Why worry about suffering a horrible death when you’re already hurtling toward one?
It’s amazing how many more options open when you have nothing to lose. And now, thanks to that (definitely healthy) mindset, I have a plan.
I stand, heading for the door, where, as usual, a guard is stationed. “I need to use the bathroom.”
It’s the only time I’m ever let out. Otherwise, Leon picks me up at the end of the day. But even on my bathroom breaks, I’m escorted by the guard and Nymara.
The guard doesn’t answer immediately, as if considering whether he’ll allow me the privilege of relieving myself. Finally, he slams the door fully open. “Let’s go,” he snaps at Nymara.
He sounds cranky. He’s probably a little mad because I told him his fancy death maze actually has no exit, and he is living a lie.
Some people just aren’t ready for enlightenment.
Our entire floor is deserted, but I’m sandwiched between them as we make our way down the hall. At this point, I’m grateful they at least leave me alone in the washroom.
They probably assume I’m not dumb enough to try anything. We’re at least five floors up, and the smooth castle walls aren’t suited to climbing of any kind.
Luckily for me, they didn’t account for the fact that I have the survival instincts of a drunk raccoon.
Plus, I’ve come prepared.
Shutting the door, I immediately turn on the faucets, hoping the background noise will cover my next steps. I’m wearing the most poofy, hoop-skirted dress I could find. It’s a nightmare to sit down in, but I need the extra space in the skirts.
Last night, I cannibalized a few inner layers of every dress in my wardrobe to make a new braided rope. Luckily, the knife I stole at the Council dinner made my task a bit easier. Plus, today’s rope doesn’t have to be as long. I’m only looking to climb down one story.
Easy peasy.
Grinning, I tie the rope around the toilet base and open the large window. Two days ago, I started testing the windows. It turns out, only the ones in my and Leon’s rooms have been sealed shut.
Once I’ve confirmed the rope is firmly secured and reaches the window on the floor below, I start part two of my super-spy plan. Placing my palms together over my mouth, I take a deep inhale – and make a loud fart noise.
No one ever said plans needed to be sophisticated. They just need to work.
I continue making the occasional fart sound for a few more minutes before finally letting out a pained groan. “Can you please give me a bit more privacy? I can hear you breathing for goodness’ sake.”
At the sound of retreating footsteps, I launch myself over the window ledge and start climbing down to the next floor.
This time, I made sure to tie extra knots.
The rope holds.
It takes a bit of work to wiggle the next window open while holding onto the rope, but after a few tense moments, I breathe a sigh of relief and crawl through it. I fall into a bedroom.
If Lady Luck is watching, I can only hope she and I have made our peace, since it looks unused. Hopefully, my luck carries over to the next part of my plan, since this was the least risky part.
Cracking the door open, I peer into the hall, finding it empty. Voices carry up from a set of stairs, indicating I’m close to the public castle areas.
Perfect.
I keep my steps purposeful as I follow the sound. I’m hurrying, but don’t want to look out of place.
I don’t have enough time to look for Irena, since Nymara and the guard will eventually realize I’m gone and sound the alarm. Hopefully, though, I’ll be back before that happens.
One floor down, I turn a corner and find what I’m looking for. There’s a large drawing room, and dozens of well-dressed people are milling about.
I try not to draw attention to myself as I approach two women sitting on a bench nearby. They look close to my age, and they don’t see me right away, since their heads are bent as they whisper to each other.
“Good afternoon,” I say gently, not wanting to startle them.
