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Turning back toward the secret passage, I take in the room one last time. The ornate space with its elaborately engraved and painted white wood walls.
I open the hidden door by pulling the floral sconce.
Sneaking through the back staircases was the easy part. Even with how narrow the paths were, I didn’t run into a single person.
Rushing through the passage, I crisscrossed my way through the palace. Occasionally opening doors, checking key holds, and gaps.
From vacant guest rooms to the servants’ quarters, to the kitchens. None looked promising.
I tried several more doors, looking for a passageway leading out of the castle. I open yet another door and am faced with a long gray corridor. Dampness collects along the walls of the tunnel.
Stepping out completely into the tunnel, I look down the dark hallway toward the soft whistling sound.
Promising.
The door bangs shut behind me.
Well damn. Looks like this is the path that I’m going to take.
Turning back to the doorway, it looked nearly invisible. Moving along down the long dark passage, my eyes are slow to adjust.
At the end of the hallway, a door appeared. Pressing my ear to the door, I listen for any sounds of guards.
The low sound of whistling continues.
But thankfully no other sounds.
As I creak the door open, I flinch at the sound.
A large cavern appeared on the opposite side. Benches, chairs and makeshift cots appear in the low lights. Stalagmites and stalactites line the floors and ceilings.
This appeared to be a shelter.
Just as I was preparing to turn around and try some other doors, I felt a warm breeze brush my cheeks. More hopeful, I follow the wind through the cavern. Leading me up a set of stairs to a doorway.
Pressing my ear against the hatch, I listen for any sounds.
The loud noises of the city rumble from beyond the barrier.
Clicking the entrance open, I grin largely. Hardly able to suppress a smile, the thrill of the busy city makes me feel alive. I pulled at the edge of my dad’s cloak.
Damn violet eyes. If anyone spotted them, they’d be a dead giveaway of who I am.
Raising my eyes only high enough to make sure my path was clear; I trek through the city streets. Teaming with life, I push on toward the northwest. Off toward the House of Neptune.
Off to Marium.
I hope the Court of the Sea will become my new home.
A hand wraps around my forearm, yanking me backwards. The backside of me pressed flushed into their body.
Another hand grips my shoulder.
This is how I die. Being pulled to a back alley. Not able to scream for help otherwise I would be inadvertently letting everyone know that I'm not supposed to be outside the palace.
Pulled back into the alley from which I came, I can’t help but laugh at the irony.
I can see the headlines in the news.
