to dodge the guards first," I muttered, pacing the room.
The walls seemed to close in on me, every inch of space feeling like it carried the weight of eyes unseen.
The entire palace was filled with guards, not to mention the magic seals that could alert someone if I crossed them.
I had to be smart about this.
My thoughts raced, tangling in the urgency of the moment.
"Think, Deventhia. Think."
As I paced, my eyes fell on a servant's outfit hanging on a chair in the corner of the room.
"Perfect," I whispered, a smile forming on my lips.
No one would question a servant moving through the palace halls at night.
And if I could sneak out through the servant's quarters, I might just have a chance.
I quickly slipped into the plain brown dress, tucking my long hair under the rough cotton cap.
I glanced at myself in the mirror—barely recognizable.
I looked like any other servant in the palace.
With one last deep breath, I crept toward the door, pressing my ear against it to listen for any sounds outside.
Silence.
Carefully, I opened the door, slipping out into the dimly lit hallway.
The flickering torches cast long shadows along the stone walls, making everything feel even more ominous.
I held my breath as I quietly made my way down the corridor, sticking close to the walls, my footsteps silent on the stone floor.
Clank
Suddenly, I heard a loud crash from the kitchens—followed by a high-pitched scream.
"Oh no, Not again!" one of the maids shouted. "I swear, if Master Grom spills another pot of stew, I'm throwing him in it!"
No! Have I been caught!
I felt my heart stop.
I stifled my breath and squeezed my eyes shut, inhaling deeply.
"It wasn't me! It wasn't me!" I yelled, my heart pounding.
"It's all his fault! It's entirely Emperor's fault! He's a jerk! He's a monster!" Mid-sentence, I hesitated, recalling the maid's words, and slowly turned around to discover the hall was deserted.
"Haaah," I exhaled, pressing my hand against my chest, which felt as if it might burst forth, and I continued walking forward.
The hallway felt alive as I dashed through it, each echo of my footsteps bouncing off the stone walls.
I could hear the distant sounds of clattering dishes and the low murmur of voices from the kitchen.
They were too close for comfort.
I could feel the panic rising in my chest, but I didn't have time to dwell on it.
As I rounded another corner, I spotted two guards stationed at the entrance to the main courtyard.
My heart skipped a beat.
There was no way I could get past them without being seen.
"Think fast," I muttered to myself.