Page 97 of Never Ever After

“Then you had a good childhood where you were looked after.” He pauses, then adds, “I didn’t believe it when they said you were ill again, but you’re not the type to hide behind such a farce.”

As he reaches for my hand, I shift onto my side, drawing away. “Your Highness must keep a safe distance to avoid falling ill.”

“One day,” he says in a low voice, “you’ll let me look after you like I want to.”

I close my eyes to hide the flash of resentment, how he assumes his wants and desires should be mine too. The ache in my body is surrendering to fatigue; I’m struggling to stay awake. I won’t think about how gentle his hand felt on my brow, or how his voice roughened with concern. My mother died within these walls… they won’t claim me too.

The moment Prince Zixin leaves, I scramble out of bed, feeling dizzy and faint. I grab Dian’s medicine, pouring a third of what’s left into my mouth, keeping the rest for later—when we travel to the Land Beyond. It takes a few moments before the agonizing discomfort eases, my mind clearing, though I still feel battered and exhausted. The urge to reach for my ring is almost overpowering. I must be patient, wait till I’m over the wall.

Once my strength returns, I slip on my shoes and a dark cloak. My hair is coiled into a simple knot, fastened with a wooden pin. As a precaution, I tie Princess Chunlei’s ornament to my waist—the one she gave me in the Shadow Wing. Grabbing a handful of jewelry from the dressing table, I thrust it into my pouch, along with the leftover silver from Duke Yuan. Useful, in case I need bribes to escape. And if I’m caught, I’ll have bigger problems than a few stolen ornaments.

Thick clouds obscure the stars, a few birds already twittering in anticipation of dawn. It’s long past midnight, when I was supposed to meet Dian and Jin. Prince Zixin stayed longer than expected. Fear grips me that it’s too late; I only have one chance to get out. Fortunately, at this hour, all is quiet, not even a murmur from the guards keeping a distance as ordered. When they aren’t looking, I head stealthily to the back wall where a gnarled tree towers. Swiftly, I clamber up, along a thick branch that arches over the wall—then release it to drop outside my courtyard. As I land on a rock, pain shoots through my heel—but I roll up, dusting myself off.

Without a lantern, the dark is smothering, but I make my way along the path to Ruilin’s old room. As I turn into a narrow corridor, a troop of soldiers marches past—there are too many guards patrolling the grounds. At once, I move in the opposite direction, weaving between the courtyards and silent halls. The night obscures my senses, veiling everything in shadow. I’m far from the place I’d agreed to meet Dian and Jin. What if I can’t find them? What if I can’t get out?

As I hurry across a square, two guards head in my direction. Sweat breaks out over my skin. They’ve seen me; it’s too late for flight.

“Honored Sirs.” I greet them with an ingratiating bow, keeping my face down. “Could you tell me where the entrance is? It’s my first time in the palace, and I’ve lost my way.”

“What is your business here?” a guard demands. “The palace is sealed. You’ll have to wait to leave.”

I hold up Princess Chunlei’s ornament, glad for the lie I prepared in case I was stopped. “I’m a dressmaker. I came yesterday to deliver Her Highness’s new clothes and to make the necessary alterations. I only just finished and was given Her Highness’s token as permission to leave.”

“At this hour?” one of them asks.

“I had to wait for Miss Mina to finish attending to Her Highness before she would meet with me. Even longer to agree on a fair price.” I pat my pouch, drawing their attention to it.

At the mention of Mina’s name, the soldiers relax. “She’s a tough negotiator. You did well to get a good price,” the other tells me with a grin.

“Will you share your good fortune, Little Sister?” the first soldier asks, his beady eyes on my pouch.

I let my face fall. An honest person would never be eager to bribe, only those with something to hide. My fingers are stiff as I untie the strings of the pouch, careful to conceal the pearls and jewels. As I pick up a couple of silver pieces and hold them out, I bow again. “Good fortune should always be shared.”

Fortunately, they aren’t greedy enough to demand more. As they pocket the silver, one advises me, “Cross the courtyard at the end of this square, then cut through the garden of cypress trees. Follow the long stone path, until it leads you to the West Gate.”

As I thank them, eager to leave, the other soldier laughs. “Don’t be so lazy, Soldier Ma. For two pieces of silver, we can show her the way and ensure she won’t be unnecessarily detained.”

The West Gate is heavily watched, far from where I’m supposed to meet the others, but I can’t object without rousing suspicion. Fortunately, the path is clear now, and we encounter no other patrols. Soon, the entrance looms ahead, soldiers swarming the iron wall.

“Where are you going this late at night?” one of the guards asks.

“She’s one of Her Highness’s dressmakers, bearing her royal token,” Soldier Ma replies for me, elbowing his comrade aside to open the doors. They are heavy and thick, needing a couple of the soldiers to push them apart.

I thank them as I walk away, relieved my skirt hides my shaking legs. I make myself move slowly, restraining the temptation to run. Freedom lies in the cloak of night, amid the tangle of trees. Yet some soldiers might still be watching me. Once out of sight, I head in the direction of where Ruilin’s rooms were on the other side of the wall, still a distance away.

Leaves rustle, my sense prickling. The shadows on the ground quiver—as suddenly, Dian stumbles out from the trees. Her eyes widen at the sight of me, her face ashen, a bruise darkening one cheek. Her arms are folded behind her, metal clinking as she moves… like she’s chained.

Rage sears—alongside a terrible, blistering dread.

“Run,” she whispers vehemently. “Don’t look back.”

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

F ear is a capricious beast—a little unleashed keeps you alive, but too much will devour you whole. Ice floods my veins, my mind going blank. But then my instincts kick in and I sprint away, darting between the trees. An arrow whistles through the air, hurtling precariously close to my shoulder.

Prince Zixin’s voice rings out, taut with fury. “Stop or I’ll send the next one through your leg.”

I can’t be afraid, I don’t stop. Later, I’ll return for Dian. For now, one of us must escape.