Chapter 9

When I returned to the palace, not a single torch was out of place. Not a single guard running around.

They are awake but blind. Had I known our guards were this ignorant, I would take this to my Father’s attention, but I am the one taking advantage of it now. To get rid of this advantage…would prove foolish.

Abel dropped me off a safe distance away from the palace walls. He merely bowed his wolf when I dismounted

“I give you my thanks,” I smiled, trying—desperately—to not make it look like a wince. I feel my soul is lost in the wind. When he leaped back into the darkness of night, I pulled my cloak over my head and stealthily traced my steps back into my chambers. The guards were easy to hide from once I memorized their path and routine. As I snuck back up, I found Ellie standing by the balcony, my nightgown dancing with the wind over her shoulders.

Her head snapped around so fast when I emerged from the hidden door.

“Princess!” She screamed in a whisper and immediately rushed to me.